Northeastern Michigan Golfing

Fall golf: Play more, spend less

BELLAIRE — Fall is a beautiful time in northern Michigan, and a round of golf is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the crisp air, cerulean skies and cornucopia of colors. A new Pro-Am golf tournament and the first “Patriot’s Shootout” for military personnel are among the colorful golf offerings this fall Up North.

The 54-hole Michigan Pro-Am is slated Sept. 7-11 on the three courses at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. Up to 30 teams consisting of one PGA Pro and three amateurs will play rounds on Cedar River, The Legend and Schuss Mountain golf courses. Info: michiganproam.com .

In another new event, 10 golfers with a military affiliation (retired, active, reserve, etc.) will compete on Sept. 2 during the first Patriot’s Shoot-out at Treetops Resort in Gaylord. The highest score on each hole will be eliminated from the field. A chip-off will determine a tie. The final golfer remaining wins and will get to name a $10,000 Folds of Honor Foundation Scholarship (in honor of, in memory of or on behalf of) any individual of his or her choosing. Info: 989-732-6711 or 888-873-3867.

Here’s a look at other fall golf events and packages: Boyne Resorts

Boyne room and a round and unlimited golf packages: Tee it up with this package which includes overnight lodging at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs or Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls; one round of golf following each night’s stay on a choice of six courses; complimentary range balls prior to each round and a $25 Odawa Casino Resort gaming voucher with complimentary round-trip transportation provided by the casino. Rates start at $80 per person, per night, double occupancy. Golfers can upgrade to add a round on The Heather or Arthur Hills courses for $18 or Bay Harbor Golf Club for $45-$63, based on date of play.

For the unlimited package, add another $18 ($98 per person, per night) and you can get all the above plus unlimited golf at a choice of the six courses. Info: 800-462-6963 or boyne.com .

Shanty Creek Resort

This resort in Bellaire is offering several packages under its “M-88 King of Color Tour,” promoting the fall color drives throughout the region. Here’s a look:

Unlimited fall golf package: This deal includes one night’s lodging and one day of unlimited golf on one of four courses. Packages start at $94 per person, per night, double occupancy.

Looking for northern Michigan golf without the ... - MichiganGolf.com

OXFORD, Mich. -- If you want to play golf in northern Michigan, here's a way to shave off about four hours from your drive. Go to Devil's Ridge Golf Club in Oxford instead.

The quirky northern Oakland County golf course, which is a 35-37 par, is virtually devoid of development. The only dwelling is a red-barned farm with a pasture that juts near a couple of holes. It's not really a "development" but, rather, a "they got here first."

The golf course itself is a tale of two terrains. The first half wanders through lowlands. You'll fish the ball out of all sorts of wetlands and ponds and try to stand on your tippy toes to see over cattails to the fairway or the green.

On the back, you'll often lose sight of your ball as it climbs over a ridge or falls out of view over a cliff. The vistas are straight out of northern Michigan casting. Gorgeous.

On either half of the course, you'll likely hear a few knocks against wood as your ball bounds off a tree trunk.

That sums up Devil's Ridge: Wetlands, lakes, trees and dramatic views of the woods all around. If lack of civilization freaks you out, stick with your center-city munis.

General Manager Brad Keast, who started at the course as a bag boy when it opened in 1995, said there are three reasons to play Devil's Ridge, a golf course designed by many cooks, including Mark McCumber.

"One, it's the up-north feeling, with the elevation changes and woods," he said. "Two, there are no houses. Three, excellent customer service, from the pro shop to the grounds crew and the restaurant staff."

Keast and his staff of 65 make everyone feel welcome, offering a great deal through the week for seniors and women and adding a walking option every day after 5 p.m.

"I like the idea of a family coming out here, and it's affordable," he said.

It also likely will be a weary family. There is a bit of a jaunt between a few holes and those hills will tucker you out.

You know right from the start this place is beautiful. The clubhouse deck overlooks the first hole and miles beyond.

The four tees give you an elevated shot from which to launch your drive over a wetland, then climb back up on your second shot to the offset, elevated green tucked behind a bunker. It's the first of many holes in which pin placement makes all the difference, and the tone goes from naughty to nice.

After a dramatic descent on the first two holes, the terrain levels out for relentless marsh and pond play from No. 3 through No. 8.

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