First visit to Hawkshead a real treat

There are only a select few good golf courses in Michigan I haven't seen.

After a stay-and-play June 28, cross Hawkshead in South Haven off that list.

Who knew an asparagus farm could look so good as a golf course?

Hawkshead, a member of the Art Hills Golf Trail in Michigan, looks and plays more like a beach that was capped with fairways and greens than a former farm. Bunkers filled with bright, almost-orange sand are splashed throughout the 7,003-yard layout. It's quite an amazing setting considering Hawkshead is surrounded by cornfields and just steps from the highway.

Regulars say the course, opened in 1996 by area restaurateur Al Ruppert, is in the best shape they've seen it in years, another great reason to visit.

The front nine eases into the action. There are wide driving corridors and no forced carries.

The par-4 10th immediately steps up the challenge. A good drive up the left side of this slight dog-leg right sets up a 150-yard shot over a hazard to the green. The 330-yard 11th might be the most exciting drivable par-4 in the state. It's just 230 yards to the green because the dog-leg of the hole over wetlands and bunkers is so severe.

From there the course just gets longer with two par 4s over 430 yards and two par fives more than 525 yards from the blue tees. The 18th might be the toughest of the bunch, a 393-yard dogleg left over another sand pit crossing the fairway.

I love how simple it is to get cozy at the resort after the round. Next to the pro shop is a nice covered porch for a post-round cocktail. The inn, just steps away, features nine themed rooms. I stayed in Room #2, the comfortable Hogan Tradition. I didn't get the chance to sample the restaurant, but its menu came highly recommended from my playing partners. Filet Mignon, salmon, New York Strip, Rack of Lamb, crab legs, duck, lobster and prime rib are just a few of the highlights.

My mouth is watering just writing that last sentence. To get a taste of what Hawkshead has to offer, on and off the course, visit http://www.hawksheadlinks.com/.