Michigan Golf Journal October 2021

or crosses sharp valleys – while many have slanted fairways along the way. To call it naturally rolling countryside is an understatement. “Every single hole is designed in a way that they aren’t the same to any other,” Duckmann said. “Our elevation changes are magnificent. It’s very beautiful out there, and you get not only great views on the course but of the surrounding county as well. You get big, huge, long views of forest areas and orchards (and of Suttons Bay).” If players are looking for fast and challenging greens, this course is the one to try tackling. Greens are quite the challenge for a few reasons, in part because many putting surface sections along the outer edges fall toward false fronts or greenside sand – ultimately making the putting surface much smaller than it looks when trying to land approach shots. Pin placements are a key factor on whether the average golfer scores well or not. I was paired up in mid- September with two metro Detroiters who were giving Bahle Farms a first try. Both men said they liked the course, loved the views and the scenery, but also agreed the pin placements can be a huge factor with all the undulations. My favorite stretch of three holes is 10-12. No. 10 kicks off the back nine from the highly-elevated tee on the par 4 that goes back up to a slightly elevated green. No. 11 is a huge drop off par 3 to a large green, but the view from the tee over the valley can be districting, in a good way. No. 12 is a long par 5 that slowly climbs back uphill to reach the level of the 13 th hole, which cuts through the cherry orchards. Any golfer that wants a true ‘Northern Michigan’ experience with grand views and a challenging up and down golf course layout – this is one you’ve got to try. More information found here. MGJ Michigan Golf Journal Leelanau’s Gem