Summer time vacations are rapidly approaching and every golfer’s thoughts drift to sun-filled days on verdant green fairways and first class accommodations.
If you are looking at golf resorts and planning your summer golf vacation check out the many options available in Northern Michigan.
The west coast of Michigan is rife with golfing possibilities and offers hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, world class dining and many small wineries for tasting and tours.
Petosky, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Charlevoix and Traverse City are all beautiful resort towns that have a variety of shopping and attractions for every member of the family.
As you drive north along the Lake Michigan coast be sure to stop at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club. Arcadia Bluffs opened in 1997 and is one of the finest public golf courses in the United States.
The course sits on sand dunes 200 feet above the shoreline. The views from the holes along the 3,100 feet of coastline will definitely take your mind off a poor shot.
The clubhouse sits at the highest point on the property and 14 of the 18 holes are visible. Even if you don’t play the course an afternoon beverage while relaxing either on the veranda or seated in one of the Adirondack chairs overlooking the 18th green makes a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
If the rest of the family needs a diversion while you toil on the undulating greens and try to dig yourself out of the deep links style bunkers. The beaches at Arcadia or Onekama are two of the finest in Michigan.
Watching the sunset over Lake Michigan, while enjoying your favorite glass of wine is particularly soothing for the soul.
Just a delightful 15 mile drive north of Arcadia Bluffs up M-22, sits a classic Dr. Alister McKenzie design, Crystal Downs. Crystal Downs was built in 1929 and features a challenging golf course while enjoying views of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake. It is annually ranked one of the best courses in the U.S. Crystal Downs is a private club and arrangements need to be made if you want to visit this golfing gem.
As you continue north along M-22 the kids will want to check out the vista from atop Sleeping Bear Dunes. From the top of the dunes, views over Lake Michigan and eastward looking back over Glen Lake are breathtaking.
Your family will also enjoy the dining and shopping opportunities in the quaint town of Glen Arbor. Locals love the burgers at Art’s Tavern. Boone Dock’s offers casual eating and a menu to please everyone in the family. Blu offers an upscale fine dining experience with marvelous views of Lake Michigan
Traverse City has several golfing options. One of the best is the Grand Traverse Resort. It has three golf courses, the Bear, the Wolverine, and Spruce Run. The Bear has hosted several golf competitions over the years and is one of the tougher tracks in Northern Michigan.
The Grand Traverse Resort is a full service resort with dining, shopping and a spa. It also makes a great location for meetings or conventions.
Man, or woman, does not live by golf alone. Downtown Traverse City offers unique shopping and excellent dining opportunities. The beaches bordering Grand Traverse Bay are gorgeous and provide a perfect spot to spend a sunny northern Michigan afternoon.
For the more adventurous traveler, Traverse City has two casinos to fill the time between rounds on the golf course. Turtle Bay and Leelanau Sands Casinos offer slots and table games for every gambler’s enjoyment.
This is merely a miniscule listing of golfing destinations in northern Michigan. Watch for future posts in this continuing series of golf travel articles.