There are all sorts of explanations why the Michigan Golf Show at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi was a hit last weekend.
The weather was mild and sunny, giving everybody a good excuse to get out of the house after a long winter. The Detroit Free Press reported that Sunday's temperature of 58 degrees was last experienced in the area Nov. 29. That's a long three-month stretch of cold solitude.
As the largest consumer golf show in the country, the Novi show has been popular stop for the past 19 years. Working at the Michigan Golf Magazine booth on Saturday, I was amazed at how many golfers drove in from Canada and Ohio just to check out the shenanigans. Courses and resorts were giving away their usual promotional rounds of free golf. Savvy fans printed out sticker labels with their names, e-mail and address on them so they could swoop from booth to booth in seconds for their shot at the prizes.
But the No. 1 reason for the show's success? The bargains were everywhere. The package prices if you signed up early and on the spot were insanely low. I'd never seen Boyne USA Resort packages so affordable.
Everybody who stopped at the Arcadia Bluffs booth were disappointed its prices were remaining the same, but the No. 1 course in the state can get away with that tactic, even in this economy.
I've been going to the show for more than a decade and Saturday's robust crowd was the busiest I've ever seen it. I doubt that will translate into a booming year for course owners and operators, but the signs that people want to play golf are at least encouraging.
John Hover, owner of True North Golf Club in Harbor Springs, said this show didn't have the gloom-and-doom feel of the past couple Michigan Golf Shows. He said the weather was a big reason for last summer's struggles.
If only that sun will shine a little stronger in 2010, everybody would be a lot happier ... bad economy or otherwise.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
An eye-opening family ski trip to Crystal Mountain Resort
I’ve been to Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa in Thompsonville, southwest of Traverse City, a handful of times over the years.
But I’ve never seen this northern Michigan resort sparkle like a jewel in the snow until last week. It was a new experience for me. I’m used to reveling in sun-drenched fairways on the resort’s two courses.
Seeing the ski trails was an eye-opener. It made me wonder why did I ever retire from skiing in the first place?
It was easy to see why Crystal Mountain has been named the No. 1 ski resort in the Midwest by a respected ski magazine. There were so many entertainment options my family ran out of time to try everything.
My children – ages 7 and 5 – are new to skiing. Thankfully the resort caters to all ages. The “bunny hill” is separate from the main ski area, allowing beginners plenty of time and space to hone their budding skills. My kids found the Crystal Carpet, a sort of hands-free escalator that people ride to the top of the hill, much friendlier to use than a tow rope. Riding the Crystal Clipper, the fastest ski lift in the Midwest, was a little too much stimulation for my children on the main hill. As they get older, though, I’m sure they’ll appreciate the chance to get a few more runs in because of its speed.
By the end of our three-day trip, my 7-year-old skied well enough to conquer a “more difficult” blue run and my 5-year-old amazingly survived the easiest green run all by herself. They can’t wait to go again. They even tried ice skating for the first time by renting a pair of double-bladed skates.
We spent our time off the hill lounging in our spacious, 3-bedroom Cottage at Water’s Edge watching the Winter Olympics snuggled up to a warm fireplace and sitting in the nearby outdoor hot tub. One night, we rode a horse-carriage with several other families through the darkness before ending with a bonfire, roasted marsh mellows and hot chocolate. A chance to go dog-sledding or swimming in the brand new fitness center will just have to wait for next time.
Over the years, I’ve skied on some bigger mountains – Mt. Baker and Stevens Pass in Washington and Big Sky in Montana and Searchmont Resort in Canada – but I kind of lost touch with the sport. This visit made me realize that we don’t have to fly to Florida for winter break to have fun with the family. I’ll probably always be a golfer at heart who loves the sun, but thanks to Crystal Mountain, I now realize even winter can be a hoot.
But I’ve never seen this northern Michigan resort sparkle like a jewel in the snow until last week. It was a new experience for me. I’m used to reveling in sun-drenched fairways on the resort’s two courses.
Seeing the ski trails was an eye-opener. It made me wonder why did I ever retire from skiing in the first place?
It was easy to see why Crystal Mountain has been named the No. 1 ski resort in the Midwest by a respected ski magazine. There were so many entertainment options my family ran out of time to try everything.
My children – ages 7 and 5 – are new to skiing. Thankfully the resort caters to all ages. The “bunny hill” is separate from the main ski area, allowing beginners plenty of time and space to hone their budding skills. My kids found the Crystal Carpet, a sort of hands-free escalator that people ride to the top of the hill, much friendlier to use than a tow rope. Riding the Crystal Clipper, the fastest ski lift in the Midwest, was a little too much stimulation for my children on the main hill. As they get older, though, I’m sure they’ll appreciate the chance to get a few more runs in because of its speed.
