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There is one huge advantage of living in the Midwest and calling SBN or South Bend Airport my home hub and that is not needing to fly to visit arguably some of the best and most striking fall golf locations in the world.
One of those spots is near Bellaire Michigan and the Shanty Creek golf resort (ski resort in the winter time). Let me tell you it is worth the visit.
We booked a 2 bedroom condo overlooking a dormant lift and while older it had everything we needed including a full kitchen, living room and dining room. For just over $700 each for 3 nights lodging and 6 rounds of golf this fit the budget nicely.
As they promote there are a number of outstanding golf courses you can choose from. The first day we played Hawk’s Eye and it was in perfect shape with FAST greens. I honestly did not remember playing this one so it was a real treat day one with temps in the low 80s so yeah, perfect!
I don’t mind telling you that I was worried about the weather as every time we have pushed our fall golf up north trips beyond September the weather has been sketchy but we eked out this trip with the cart cover and heaters only coming out the last day of the trip.
One of my favorites is “The Legend” an Arnold Palmer course with dramatic views and elevation changes not to mention the abundant wildlife of deer and turkeys you can expect to see on the course.
Clearly this time of the year the real star is the changing colors of the trees. My best friends favorite course is Cedar River – the featured photo at the top of the post is the 18th that is guarded by water and an interesting approach shot!
Really the only course I would avoid is The Summit if you plan to book a visit. While in good shape it is, at least to me, the course most like something you could find at home.
While I have been countless times to Myrtle Beach on multi-day golf outings you do not get to see the dramatic elevation changes you see here in northern Michigan. Both Boyne and Gaylord area courses are also great choices if you want to experience this yourself.
As a #ProTip if you do plan to visit I would suggest going in late September if you want to see some color like the shots above and over labor day weekend (or the week after) if you are wanting fall discounted prices and still a shot at outstanding weather!
Have you been to northern Michigan for golf? Did you love it as much as me? – René
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Michigan has much better golf/resorts than this one. I highly recommend Arcadia Bluffs, right on Lake Michigan (similar to Pebble Creek, but costs less).
@Mark R – Have played there as well as many many times at Boyne and Treetops and Otsego Club and courses around Gaylord. So many amazing fun choices.
I have great memories of playing all these courses. Shanty Creek is just plain good value and always a good time. I do not play golf anymore but your pictures are exactly how I remember it.