Category: Michigan Golf
Michigan is a golf-mad state, with more than 800 public golf courses; more per capita than any other in the United States. This section is for reviews of Michigan courses, as well as Michigan golf news and events.
Glut of Golf Courses In Michigan
The Detroit News is reporting that there is a glut of golf courses in Michigan and as many as 15 in the Detroit Metro area are scheduled for closing—or have already closed.
It is, apparently, a simple matter of supply and demand. With Michigan’s economy in the dumps, the state just cannot sustain its 852 courses.
The problems offer short term benefits for players, as courses compete by offering discount rates and other enticements, but in the long run, the game suffers.
Still, I don’t think that the slide is permanent. Like most things in Michigan, the golf economy goes up and down with the auto industry. Right now, the Big Three are slumping, but they are working hard on turning things around.
And there’s also the Baby Boomers to think about. They are retiring even as I write, and will be looking for ways to spend their retirement leisure hours.
The Golf Association of Michigan and the Michigan PGA section are doing a good job of promoting the game among kids.
And Tiger Woods is back on his game. Expect interest in golf to rise as he makes another run at a Grand Slam.
Michigan v Michigan State
Here in Michigan, the rivalry never ends. Michigan football at the Big House. State basketball under Izzo. Both schools boast top flight hockey teams.
The rivalry even extends to their golf courses. Michigan has a 1931 Alister MacKenzie track, while Michigan State has a 1958 Bruce Matthews masterpiece. Which is best? It would take an impartial judge to tell, and I’m not impartial. Still, Brandon Tucker of Michigan Golf dot Com has taken a stab at the task.
Michigan Golf Shows
The annual Lansing Golf Show is Feb. 25 - 27; the Novi show is March 11 - 13. Check the website Michigan Golf Show for more information.
Here’s a $1 off coupon that was emailed to me.
Golf In Northern Michigan
Every serious golfer has a few things that they want to do before they hang up their soft spikes: experience the Old Course; play Pebble Beach ... or maybe Pine Valley ... ; get a hole in one ... or another hole in one.
I don't know what's on your list, but let me humbly suggest another item: golf Northern Michigan at twilight.
I finished my twilight round tonight at about 10:05 p.m. The picture above was taken behind the 18th green, looking back over the course, just after I holed my putt (click on the picture to see a large version). I began my first round this morning at 7:30 a.m. (I shot a 94 on both rounds). Two rounds in the same day, nearly 15 hours apart. The picture really doesn't show it, but there was probably enough light to play another hole or two.
For my money, nothing beats a Northern Michigan twilight round. The air is cool; the breezes light; the shadows long and lingering. The Indian River Country Club wanders through primeval, cathedral-like pine forest, and in each hole's isolation, you forget that there exists any world outside of the tees, fairways and greens. I'm not given to poetry, but nights like these are poetry in and of themselves.
Its an experience you don't want to miss.
