Former Michigan resident Jason Scott Deegan recently gave props to America’s Top 25 golf resorts also well known for skiing, in his article for Golfpass.com, an NBC/Golf Channel affiliate. Resorts literally ranged from California to Vermont.
Three of his choices for Top 25 were from the Great Lakes State – Boyne Resorts, Crystal Mountain and Shanty Creek. The Top 25 was not ranked in order.
Deegan wrote: “Golfers and skiers are always at odds. Skiers can’t wait for snow to fall. Golfers can’t wait for snow to melt. Despite their differences, golf and skiing form a formidable twosome at resorts around the country. These two leisure pursuits anchor the summer and winter seasons, keeping these unique resorts open year-round.
“Even if you’re not into skiing, golfers would be wise to seek these places out. Mountain golf often rides thrilling, challenging terrain. Plus, resort ski villages can be absolutely magical in the summer and fall, hosting concerts, beer tents and outdoor festivals. Summer chairlift rides deliver the spectacular views skiers enjoy without the chill. The changing of the leaves brings even more stunning natural beauty.”
Here was Deegan’s review of the Michigan properties:
Crystal Mountain
Golf courses: Mountain Ridge, Betsie Valley.
Ski facts: 8 lifts, 58 runs, 375-foot vertical drop.
Comment: The Michigan Women’s Open, held at Crystal Mountain annually, is often decided on Mountain Ridge’s finishing par 5 that tumbles down the (back side of the) ski hill. Beyond the golf, children will love the outdoor pool complex and Michigan’s only alpine slide.
Boyne Resorts USA
Golf courses: Alpine and Monument at Boyne Mountain Resort; Donald Ross Memorial, Arthur Hills, The Moor and The Heather at Boyne Highlands Resort.
Ski facts: Boyne Mountain: 12 lifts, 60 runs, 500-foot vertical drop. Boyne Highlands: 10 lifts, 55 runs, 552-foot vertical drop.
Comment: Both the Mountain and Highlands, located about 30 minutes apart in northern Michigan, sport ski runs and golf. With the Avalanche Bay indoor waterpark, Boyne Mountain has an advantage in attracting families in summer and winter.
Shanty Creek
Golf courses: Summit, The Legend, Schuss Mountain, Cedar River.
Ski facts: 11 lifts, 53 runs, 450-foot vertical drop.
Comment: Shanty Creek is actually three resorts in one with different locations for accommodations, restaurants and other amenities. The Summit and Schuss Mountain courses are both nicely intertwined with the ski mountains of the same name. In summer, golfers favor the other two courses, designed by Palmer (The Legend) and Weiskopf (Cedar River).