By the end of our three-day trip, my 7-year-old skied well enough to conquer a “more difficult” blue run and my 5-year-old amazingly survived the easiest green run all by herself. They can’t wait to go again. They even tried ice skating for the first time by renting a pair of double-bladed skates.
We spent our time off the hill lounging in our spacious, 3-bedroom Cottage at Water’s Edge watching the Winter Olympics snuggled up to a warm fireplace and sitting in the nearby outdoor hot tub. One night, we rode a horse-carriage with several other families through the darkness before ending with a bonfire, roasted marsh mellows and hot chocolate. A chance to go dog-sledding or swimming in the brand new fitness center will just have to wait for next time.
Over the years, I’ve skied on some bigger mountains – Mt. Baker and Stevens Pass in Washington and Big Sky in Montana and Searchmont Resort in Canada – but I kind of lost touch with the sport. This visit made me realize that we don’t have to fly to Florida for winter break to have fun with the family. I’ll probably always be a golfer at heart who loves the sun, but thanks to Crystal Mountain, I now realize even winter can be a hoot.
Friday, February 12, 2010
King's Challenge now called Manitou Passage Golf Club
First came the chocolate golf ball in the mail, a mysterious gift signaling something was brewing on the Michigan golf scene.
The next day, the mystery was solved when another package arrived ... a Manitou Passage Golf Club hat revealed the new logo and name for the former King's Challenge Golf Club in Cedar.
The changes officially signal a new era for the club, which was purchased last year by a group of investors, led by Bob Kuras, the president of The Homestead, a fabulous resort in Glen Arbor.
I was the first golf writer to visit the site for a tour of the potential changes (read more here) to the course last June, while construction of the new clubhouse was in full swing. The plans were ambitious but necessary to revive the neglected property. The course opened last July but continues to undergo changes, and more TLC, to enhance the Arnold Palmer-designed course.
"While working on the new tee boxes for No. 8, we discovered a view of Lake Michigan's Manitou Passage," Kuras says. "Immediately, we realized that name was the tie to Leelanau County."
The new Web site, manitoupassage.com, is still under construction, but a message on the front page hints at a grand opening this summer and a $5,000 sweepstakes to celebrate the event.
Those who attend the Grand Rapids Golf Show this weekend can stop by The Homestead booth for the club to find out more about tee times and rates this summer.
The next day, the mystery was solved when another package arrived ... a Manitou Passage Golf Club hat revealed the new logo and name for the former King's Challenge Golf Club in Cedar.
The changes officially signal a new era for the club, which was purchased last year by a group of investors, led by Bob Kuras, the president of The Homestead, a fabulous resort in Glen Arbor.
I was the first golf writer to visit the site for a tour of the potential changes (read more here) to the course last June, while construction of the new clubhouse was in full swing. The plans were ambitious but necessary to revive the neglected property. The course opened last July but continues to undergo changes, and more TLC, to enhance the Arnold Palmer-designed course.
"While working on the new tee boxes for No. 8, we discovered a view of Lake Michigan's Manitou Passage," Kuras says. "Immediately, we realized that name was the tie to Leelanau County."
The new Web site, manitoupassage.com, is still under construction, but a message on the front page hints at a grand opening this summer and a $5,000 sweepstakes to celebrate the event.
Those who attend the Grand Rapids Golf Show this weekend can stop by The Homestead booth for the club to find out more about tee times and rates this summer.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Entertainment Book provides savings on, off the golf course
As the 2009 golf season winds down this fall, it’s time to look ahead to 2010.
Finding the best bang for your golfing buck will continue to be a theme next year as Michigan digs itself out of this economic black hole.
A membership with the Golf Association of Michigan and its swing and save program is a great way to save on greens fees. So is the site, http://www.lastminutegolfer.com/. But I’ve discovered another one. The 2010 Entertainment Guide for greater metro Detroit is out already and just waiting for golfers to take advantage of its deals and savings.
The book, available at http://www.entertainment.com/, claims more than $17,800 in savings inside, including many opportunities that golfers will love. The golf section contains coupons to more than 30 courses, the best of the bunch being Beacon Hill in Commerce Township, the Huntmore in Brighton Township, Cherry Creek in Shelby Township and Rattle Run near St. Clair. With the coupon, you can buy a green fee to get a second one free.
