old about this course, and No. 1, a par 5, set the tone for the day. The green is raised and very undulated, surrounded by bunkers on two sides. It is a beautiful hole, but hard as hell! Hole 4, a par 3 and very scenic with the lake behind it, features a raised green that’ s tough if you’ re short because you will roll right back down the hill, and hitting long, well, don’ t.
Hole 9, a par 5 known as the Micky Mantle Hole, is the signature hole. Teeing off, you can’ t see the green— or should I say greens? Yes, you decide whether to play the peninsula green, adding 70 yards, or the intimidating island green. We played the island green. It’ s a spectacular hole!
Water on six holes and various doglegs creates a challengingly scenic par-36 Champions nine. At 3,690 yards from the back tees, the Champions’ character shines; I loved so many holes. At 566 yards from the back tees, it’ s a long way to the green on No. 1. We played the par-5 from the forward tees at 409 yards; however, that doesn’ t negate the trouble. The green hides behind a pond on the left in the landing zone, with bunker trouble in front and to the left. It also slopes severely from right to left. Aim your tee shot on the par-4 No. 8 to the right side of the fairway to avoid the left fairway bunker— but watch your distance because two ponds guard the green and could be in your landing zone if you’ re a long hitter. Your second shot is uphill over the ponds to the green, with a bunker on the left.
The Legends hole 9, a par 5 known as the Micky Mantle Hole, where you decide whether to play the peninsula green or the island green. Photo here of the island green. The fairway is to the left of the tree, offering a clear shot to the green.
billiards and ping-pong tables, shuffleboard, darts, and many sporting event video screens. It’ s a fun place to spend time when not golfing.
Our golf getaway foursome dining at The Shebang( front left to right), Dee, and Victoria. Back row; Laurie, and Deidre
The Champions par-5 1st hole. The green just beyond a large pond with bunker trouble in front and back left. The pond is also left in the landing zone off the tee so be careful and favor the right side of the fairway. It’ s a great starting hole.
The finishing hole, No. 9, is a stunning, challenging dogleg left par 5. Off the tee, hit toward the right side of the fairway to set up your next shot. The second shot should be just right of the pond on the left, avoiding the fairway bunker on the right. With a good pitch shot, par is attainable.
After golf, we swung by The Anchor Sports Bar for an adult beverage and some snacks, which is actually part of the new indoor / outdoor activity park. The outdoor park features tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball, sand volleyball, fire pits, a fishing pond, an outdoor event area, and a mini-Fenway Park replica that offers wiffle ball. The indoor area includes golf simulators, shooting simulators, escape room games, arcade games, pop-a-shot basketball,
We dined that evening at a nearby restaurant named The Shebang, starting with adult beverages at the cozy-cool bar, where we perused the whimsical menu for dinner delights. The Shebang, owned by April Collins, filled our evening with fun and wonderful food in a unique dining room with a very cool vibe. Our attentive server, Julie, promptly answered all our questions and requests, always with a smile. During the summer, weekends are lively with karaoke at the Balcony Bar and dancing at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. The Shebang also hosts game nights throughout the year. Find out more at www. theshebanggrandlake. com.
Golf was rained out the next day, so we decided to visit the spa. However, it is only open Thursday through Sunday, so we went to one of the two casinos in nearby Gove, OK. It was fun. We spent the evening at Shangri-La’ s Anchor Galley & Sports Bar, watching the Royals win while chatting with our favorite server, Caleb.
Next time we return for a ladies’ golf getaway, we’ ll bring our pickleball gear, at least play the Heritage nine, and visit the spa. Explore Shangri-La Resort’ s“ Stay & Play” golf getaway opportunities at www. ShangriLaOK. com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Set your party golf cart GPS to: Shangri-La Resort, 57301 E. Highway 125, Monkey Island, OK 74331.
TeeTimesMagazine. com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE June 2025 17