We played a thing we called suicide ball. I’ll spare the details but basically if your foursome brought the ball back, you got to split the pot. We were in every possible spot you could be looking for that ball. The waist deep stuff was between 8 and 9. Thankfully we came out with the ball and no ticks.
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Greetings Flock members…venturing in to Michigan for the first extended golf trip.
Sorry if this as been discussed, I am lazy (hand up). 
We (threesome) are going to be in and around Kingsley, Forest Dunes and Arcadia for a lineup.
Is there any other random course worth playing in that general area?
Appreciate any help! 
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uh, no, you’re pretty much hitting the highlights there. I guess go get on Crystal Downs since apparently you have more access than some of us locals?
/s
Stellar trip already there. Those three aren’t exactly in the same spot so it probably depends on your itinerary and free time outside of travelling between places. Might be easier to tack something elite on the way up or back if that’s what you’re going for.
As far as relatively in the area… Quite a few similarly premier options if you go north past Traverse, into Charlevoix region; Boyne, Belvedere for example. Otherwise you’re probably heading south-ish- Manistee G&C, El Dorado in Cadillac, things of that nature. Those are somewhat a tier down from your listed courses, but still fun tracks.
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How are you getting into town? That might dictate some suggestions
Is Kingsley really tough to get on? I admittedly fell ass backwards in to a connection there, so don’t hate me. It is always tough when a club is generally inaccessible to locals.
Unfortunately driving but having a car makes it easier to kind of go wherever. Kind on an hour ish in any direction was the idea (from Kingsley area). We were considering adding one more round somewhere and I was curious where some of you guys go locally.
Yes and no, a connection is “needed”.
If you’re driving through Grand Rapids a pit stop there to hit any number of places could be fun plus you’re then in a city with things to do.
As for up north.
About 30 minutes north of Arcadia are Pinecroft and champion hill both good courses that are cheaper, just east of Arcadia (like 10 minutes) is wolf river which some people have played and liked.
North of traverse city on one of the peninsula is Bahle farms people seem to like.
North of traverse city in Charlevoix is Belvedere which is loved.
South of forest dunes is the dream and nightmare, nightmare is great and byob so there’s that.
If you wanna get crazy and try for high pointe preview play that’s an option, Lochenheath is a private course just north of high pointe and the grand traverse resort that I’ve heard mixed things on.
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Will echo Nightmare as being worth it. Awesome course.
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I think Pinecroft and Champion Hill are great, but it would definitely feel like a different tier compared to the rest of the planned courses.
I liked the Nightmare a lot more than the Dream for what it’s worth if you decide to go that way @RyanNas
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Oh, 100% if the ask is for more great golf.
- Crystal downs (good luck)
- Belvedere (from all I’ve heard)
- High pointe (I think they’re doing preview play)
- Lost dunes*
- Dunes club*
- True north**
- Wuskowhan
- Muskegon
- Boyne highlands**
- Pilgrims run
*southwest of Grand Rapids
** way north of traverse city
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Paid public preview play? I thought I had read they were going the route of Kingsley, in terms of membership mix (some local, larger national).
I’ll self quote something from a few weeks back:
And their list for reference:
- Arcadia Bluffs (Bluffs)
- Marquette GC (Greywalls)
- Forest Dunes (The Loop Red & Black)
- Forest Dunes (Weiskopf)
- Arcadia Bluffs (South)
- Belvedere
- Boyne’s Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry)
- Eagle Eye
- Island Resort and Casino (Sweetgrass)
- Gull Lake View Resort (Stoatin Brae)
- Pilgrim’s Run
- Sage Run
- Harbor Shores
- American Dunes
- University of Michigan GC
- Boyne Highlands (Arthur Hills)
- Tullymore Golf Resort (Tullymore)
- Hidden River Golf & Casting Club
- Diamond Springs
- Pine Mountain Resort (Timber Stone)
(Kingsley is the #3 private, behind (2) Oakland Hills South and (1) Crystal Downs)
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It’s difficult even if you have a connection, unless you’re playing with them.
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No, just that the course is open to members and their guests for preview play.
I would also imagine there is some level of new member attraction preview play if they aren’t full
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They just posted the other day about the first set of finished bunkers, so not sure if they’re doing any preview play yet.
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Maybe they open later this summer I know they were selling some preview play with Crystal downs for a charity
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I would side with this… I just stayed in Williamsburg for a few days (awesome geodesic private domes rentals, would recommend for a getaway weekend) and drove by it. I didn’t inquire but what I did see of High Pointe on the drive-by, it wasn’t in any shape for preview play, but those with hook-ups would know more than I.
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I still need to get over there for a quick look-see. I’m up for the first week of August, and need to reach out their superintendent (our former super) for a tour.
Second time playing Wolf River a couple weeks ago, firmly 1B best <$50 course in the area behind Champion Hill.
I basically had the course to myself and was on my way back from a work trip so I had my camera gear with me. Decided to recreate a cringy video from when I first started playing. If anyone wants to see the course through the lens of my B- game:
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Fantastic.
I apologize if this course has already gotten it’s run in this thread but I need to shoutout Hemlock Golf Club. Never had heard of it (truly, shame on me) until I played it this past weekend for a friend’s bachelor party. The price, combined with the quality and double-wide clubhouse, make it a Michigan must!
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