Golf & Travel Writers Enjoy Gaylord Golf Mecca
By Greg Johnson
They came from all corners of the U.S. and the Gaylord Golf Mecca wowed them as usual.
A group of golf and travel writers spent a recent week in the Mecca experiencing golf, lodging and dining in America’s favorite summer golf destination.
Those on the trip included Tom Landers of Golfing Magazine, Joe Burkhardt of Tri State Golfer, Stan Awtrey of Golf Georgia, Joe Valentino of Texas Golf Insider, Dave Daubert of eSouthernGolf.com and Greg Wise of Golf Central Magazine.
Articles that point out their favorite parts of the trip, amenities and above all great golf, lodging and dining should start popping up soon. Sure to be mentioned is the quantity coupled with quality of the 17 Mecca golf courses and the 21 lodging partners near Gaylord.
The usual compliments and surprise at all they found came from the guests, but another uniform theme emerged. They were impressed with how the nine properties, including resorts, work together in a common marketing effort and that it has been working for 34 years.
The Mecca was shining as the golfers started their trip with a round on Threetops at Treetops Resort, the popular par 3 that for years has been considered one of the top par 3 courses in the country.
Next up was The Natural at Beaver Creek, where they got a taste of pure Northern Michigan golf and liked it.
Lakes of the North with its two different looks on the two sets of nine holes was enjoyed as the group battled in a spirited scramble competition.
The group enjoyed more of the great outdoors in Gaylord with a rafting trip through Sturgeon River Paddlesports on the Sturgeon River the next morning, and then took on the Masterpiece at Treetops in the afternoon.
Garland Resort’s Fountains course was next on the docket, followed by The Pines at Michaywe. They were impressed by both spots as expected.
The final round was on The Tribute at Otsego Resort, which is in great shape and awaiting a busy summer of Mecca golfers.
While time restraints prevented the group from playing at all Mecca member courses, they still learned more about Black Lake Golf Club, Gaylord Golf Club and Indian River Golf Club, which will be showcased to a new set of writers next year.
The group lodged at Treetops Resort and Otsego Resort and found their rooms comfortable, clean and remarkably well designed, and among the dining experiences were the Sports Bar and a beer pairing dinner at Treetops Resort, lunches by Lakes of the North, Garland and Alpine Tavern, breakfasts at Treetops and Otsego, and stops at area favorites Bennethum’s and Big Buck, too.
All in all, it was a great trip and the writing will reflect it we are sure. In fact, it was the kind of trip golfers can book any time in the Gaylord Golf Mecca. We are just waiting to make it happen for you, and you might be so impressed you write home about it.
Check us out at gaylordgolfmecca.com.