Several driving ranges and miniature golf courses offer a similar deal – buy something, get the second bucket or putt-putt round at no cost. But the savings go far beyond the course. Let’s say your foursome wants to head out to dinner after the round. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, notably pubs, bars and pizza joints perfect for a foursome’s night out.
You can even buy discounted equipment. Pro Golf Discount has a web coupon that takes 17 percent off your entire order. Dunham’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods each have several options, the best being $20 off $100 purchased from Dick’s or $10 off $50 purchased from Dunham’s.
Creative golfers who love to travel can use coupons for rental cars, hotels and even flights. Some even buy the entertainment book, at a cost of $25-$45 thru the web site or through fundraisers, for the destination they’re headed to and take advantage of the coupon savings there. Get more, pay less. I like that.
Finding the best bang for your golfing buck will continue to be a theme next year as Michigan digs itself out of this economic black hole.
A membership with the Golf Association of Michigan and its swing and save program is a great way to save on greens fees. So is the site, http://www.lastminutegolfer.com/. But I’ve discovered another one. The 2010 Entertainment Guide for greater metro Detroit is out already and just waiting for golfers to take advantage of its deals and savings.
The book, available at http://www.entertainment.com/, claims more than $17,800 in savings inside, including many opportunities that golfers will love. The golf section contains coupons to more than 30 courses, the best of the bunch being Beacon Hill in Commerce Township, the Huntmore in Brighton Township, Cherry Creek in Shelby Township and Rattle Run near St. Clair. With the coupon, you can buy a green fee to get a second one free.
Several driving ranges and miniature golf courses offer a similar deal – buy something, get the second bucket or putt-putt round at no cost. But the savings go far beyond the course. Let’s say your foursome wants to head out to dinner after the round. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, notably pubs, bars and pizza joints perfect for a foursome’s night out.
You can even buy discounted equipment. Pro Golf Discount has a web coupon that takes 17 percent off your entire order. Dunham’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods each have several options, the best being $20 off $100 purchased from Dick’s or $10 off $50 purchased from Dunham’s.
Creative golfers who love to travel can use coupons for rental cars, hotels and even flights. Some even buy the entertainment book, at a cost of $25-$45 thru the web site or through fundraisers, for the destination they’re headed to and take advantage of the coupon savings there. Get more, pay less. I like that.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Michigan voted as America's 11th-best golf destination
A top 10 would have been nice.
But considering the competition, it's not too shabby that Michigan was just voted the 11th-best golf destination in America by readers of Golf World. My personal vote would probably put it somewhere in the top eight in heated competition with places like northern California (Pebble Beach), Pinehurst, N.C.; Florida, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Kohler, Wisconsin; the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama and Bandon, Oregon.
Considering that most of those other places have a year-round golf season, it's a miracle that Michigan is even in the mix at all. It speaks volumes to the quality and depth of Michigan's product. With more than 800 public courses, Michigan is the public golf capital of the world.
I read in Golf Digest a few years back that only California had more four star courses than Michigan. Both had more than 100. Think about that. You could spend 5 or more summers trying to play the best the state had to offer and still not see them all.
Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon also made headlines during the reader survey, taking top honors for the most popular public course category. That's amazing considering how far out of the way the course is. Yet the effort to find the Tom Weiskopf course is rewarded with a stunning clubhouse and one of the most pure golf experiences in Michigan. The waste bunkers bring the best of the North Carolina sandhills to meld with the pristine woods of northern Michigan for some great golf. The management by Troon Golf ensures that every guest is well cared for.
With any readership poll, there are some quirks in the rankings. Arcadia Bluffs ranked 16th in the public course category (fair enough), but the unheard of Cedar Chase course in Cedar Springs made the list at No. 23, followed by Eagle Eye in Bath (27th), Bucks Run in Mount Pleasant (30th), Pilgrims Run in Pierson (31st) and Shepherd's Hollow (tie for 4oth). Maybe some ballot-box stuffing was done for Cedar Chase, but the others are all worthy candidates.
In the resort category, the Resorts of Tullymore checked in at No. 27, high praise for a resort still in the development stages, beating out rivals like Treetop Resort in Gaylord (32nd), the Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey (38th) and the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme (45th).
Again, like I wrote a few weeks ago, rankings are subjective and worth noting but hardly worth living by. Any Michigan course or resort that made these lists are worthy of a visit. Choosing which one you like best is part of personal preference and part of the fun of it all.
