Golf
There are over 26 golf courses within a short drive of Torch Lake. Short and long courses as well as championship, pro
and par three courses all provide a different challenge, no matter what your level of expertise.
ANTRIM COUNTY:
A-Ga-Ming: Overlooking Torch Lake, this is one of the most picturesque courses in the state. It's located 10 miles north of
Elk Rapids off U.S. 31 North. (231) 264-5081
Antrim Dells: This 18-hole championship course was designed by Jerry Matthews. Plays to 6,670 yards from
championship tees. Located 35 miles N of Traverse City on U.S. 31. (231) 599-2679.
Bellaire Golf Club: This 18-hole course has been face-lifted over the last few years. It's slightly rolling with a new back
nine. Located 2 miles south of Bellaire on M-88. (231) 533-8942.
Centennial Farm Golf Club: The front nine features rolling hills and the back nine plays through hardwoods. It is located
near Bellaire and close to several other Antrim County courses. 18-hole course, driving range, putting green, restaurant.
3388 Eddy School Road, Bellaire, 49615. (231) 533-6886.
Elk Rapids Golf Club: The course offers a view of Elk Lake and the links have re-designed some holes over the past few
years. (231) 264-8891.Lakes of the North: An 18-hole layout with a 71par. From championship tees, the course plays to
6,922 yards. Located on County Road 38, 10 miles W of Old 27. (231) 585-6800.
The Chief Golf Course: Bellaire's newest 18-hole championship course was designed by John Robinson and it plays from
4,708 to 6,541 yards. All carts feature GPS. The Chief is located on Shanty Creek Road, 200 feet east of the entrance to
Shanty Creek. (888) 483-5465.
Shanty Creek - Cedar River Golf Club: The new Tom Weiskopf designed course opened last summer at Shanty Creek
to rave reviews. The course plays to 6,989 yards from the back tees and 6,528 from the blue, 5,963 from the white and
5,315 from the red. (800) 678-4111.
Shanty Creek - Schuss Mountain Golf Club: The 18-hole course, cut out of Antrim County forest, has sand traps and
five water hazards to add to the difficulty. The course has a driving range available. 4 miles W of Mancelona on M-88.
(800) 678-4111.
Shanty Creek - Summit Golf Club: This hilly, 18-hole course of 6,559 yards features sand traps on each hole. The
greens are lightning fast. Located off M-88 near Bellaire. (800) 678-4111.
Shanty Creek - The Legend Golf Club: Designed by Arnold Palmer and plays to 6,764 yards, the combination of
heavily-treed fairways, sand traps and water hazards create difficult shots on a tight course. Three ponds are formed by the
headwaters of Shanty Creek, which winds through numerous other holes. (800) 678-4111.
Windmill Farms: One of two par-3 courses in the area, Windmill Farms of Mancelona not only offers nine holes of golf,
but a fine restaurant as well. (231) 587-5258.
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY:
Bay Meadows Golf Course: Located just two miles from downtown Traverse City, this new course is expanding to 18
holes. The course is developed with the family in mind. There's also putting and chipping greens, plus a range. It's located
between M-72 and Barney Rd. 946-7927.
Cedar Hills: One of the few par-3 courses in the area, Cedar Hills is an 18-hole layout with large greens. Located on
Cedar Run Road, west of Traverse City. 947-8237.
Crown Golf Club: Located 5 minutes from the Grand Traverse Mall, the Crown is Traverse City's newest 18-hole
course, measuring 6,676 yards. It is a championship course for all levels of play. The Crown features a pro shop, putting
green, driving range and outside food and beverage area. 946-2975.
Elmbrook Golf Course: The oldest 18-hole layout in the county. The sixth hole, a 360-yard par-4, offers a spectacular
view of Grand Traverse Bay and downtown Traverse City from an elevated tee. Water is in play on three holes. Practice
range for irons available. Located south of Traverse City off Hammond Road at 1750 Townline Road. 231-946-9180. Fax
231-946-1753.
MapGrand Traverse Resort, Spruce Run: The challenging 18-hole championship course overlooking Grand Traverse
Bay plays to 6,700 yards from championship tees. The links, designed by William Newcomb, served as host of the
Michigan Open pro tournament before moving to "The Bear." Water is in play on 11 holes. Sand traps dot every hole.
Driving range available. 938-1620.
Grand Traverse Resort, The Bear: Designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, the award-winning championship course
poses a stiff challenge for all. The 7,000-yard layout winds through rolling hills and apple and cherry orchards with a view
of Grand Traverse Bay. Deep sand traps, thick rough and strategically placed water hazards heighten the degree of
difficulty and put a premium on shot accuracy. It is also the host for the Michigan Open. 616-938-1620.
Grand Traverse Resort, The Wolverine: This Gary Player course opened for play last summer. Each nine of The
Wolverine is distinctive. It plays to 7,000 yards from the back tees and just over 5,000 yards from the most forward tees.
616-938-1620.
High Pointe Golf Club: Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, the course offers play reminiscent of traditional
British courses and natural layout. High Pointe accommodates all levels of golfers and has drawn praise from both Golf
Digest and Golf Magazine. It was ranked one of the top 100 courses in the U.S., according to balloting by Golf
Magazine's panel of selectors for 1998-99. It's ranked No. 74. Located 3 miles east of Acme, just off M-72, at 5555
Arnold Road, Williamsburg, 49640. 267-9900. E-mail highpointegolf@coslink.net.
"Get to the Pointe."Interlochen Golf Course: Rated one of America's Top 100 Value Courses by "Maximum Golf"
magazine, the scenic Interlochen Golf Course is laid out through a forest of large, mixed hardwoods and white pines. It
plays to 6,445 yards, with a slope rating of 130. Its strategically placed bunkers and water hazards add additional
challenge for the weekend golfer and the low handicap player alike. Located at 10586 U.S. 31 South, 13 miles southwest
of Traverse City. 275-7311 or 1-877-480-7311.
Kingsley Club: Scheduled to open in June, the Kingsley Club was built on high rolling countryside pastures. The club
was committed to preserving the environment on this private course, designed by Traverse City's Mike DeVries. The
par-71 course plays up to 6911 yards. Membership will be limited to 250. Located 12 miles south of Traverse City. Call
946-5538.
Lochenheath: Formerly a cherry orchard, Lochenheath offers vistas of East Bay on 16 of its 18 holes. Steve Smyers
designed a par-71 course for players of all ability to enjoy. The course plays from 7,000 yards to just over 5,000.
Scheduled to open in May, Lochenheath will allow a limited amount of daily-fee play initially. It will eventually be a private
course. Located on U.S.-31, just north of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Call 938-9800.
Mitchell Creek Golf Course: Mitchell Creek's layout includes two rugged par-5 holes of 540 and 485 yards. The
nine-hole course among the area's newest plays to 3,253-yards. Located at 2846 Three Mile Road, 1-1/2 miles south of
Munson Avenue in Traverse City. 941-5200.
Golf information courtesy of www.shintangle.com