Michigan Golf Journal July 2021

are finished putting and look back up the fairway. Hole 18 is a great finishing par 5 that goes downhill off the tee with unique bunkering on that first shot to test all your decision- making skills. As a solo I was paired up with three buddies from Texas, Illinois and Pennsylvania who plan a northern Michigan retreat together each summer – Tom, Fisher and Art. “It’s our first time at this resort,” Art said. “I like it. The courses are very challenging. A lot of undulation. The Wolverine was pretty open if you get it to the right spots, but there were a lot of places for trouble. It’s a very fair test, and certainly beautiful. “ Spruce Run wa s awfully tight, so you’ve got to be pretty accurate off the tee. If you’re not, you’ve bought yourself some trouble. A good test and it’s fair. It’s all right in front of you. “A good place for a buddy’s trip.” The three buddies played those two courses the same time the 104 th Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open was taking place on The Bear. It’s not uncommon for the Resort to be able to host such an important state championship while also keeping public golf open or host a charity event or two at the same time. One such charity event is the Heroes Cup , where Native American gaming partners come together to raise funds for local charities. Bob We might not see each other each year in between so it’s nice to come back and connect again. You come back to check on your family.” Spruce Run Hole 7 Michigan Golf Journal Cover story