Gaylord Golf Mecca Courses Recognized by Golfweek Magazine
Four area courses ranked among the top 20 in Michigan
The Gaylord Golf Mecca, known as America’s Summer Golf Mecca, has had four of its golf courses listed among the top 20 among Golfweek’s 2014 “Best You Can Play” State by State rankings in Michigan.
Golfweek magazine, one of the country’s leading industry golf publications, annually puts together a ranking of the “Top 100 Modern and Classic courses in America,” as well as the best courses in each state. The latest “Best in State” rankings appeared in the March 21, 2014 issue.
In Michigan, Golfweek recognized Black Lake at No. 6, Black Forest at No. 11, Treetops – Smith Signature at No. 10, and Treetops – Fazio Premier course at No. 18.
Golfweek’s 400 course evaluators for the “America’s Best” rankings submit ballots grading courses all over the country on a 10-point scale to determine the country’s finest courses. Raters take into account factors such as routing of the course, feature shaping, greens, variety and memorable holes, conditioning, maintenance, and landscape management.
Black Lake Golf Club is an 18-hole gem cut into a 1,000-acre forest retreat owned by the United Auto Workers (UAW). Nationally acclaimed architect Rees Jones designed the Black Lake course, which meanders in and out of forest areas and wetland areas featuring immaculate greens and strategic bunkers. Jones has become known as the “U.S. Open doctor” for his restoration of classic layouts selected by the USGA as U.S. Open tournament sites.
Tom Doak, who created the modern classic Pacific Dunes in Bandon, Ore. (ranked No. 2 on Golfweek’s “Top 100 Modern Courses” list), designed Black Forest, which meanders over 400 acres of forested meadows and valleys. The large undulating greens, British-style rugged bunkers, and fescue lined sweeping fairways are classic works of art. Doak’s golf course design firm is also based in Michigan.
The Treetops Signature course, designed by Rick Smith, is an 18-hole modern classic that combines the rustic Northern Michigan landscape with the unique design features of Irish courses overseas. The Premier course is also the state’s only Tom Fazio design. Fazio created a scenic user-friendly course with fairways and greens designed to bring errant shots back into play. Treetops resort is already one of the leading golf resort destinations in the country. Its inventory of four championship courses and a par-3 course, which also features one of final course designs by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., is one of the best collections of golf holes on one property anywhere in the country.
About Gaylord, Michigan and America’s Summer Golf Mecca
The Gaylord Golf Mecca, located on the 45th parallel in the heart of northern Michigan, is a co-op group of some of the top golf courses in America. Launched in 1987, and often referred to as America’s Summer Golf Mecca, the Gaylord area has hosted over 4.5 million golfers from around the country. The region features four-world class resorts and 21 hotels lead by Treetops Resorts, one of the world’s top golf destinations by Conde Nast Traveler. Other resorts and lodging include The Loon, Otsego Club, Pine Cone Accommodations, and Marsh Ridge.
In addition to great resorts, the area boasts 17 championship courses designed by the giants of the game, including Robert Trent Jones Sr, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Tom Doak, and Rick Smith to name a few. Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, and Golfweek, have awarded Gaylord courses top national and state rankings. Golf Digest has also ranked the region among its top ten golf destinations and “Best Buddy Trips” in the country.
Visit www.gaylordgolfmecca.com for golf package details.
Michigan
• 1. Arcadia Bluffs, Arcadia (No. 30, m)
• 2. Greywalls at Marquette GC, Marquette (No. 68, m)
• 3. Forest Dunes, Roscommon (No. 97, m)
• 4. Belvedere GC, Charlevoix (c)
• 5. Tullymore GC, Stanwood (m)
• 6. Black Lake, Onaway (m)
• 7. Lakewood Shores Resort (Gailes), Oscoda (m)
• 8. Hawk Hollow (Eagle Eye), Bath (m)
• 9. TimberStone GC, Iron Mountain (m)
• 10. Treetops (Signature), Gaylord (m)
• 11. Black Forest at Wilderness Valley, Gaylord (m)
• 12. Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry), Bay Harbor (m)
• 13. University of Michigan GC, Ann Arbor (c)
• 14. Sweetgrass, Harris (m)
• 15. Angels Crossing, Vicksburg (m)
• 16. Orchards GC, Washington (m)
• 17. Pilgrim’s Run, Pierson (m)
• 18. Treetops (Premier), Gaylord (m)
• 19. Boyne Highlands Resort (Hills), Harbor Springs (m)*
• 20. Hidden River Golf, Casting Club, Brutus (m)