But considering the competition, it's not too shabby that Michigan was just voted the 11th-best golf destination in America by readers of Golf World. My personal vote would probably put it somewhere in the top eight in heated competition with places like northern California (Pebble Beach), Pinehurst, N.C.; Florida, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Kohler, Wisconsin; the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama and Bandon, Oregon.
Considering that most of those other places have a year-round golf season, it's a miracle that Michigan is even in the mix at all. It speaks volumes to the quality and depth of Michigan's product. With more than 800 public courses, Michigan is the public golf capital of the world.
I read in Golf Digest a few years back that only California had more four star courses than Michigan. Both had more than 100. Think about that. You could spend 5 or more summers trying to play the best the state had to offer and still not see them all.
Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon also made headlines during the reader survey, taking top honors for the most popular public course category. That's amazing considering how far out of the way the course is. Yet the effort to find the Tom Weiskopf course is rewarded with a stunning clubhouse and one of the most pure golf experiences in Michigan. The waste bunkers bring the best of the North Carolina sandhills to meld with the pristine woods of northern Michigan for some great golf. The management by Troon Golf ensures that every guest is well cared for.
With any readership poll, there are some quirks in the rankings. Arcadia Bluffs ranked 16th in the public course category (fair enough), but the unheard of Cedar Chase course in Cedar Springs made the list at No. 23, followed by Eagle Eye in Bath (27th), Bucks Run in Mount Pleasant (30th), Pilgrims Run in Pierson (31st) and Shepherd's Hollow (tie for 4oth). Maybe some ballot-box stuffing was done for Cedar Chase, but the others are all worthy candidates.
In the resort category, the Resorts of Tullymore checked in at No. 27, high praise for a resort still in the development stages, beating out rivals like Treetop Resort in Gaylord (32nd), the Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey (38th) and the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme (45th).
Again, like I wrote a few weeks ago, rankings are subjective and worth noting but hardly worth living by. Any Michigan course or resort that made these lists are worthy of a visit. Choosing which one you like best is part of personal preference and part of the fun of it all.
Monday, October 12, 2009
GAM provides access to private clubs
The Golf Association of Michigan continues to create new benefits so good for members, it's hard to fathom why every golfer in the state hasn't joined in the fun.
The GAM now offers members a chance to play unused tee times at private clubs throughout the state. At any time of the day or night, GAM members can look at the GAM home page to see what clubs have thrown tee times into the pool for outside play. You can book up to a week in advance.
Now you don't have to scheme about jumping the fence to bag that trophy course you've always dreamed of playing.
When I checked the site this morning, I found tee times at Wabeek Country Club; the Wyndgate; Boulder Lakes Golf Club, Davison Country Club and Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club and Western Golf & Country Club. Since I've never played at any of these courses, if the weather was a bit nicer, I'd be jumping at these opportunities.
The price quoted once you click on a tee time includes golf, cart and driving range (if available). For example, a tee time at Wabeek, a Pete Dye design, would have cost $50 per player.
The GAM touts the program as a great opportunity for GAM members to play different courses and experience the benefits of private club membership. The reality is few players are looking for country club memberships these days. I look at it as an opportunity to knock off the bucket list of courses you and your friends have wanted to play but haven't had access to before.
Last year, the GAM introduced a similar program that opened private clubs to public players. The "GAM Golf Days" are competitions held every Monday all season long at private clubs around the state. For a minimal cost of $55, tournament competitors tee it up at places like the Country Club of Lansing and other prestigous clubs for a shot at prizes in net and gross divisions, depending on your handicap.
Questions about the new tee time program should be directed to the GAM membership department at (248) 478-9242 ext. 19 (Don't call the club direct). For info on Golf Days, contact coordinator Chris Mills at (248) 478-9242 ext. 30 or cmills@gam.org.
Even if the weather continues to fizzle out this fall, consider these programs in your planning for playing next summer. The deals to experience some top-notch private clubs are priceless. Consider yourself a member for a day.
The GAM now offers members a chance to play unused tee times at private clubs throughout the state. At any time of the day or night, GAM members can look at the GAM home page to see what clubs have thrown tee times into the pool for outside play. You can book up to a week in advance.
Now you don't have to scheme about jumping the fence to bag that trophy course you've always dreamed of playing.
When I checked the site this morning, I found tee times at Wabeek Country Club; the Wyndgate; Boulder Lakes Golf Club, Davison Country Club and Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club and Western Golf & Country Club. Since I've never played at any of these courses, if the weather was a bit nicer, I'd be jumping at these opportunities.
