Let’s face it, we were flat-out spoiled in 2012.
Last year gave us a glorious early start to the golf season, and record-setting spring rounds across the Midwest. This year, well, Mother Nature brought us back to earth.
But after a cold, wet start to spring, temperatures are finally climbing, and courses are finally opening (or re-opening). Here’s a look at some of the top clubs with the flags finally in:
Forest Dunes Golf Club
Roscommon, MI
The start of the season is especially important at Northern Michigan’s Forest Dunes (pictured above), which also unveils its stunning new Lake AuSable Lodge, which opened April 26.
The Lake AuSable Lodge at Forest Dunes, during construction. It opened for business April 26.
“We call it the Lake AuSable Lodge,” explained Forest Dunes General Manager Todd Campbell. “The first floor consists of 12 rooms, either one king or double queens, and the second floor has two, 1,500-square-foot suites with two rooms and double queens, full kitchens upstairs. With only having an 18-hole golf course, there wasn’t reason for us to build a large lodge.”
The club also has six rental homes in its on-property location, giving it the ability to accommodate up to 65 guests, Campbell said. “That’s about perfect for stay-and-play packages,” he said.
The early-season rate is an incredible $109 for the spectacular, Tom Weiskopf-designed club, including overnight stay, 18 holes of golf, and breakfast.
Visit www.forestdunesgolf.com for more information.
The General’s stellar 17th. Photo by Nile Young, Jr. www.nileyoung.com
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Galena, Ill.
Another stunning spring special can be found in gorgeous Galena, Ill., at Eagle Ridge. With the Eagle Package, you can play two rounds on the resort’s 63 holes of championship golf, with a night’s stay and breakfast, starting at just $149. Rounds on the resort’s incredible Roger Packard/Andy North-designed course The General have a $30 surcharge, and the package is available Sunday-Thursday.
Visit www.eagleridge.com for more information.
Wild Rock Golf Club
Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
The Wisconsin Dells are a summer sanctuary for families, but the golf season is officially open for business. The Hurdzan-Fry-designed Wild Rock Golf Club has a stellar spring stay-and-play with Wilderness Resort, starting at just $99 for a night’s lodging and a round on the championship track.
Visit www.wildrockgolf.com for more information.
Wild Rock Golf Club’s wonderful, par-4 13th hole. Photo by Nile Young, Jr. www.nileyoung.com.
The signature par-3 15th hole of The Port Course features the incredible anchor. Photo courtesy KemperSports.
Harborside International
Chicago
Both the Starboard and the Port courses are now open at Harborside, always a clear sign of springtime in Chicago. It’s also a great time to get out and play the Dick Nugent-designed gems, which offer excellent links-style golf and views of the city’s skyline. Now you can play the courses for around $50, which is about as great a value as you’ll find in the city’s confines.
Visit www.harborsidegolf.com for more information.
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