Michigan Golf Journal September 2020

Forest Dunes Many golfers would consider Forest Dunes in Roscommon as a destination property for the more serious of golfers – but there’s now a case for it to also be a destination of magical fun. On August 1, Forest Dunes officially opened the Short Course, a 10-hole bundle of rolling hills and abundant smiles for people of all ages and skill sets. Grass seed was planted just 12 months prior on the new design from Keith Rhebb and Riley Jones. Now in 2020, small children with a driver in their hands up to adults playing with just a 7-iron and a putter, are all welcomed at this new joyful gem. Starting and ending at the pavilion outdoor bar, the short course features holes ranging between 50 and 150 yards laid out over 15 acres of rolling terrain.  “When people talk about what is wrong with golf these days, they talk about how much time it takes to play, how much it costs and how difficult it can be to play,” said Forest Dunes director of operations Don Helinski.  “The intention of this new amenity is to provide an opportunity for a group of players to go out and enjoy themselves with only a few clubs and a couple beverages.” Our group recently played in well less than an hour and it was the perfect setting for laughs, words of encouragement and genuine fun. Players are allowed to be in groups up to 8 people, play barefoot if they like and Fun, Firm and Fantastic Continues on next page >> New Short Course Describe Forest Dunes By Tom Lang