Northern Michigan Golf Trip Blends Challenging Courses with Lively Social Scenes and Timely Debates

A recent multi-day golf excursion through northern Michigan provided an extensive golfing experience, encompassing 166 holes across seven days without a single rain delay. The trip even featured an unusual weather event where a round was halted due to lightning, yet no rain fell over the players.

During one round, play was suspended after 15 holes when a lightning bolt struck directly overhead while a golfer was mid-swing on a fairway. Participants quickly sought shelter, ensuring no one was electrocuted during the unexpected weather interruption.

The extensive outing was split into two phases: the initial half included 16 participants, while the second half expanded to 40 golfers.

Northern Michigan Golf Odyssey: Courses and Camaraderie

Premier Courses Explored

Among the courses played, The Bear in Traverse City stood out. This Jack Nicklaus-designed course lived up to its reputation as one of Michigan's most challenging, featuring an unprecedented number of bunkers. Golfers noted that playing this demanding course after a late night was not advisable. Despite the difficulty, one participant managed to card a respectable 46 on the back nine, alleviating the struggles of the front.

The Grand Traverse resort was praised for its upscale amenities, including a sophisticated beer hut behind the 18th green, high-end golf carts, and soft, perfectly leveled music emanating from hidden speakers around the clubhouse.

The Legend, an Arnold Palmer-designed course, presented a significant challenge. One golfer, who had previously struggled on this course, managed a score of 95, considering it a notable achievement given the greens' complexity. The difficulty of the putting surfaces highlighted the need for improved chipping, especially on wide greens that often left players with long putts for par.

The Sawyer, a unique walkable 10-hole reversible course, offered a distinct experience. Designed for a more relaxed approach, golfers could carry just three clubs and even play barefoot. Despite initial reservations from some about hitting off mats, the course's beauty and lush, spongy fairways were appreciated as a quintessential Pure Michigan experience. Suggestions for The Sawyer included adding a pop-up bar and a beer cart service, ideas that the resort manager is reportedly considering.

Resort Life and Culinary Delights

The social atmosphere was a key component of the trip, with Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan (home to Short's Brewery) and Garland Golf Resort both recognized for their vibrant party scenes. Shanty Creek features a ski village area bustling with bars and restaurants, attracting bachelorette parties, wedding groups, and golfers, creating a lively environment. This setting was described as an "adult summer camp" where attendees freely mingled and enjoyed themselves.

Garland Golf Resort offered a different, more secluded party experience, likened to a private lodge amidst a forest, where cellphone reception could be intermittent. The resort's tiki hut bar was singled out as a particularly memorable spot for social gatherings. Dave Sanderson, the resort manager, a Georgia native and Auburn fan, was noted for his understanding of the guests' preferences.

Culinary experiences were also a highlight. Garland's hanger steak was deemed the top golf course meal, with significant quantities consumed by the group. The firecracker shrimp at Garland was also highly praised, with one diner reportedly "all but licking his plate clean." At Shanty Creek, the steak bites at the hotel bar were recommended.

For sandwiches, the white pepper sandwich at Short's in Bellaire was a standout, featuring turkey, avocado, roasted red pepper, and an exceptional aioli, enjoyed by the group for two consecutive days.

Logistics and Unexpected Turns

Weather conditions varied significantly, starting with morning temperatures in the low-to-mid 50s requiring pants, and escalating to a heat index around 105 degrees Fahrenheit by Tuesday afternoon at Garland, where conditions were swamp-like due to seven inches of rain the previous week, leading to an increase in insect activity.

The cost for the Shanty Creek portion of the trip was $430 per person, covering two nights in hotel rooms (noted as surprisingly nice despite the resort's age) and four rounds of weekend golf. Garland's package was approximately $530, including three nights, four rounds of golf, and a round on The Sawyer.

The trip concluded without any arrests or medical emergencies, which was considered a success. An upcoming piece of content featuring one participant as a guest golfer for Garland's "Tee Shot Tuesday" Facebook series was teased, with a note that it was filmed after approximately 158 holes of golf.

An unexpected event back home included a leaking hot water tank that required replacement, incurring an unplanned expense.

A New Form of Retreat

Reflecting on the experience, one participant described northern Michigan as a new "Vegas" for his current stage of life. In earlier decades, the excitement of Las Vegas provided a dopamine rush, but now, the preference is for driving through nature, listening to music, enjoying beers with friends, and playing golf. The camaraderie and shared appreciation for these trips were highlighted as deeply fulfilling, offering a temporary escape before returning to daily life. These excursions create lasting memories and stories, fostering a desire to repeat the experience annually.

Observations on Golf and Modern Living

Golfing Prowess and Social Dynamics

The article also touched upon the golfing abilities of Jena Sims, wife of professional golfer Brooks Koepka. It was suggested that while she might not achieve low scores on challenging northern Michigan courses, she would likely enjoy the social atmosphere, particularly the Garland tiki hut bar. The observation was made that perhaps Koepka doesn't pressure Sims to improve her golf game, speculating that if she were a highly competent golfer, she might seek to join men's golf groups.

A new trend observed during the trip was women accompanying their husbands or boyfriends on golf courses solely as riders. This practice is reportedly becoming an issue in some areas due to golf cart shortages, leading courses to restrict riders. The sentiment expressed was a preference for men to have their dedicated time on the course.

Smart Homes and Energy Debates

Beyond the fairways, discussions turned to practical concerns, such as managing home temperatures during heatwaves. A friend, facing double energy rates due to high temperatures, planned to set his thermostat to 76 degrees Fahrenheit when outside temperatures reached 95 degrees. This sparked a broader concern about whether power companies, through smart meters and integrated smart thermostats, might eventually dictate acceptable indoor temperatures, raising apprehension about the future implications of such technology.

Celebrating Freedom

Concluding with a reflection on the upcoming Fourth of July, the article underscored its significance, despite potential weather challenges and rising energy costs. It emphasized the privilege of living in the United States, advocating against allowing those who disparage the country to become the prevailing norm. The enduring belief in the principles established by the nation's founders 250 years ago was highlighted as the foundation of America's continued status as a global experiment.