Bay Valley Golf/Hotel and Resort (989-686-3500)
Michigan Golf Course Review
Looking for a mini golf getaway, but don't relish the thought of driving all the way up north? Consider the Bay Valley Hotel &
Resort, which is conveniently located just 5 miles south of Bay City's Waterfront and right off I-75 at exit 160. It is easily
accessed from Metro Detroit, the Tri City area, and from anywhere in Michigan. Bay Valley is just minutes from the beautiful
Saginaw Bay and Bay City State Park. Nearby attractions include Frankenmuth German Village and Bronner's Christmas
Wonderland, Outlets of Birch Run, Soaring Eagle Casino, Fashion Square Mall, "Kokomo's" Family Fun Center, and the
Children's Zoo in Saginaw. Bay Valley has excellent dining options right on property and comfortable accommodations (148
rooms). Recreational facilities in addition to the championship golf course include a large heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool
, and a fitness center. Don't forget the weekend entertainment in the Player's lounge. Families will not have to compromise at Bay Valley - there is always something fun for everyone. Conference and event facilities provide over 10,000 square
feet of event space, and another 2,000 square feet of reception space - making this an ideal setting for business or pleasure events. For more information on Bay Valley, click here.
The golf course facilities include a full service pro shop, 2 practice putting greens, and a grass driving range. The
golf course was a pleasant surprise. Though rated 4 stars by Golf Digest in 2004, we frankly did not expect much
from a resort course located so close to the highways, and in the middle of the Tri-County area. What we
discovered was the Bay Valley is a wonderfully conditioned facility, with some of the smoothest, quickest and
most true-rolling greens in Michigan! They were in immaculate condition on our visit in early October. The
fairways and bunkers were also well-sculpted along a terrain, that although quite flat, does present some mild
undulations, and is aesthetically pleasing. Hole diagrams are provided at each tee box area, and the Kirby
measuring system is in place on the fairways, with yardage blocks posted on the fairways at 25 yard intervals
from 200 to 75 yards in. Color-coded flags provide pin placement information on the large, mildly undulating
putting surfaces which usually were protected on one or both sides by nicely conditioned sand bunkers.
A tremendous amount of water comes into play on this Jack Nicklaus/Desmond Muirhead layout. In fact, 13
holes are affected by the lakes, ponds and streams that dot the property. There are few forced carries however,
making most of the hazards quite navigatable. The four sets of tees provide choices that will satisfy resort golfers
, and also challenge low handicappers. Distances range from 6666 from the tips, to 6179 from the whites, to the
forward tee measurement of 4965 yards. An additional tee is provided for at 5545 yards. The slope rating here ranges from 114 to 125.
At just 347 yards from the tips, the first hole is a good opener and the number 11 handicap - a good start to
resort golf. There are scattered trees but plenty of room for error on the equally short par four 2nd. Take enough
club on the approach and pay attention to the pin placement, as a ridge runs across the back third of the putting
surface. The par four 3rd requires a tee shot over a river, which also runs all along the right side all the way to the
green. This hole is banana-shaped, and is best played by following the cart path off the tee. The fourth is also
quite challenging, a dogleg left that demands a carry over a creek (measuring about 15 yards across) about 140
yards from the green. Number 5 is a picturesque par three - and is quite daunting with a forced carry over
considerable marsh land, and with trees on both side. The number one handicap follows. This long par five (602
from the tips, 562 from the whites) presents lots of fairway to aim at off the tee, but the second shot must find the
landing area nestled between the river and pond fronting the green. It is a beautiful golf hole. A short and simple
par three is followed by a short but tricky par five. There is a narrow strip of landing area between two water
hazards to aim at off the tee. The hole bananas to the left, with a lake along that side in play all the way to the
green. Tough hole! The ninth is a pretty dogleg left par four, that can be cut by aiming over the water and just right
of the willow off the tee. Long hitters with a right to left shot shape may even be able to reach the putting surface.
The bunkers on the right side of the fairway are just 180 away, for those deciding to lay up. Either way, this is one of the best birdie opportunities on the course.
The back side opens with a par four (423 from the tips) that doglegs to the right and plays into the prevailing
wind. Scattered trees come into play on the eleventh, making these two initial holes on the back quite a
challenge. Number 12 presents some breathing room, with a rolling fairway leading to a wide open approach.
There is also plenty of room on 13 - a long par three (226 from tips and 199 from whites) that is heavily bunkered
. Big hitters can reach the green in two (if playing from the whites) on the par five 14th. There is water along the
left off the tee, and also on the approach. A small peninsula provides a landing area on the left side of the fairway
off the tee, but the middle and right side are the place to be here. Number 15 is a gorgeous par three over water
with bail out room on the right and also some space behind the green, which slopes right to left. After a straight
and simple par four (only 337 from the tips), we find another reachable par five, with scattered trees on the
fairway that narrows on the approach. The finisher is a reasonable challenge and a beautiful golf hole. Avoid the water along the left and the green-side bunker right, and a good score is possible.
Eighteen holes on a fun and challenging golf course, accommodations in wonderfully appointed rooms, dining,
workout and recreational activities, and convenient location - Bay Valley has it all. There are quite a few upscale
area courses within a short drive (Fortress, Apple Mountain, Sawmill to name a few), and Bay Valley is the
recommended spot for an extended stay. It is certainly worth a stop on your way up north, down south or a
relaxing destination in itself. Call the Resort which is open year around for room rates and stay & play packages.
Check out the Two Guys Who Golf detailed information page on this course (which includes a link to the course's website if available) - click here.
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