Michigan Golf Journal July 2021

29 July 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com ridges of central Leelanau County, just minutes northwest of Traverse City. I can say with no doubt, of the courses I have played in Michigan, this little-known family- owned course is easily in Michigan’s top 5 courses laid out across so many drastic elevation changes and rolling hills. The tee boxes at No. 10 and 11 are easily 100 feet above the fairways below. They are the most severe drop offs on this course but literally every hole except No. 13 (which cuts through the heart of a cherry orchard) is built on land that goes uphill or downhill or crosses sharp valleys – while many have slanted fairways along the way. To call it naturally rolling countryside is an understatement. The dominant photo here of No. 10 is a great example. I took the image while standing at the front of the tee box – and it looks like I am a drone. The layout is a par 71 with three par 3s on the front nine. The forward tees are set at 4,600 yards and the tips stretch out to 6,650. The course was opened by the Bahle family 20 years ago on family farm property, but in mid-June was purchased by another family – the Duckmann’s – who have spent their summers in Leelanau for decades. We will share the Duckmann’s story in a future magazine, with more about the actual golf. For now, these photos should peak golfers’ curiosity. More information can be found here. MGJ