There are many opinions for what makes a great getaway. For some, a beach and some sun might be just the answer. For others, a long hike or some downhill skiing might do the trick. For those of us at Midwest Golfing Magazine, golf, of course, is at the center of every trip agenda.
Only a few places can cater to just about everyone’s wishes. Shanty Creek Resort (www.shantycreek.com) fits that bill – for couples, families, buddies groups and more. And since this publication is all about golf, here is a full round’s worth (18 holes) of how the Northern Michigan resort gets it done.
THE FRONT NINE…
A Grand Slam of Golf (plus one) – The biggest draw for golfers is not only the quality of courses at Shanty Creek but also the quantity. For over two decades – starting around the turn of the century – the Resort was made up of four courses. Then in 2021 it added Hawk’s Eye, the course “across the street” that had always operated as a stand-alone facility. The plus one made the Resort one the largest (90 holes) in North America.
Smelling (or at least seeing) the Flowers – A morning round on the Arnold Palmer-designed Legend at the Resort, maybe with some dew still on the grass, is a must. Driving to the first hole, golfers will see some 16,000 flowers planted to form the words “The Legend” on the adjacent hillside. The setting for the opening tee shot is amphitheater like and will awaken the senses if the coffee has not yet kicked in.
The Bluest Blue – Is it Michigan or the Caribbean? First time visitors who see Torch Lake might be confused based on how blue the waters appear. Though the lake is not part of the Resort per se, it is a major draw as one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. It is also Michigan’s second largest inland lake, and its deepest inland lake. Nature lovers and boaters alike love it for its clear waters and popular sandbars.
Small Village Feel, Big-City Punch – That is how Shanty Creek’s Director of Marketing Lindsey Southwell has described neighboring downtown Bellaire. With a craft brewery, a distillery, a smokehouse, an ice cream shop and other quaint shops, restaurants and bars, Bellaire plays to every season.
Cedar River’s Meditative Corner (with a twist) – The best part of the entire golfing property might just lie at the edge of the Cedar River course where holes 13 and 14 fit. Both are tricky, short, yet bold designs by Tom Weiskopf. With no traffic on nearby Schuss Mountain Road through the woods, the trickling sounds of the river (though not visible) on the 13th tee is as serene and peaceful as it gets. A couple of pars or a birdie on either of those holes helps, too.
Fire and Ice – Two of the more unique annual events held at the Resort are Balloons Over Bellaire and The Slush Cup. The former (Aug. 22-23) paints the sky behind the Lakeview Hotel with hot air balloons (spectator-only event). The latter (March 8), held at Schuss Mountain, is a true Midwest special as skiers and riders battle the elements trying to cross a frigid 40-foot pond.
Hitting the Slopes – With so many areas of the Midwest lacking snow for long stretches this winter, Shanty Creek had some of the best depths. It always hits the bulls-eye with 42 runs plus a bunny hill for beginners. It has snowshoeing, cross country ski trails and an alpine tubing park, too.
Hey, Ladies – From A to Yoga, there are plenty of activities aimed at engaging female guests. Included among them is a three-day ladies only golf school held on different dates throughout the summer. Golf Digest has taken notice naming Shanty Creek in 2024 one of the 50 best golf trip destinations for women. Included in that group are several of its Michigan neighbors and powerhouses such as Bandon Dunes, Kapalua, Pebble Beach, Big Cedar Lodge and French Lick.
Don’t Forget About the Kids – There are multiple ways to get the kids involved in golf including junior golf camps and learn to play programs. Tee times designated on each course allow juniors 17 and under pay just $15 to play with a paid adult. There are special forward tees and FootGolf, too. Those learning programs extend to the skiing season if good old-fashioned sledding and snow tubing may not suffice.
THE BACK NINE…
Bang for Your Buck (on a whole new level) – From just an overnight trip to 36 holes a day all week, there is flexibility with the number of course offerings to create just about any golf experience. This spring might be the best deal of all. To mark the 60th anniversary of the original course at Shanty Creek, golfers can play any of the courses for just $35 (even less with a lodging stay) from May 1-12. The five courses range from $57-$143 during the peak season.
Playing “Mountain” Golf – It may not be Gozzer Ranch (Idaho) or Sunday River (Maine) but the Schuss Mountain course is golf at the ski center of the Resort. The course was originally built as nine holes so the two nines that exist now play a bit differently. The back nine presents more rolling features and elevation changes as a change of pace from the opening nine.
Seeing the Colors from the Sky – The chairlift at Schuss Mountain is not just for skiing. Guests can also take a ride during the fall months when the leaves are at peak color. The 360-degree panorama of Antrim County provides a vivid perspective of the Resort for a small time frame that really only pictures can otherwise provide.
Commitment to Evolvement and Improvement – With five courses, there is flexibility to close one course on a rotating basis (during a specific day of the week) to work on course improvements and projects. Course conditions are a priority and it shows. Most recently, the Summit course underwent some improvements with the aim to make it more fun and enjoyable for all guests. Originally called the “Deskin Course,” it is oldest of Shanty’s courses.
The Perfect Late Afternoon Round – Morning rounds can be inspiring. Late afternoon rounds, as the sun goes down, are underrated and often under played. Why is Shanty Creek perfect for late day play? Because the tall timbers and ever-present forests at the Resort cast shadows that shed a different light and bring out different features in many of the holes. For instance, the wildly-sloping fairways like the 18th at Cedar River.
No Car Keys Required – The Resort offers a shuttle service to get guests to where they want to go. That not only includes the golf courses but aforementioned downtown Bellaire. So there is no need to worry about driving anywhere if so desired. Just park, stay put and have a good time.
Taste Escape – Despite fantastic offerings just “off campus,” guests could do just fine enjoying every meal on property – from a coffee bar and food truck to sandwiches at the course or a nice dinner with a great view. With the various lodging options, making breakfast or having a quiet dinner in a guest room is doable as well.
A Million-Dollar Sunset – Every sunset is beautiful on its own. The best dusk view at the Resort might be from one of the many porches behind the aptly-named Lakeview Hotel. With an unspoiled view for miles of Northern Michigan’s forests and Lake Bellaire, there is a memorable snapshot for every season.
Getting a Great Night’s Sleep – A long day of activities necessitates some restful sleep. Lodging of all types and for all sizes of groups (and even pets) is available. Shanty Creek’s 5,500 acres includes four villages. Besides the aforementioned Lakeview Hotel at the Summit Village, the Resort has homes, condos and suites. With so many choices, the best bet is to call the reservations team (866-695-5010) or get started here (https://www.shantycreek.com/reserve).
