Michigan Golf Journal August 2021

that can kick off-line shots back toward the fairway. The greens have much less undulation than the two courses described above. THE ORIGINALS: Shanty Creek’s two golf options dating back to the 1960s and ‘70s include The Summit Course, and the 18-hole layout at the base of Schuss Mountain. The Summit is a slightly shorter test that’s great for any buddies’ group but also has something for the whole family. Most holes are tree-lined but with mown grass under most of them, not dense foliage like the other courses. There are also forward tees set up to play the entire Summit design as a par 3 course; providing that unique playing option for anyone, and a great place to get beginners started. At Schuss, the front nine is flat and very walkable, and a good ‘tune up’ for the back nine, which in many respects plays like the major elevation changes found at The Legend, Cedar River and Hawk’s Eye. Rarely can golfers find two 9s so distinctly different from each other on the same property. Hole 12 is my favorite, visually, with a huge, slopping valley to navigate on the way to the highly perched green complex. Both of these courses offer free golf any day to any player aged 17-and-under when with a paying adult. Cedar River offers the same on Sundays after 2:00 p.m. Another great feature is that all five courses are closed at least one day every week, some two days, allowing each course to rest and repair. The playing conditions in mid- July were at a premium because of this smart philosophy! And with five full-length courses it works. THE EXTRAS: There is no shortage of non- golf activities at Shanty Creek and in the region for the vacationers with you who don’t play our great game. Indoor and outdoor pools, hiking, biking and more. You name an outdoor sport or activity, and the beautiful Bellaire area delivers. Overnight onsite options at Shanty Creek feature the LakeviewHotel, which honors its name with wonderful views of Lake Bellaire, but a wide variety of choices expand with private area rentals, condos on site and hotels in town. MGJ Find more information at: https://www. shantycreek.com/ or https://puremi.ch/3wU8ADN Schuss Hole 12 13 August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com