The price quoted once you click on a tee time includes golf, cart and driving range (if available). For example, a tee time at Wabeek, a Pete Dye design, would have cost $50 per player.
The GAM touts the program as a great opportunity for GAM members to play different courses and experience the benefits of private club membership. The reality is few players are looking for country club memberships these days. I look at it as an opportunity to knock off the bucket list of courses you and your friends have wanted to play but haven't had access to before.
Last year, the GAM introduced a similar program that opened private clubs to public players. The "GAM Golf Days" are competitions held every Monday all season long at private clubs around the state. For a minimal cost of $55, tournament competitors tee it up at places like the Country Club of Lansing and other prestigous clubs for a shot at prizes in net and gross divisions, depending on your handicap.
Questions about the new tee time program should be directed to the GAM membership department at (248) 478-9242 ext. 19 (Don't call the club direct). For info on Golf Days, contact coordinator Chris Mills at (248) 478-9242 ext. 30 or cmills@gam.org.
Even if the weather continues to fizzle out this fall, consider these programs in your planning for playing next summer. The deals to experience some top-notch private clubs are priceless. Consider yourself a member for a day.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Free golf up north!
Free golf? Where?
Well, as we all know, nothing is free. But these promotions for great golf in northern Michigan are as close as it gets.
The Gaylord Golf Mecca's FREE Fall Golf Weekend is set for Oct. 16-18. Visitors who book an overnight stay at one of the participating hotels will be able to play a FREE round of golf on one of the participating Gaylord Golf Mecca courses. Golfers simply call one of the participating hotels to book your room and mention you would like to participate in the FREE Golf Weekend. The hotel will then make the tee-time and present a golf certificate to golfers upon check in. The certificate is then presented to the golf course in order to get the FREE round of golf.
If you've been reading this blog you know my love for Gaylord and its mix of 21 different courses. It's a convenient destination right of of I-75 and there's a price point for everyone, from standard hotels to the more golf-centric resorts like Treetops Resort and the Otsego Club and Marsh Ridge.
Also to note, the Hawk's Eye Resort in Bellaire will hand out free golf on The Chief for the remainder of the season starting Oct. 5. All it costs is the $20 cart fee Monday thru Thursday or $30 on the weekend. I've only played The Chief once and the shortish John Robinson design ate me for lunch. I thought I could drive up north, hop out of the car after five hours and tangle with a course that measures just 6,600 yards from the tips. How wrong I was. About 8 holes into my round, I moved up a tee box. The Chief isn't the real draw here, but for that price, it's a steal. The Hawk's Eye course is one of the top 10 courses up north.
As I write this post, the weather outside -- it's pouring rain on my roof -- reminds me why golf courses up north are dying for your business. They're trying to squeeze in a couple more rounds before they close for the season. But if the weather breaks, you could be the one smiling.
Well, as we all know, nothing is free. But these promotions for great golf in northern Michigan are as close as it gets.
The Gaylord Golf Mecca's FREE Fall Golf Weekend is set for Oct. 16-18. Visitors who book an overnight stay at one of the participating hotels will be able to play a FREE round of golf on one of the participating Gaylord Golf Mecca courses. Golfers simply call one of the participating hotels to book your room and mention you would like to participate in the FREE Golf Weekend. The hotel will then make the tee-time and present a golf certificate to golfers upon check in. The certificate is then presented to the golf course in order to get the FREE round of golf.
If you've been reading this blog you know my love for Gaylord and its mix of 21 different courses. It's a convenient destination right of of I-75 and there's a price point for everyone, from standard hotels to the more golf-centric resorts like Treetops Resort and the Otsego Club and Marsh Ridge.
Also to note, the Hawk's Eye Resort in Bellaire will hand out free golf on The Chief for the remainder of the season starting Oct. 5. All it costs is the $20 cart fee Monday thru Thursday or $30 on the weekend. I've only played The Chief once and the shortish John Robinson design ate me for lunch. I thought I could drive up north, hop out of the car after five hours and tangle with a course that measures just 6,600 yards from the tips. How wrong I was. About 8 holes into my round, I moved up a tee box. The Chief isn't the real draw here, but for that price, it's a steal. The Hawk's Eye course is one of the top 10 courses up north.
As I write this post, the weather outside -- it's pouring rain on my roof -- reminds me why golf courses up north are dying for your business. They're trying to squeeze in a couple more rounds before they close for the season. But if the weather breaks, you could be the one smiling.
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