DESTINATION GOLF 2024
Murdicks fudge making
Donald Ross Memorial
Jones Masterpiece , Treetops The Highlands
Rick Smith , who also created a cleverly-named par 3 course called Threetops that is often ranked as the best in America .
The Treetops name came about when RTJ stood overlooking the Pigeon River Valley on what is today the tee of the par-3 6th , where I start my round in the shotgun tournament , and quipped that all he could see were the tops of trees . As I stand on the tee box about to hit my shot , I understand exactly what he meant !
When it opened in 1986 , the course had the highest slope rating of any in Michigan and it is still one of the state ’ s most challenging . I wouldn ’ t disagree , as my fragile confidence was knocked for six time and again . If I play it again , I would move up to the 5,800-yard white tees rather than the blue tees that play almost 600 yards longer , from where just reaching the fairways was often impossible for me .
Of other golf in the area , Grand Traverse Resort , just 10 minutes from Cherry Capital Airport , has 54 holes including The Bear by Jack Nicklaus and The Wolverine by Gary Player , Garland Lodge & Golf Resort in Lewiston has four 18-hole courses , while there are two courses at both Crystal Mountain resort in Thompsonville and A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort in Kewadin .
The golf season typically runs from early May to early October .
ACCOMMODATION AND ATTRACTIONS The Highlands is currently remodelling the main lodge , transforming it into a high-end boutique hotel . It offers a variety of rooms in the lodge as well as condos and rental homes . There ’ s a cosy bar and a dinner theatre , plus an outdoor heated pool and hot tub , with plans to add a spa .
Boyne Mountain features its Mountain Grand Lodge , which has a spa , indoor / outdoor heated pool , fitness centre and a djacent waterpark . Accommodation is also available in other lodges , including the Clock Tower Lodge that has an ice skating rink and a village with shops and restaurants , as well as villas and mountain cabins .
At the top of its ski mountain and reached by chairlift is Skybridge Michigan , the world ’ s longest timer-towered suspension bridge that opened in 2022 .
The Inn at Bay Harbor is an opulent Autograph Collection hotel overlooking Lake Michigan that offers an array of dining options in award-winning restaurants , a spa and extensive activities on and around the lake .
The lakeside town of Petoskey , close to Bay Harbor , has a charming downtown gaslight district full of quaint shops , bars and restaurants . One of Michigan ’ s prettiest drives is the historic M-119 scenic route , known as the Tunnel of Trees , which starts at Harbor Springs and skirts Lake Michigan for 20 miles .
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