KINGS CHALLENGE GOLF CLUB ( 231-228-7400)
Michigan Golf Course Review 7/06/04 - photos updated July, 2006
We have long known about the great golf courses in the Traverse City region, an area that we feel is just as
deserving of the "golf mecca" status that the more famous Gaylord community has been tagged with. One course
we have not heard much about however, is Kings Challenge in Cedar. Located near Sugarloaf in the vicinity of
the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, this layout is visually stunning and quite exciting to play - true mountain golf! The
rolling terrain is formed from hillsides and mountain ridges providing spectacular elevation changes, with
manicured tree lined fairways leading to wonderfully conditioned green complexes. Simply put - this is a "must play" golf course for anyone visiting remotely near the Traverse City area.
Terraced tees are a distinctive feature that golfers will find on many of the holes featuring elevation changes -
and there are many. The second and twelfth are par fours that bend in opposing directions, with each featuring
these layered tee areas. From the tips, the descent to the fairways is quite dramatic. This is even more so on the
par four 4th hole, with the tees boxes situated on the sides of a mountain. Two par threes that are especially
dramatic, with tee areas perched high enough to warrant clubbing down an iron or two, are the 201 yard seventh and the 168 yard 17th - each pictured below.
Choosing the right club to adjust to the downhill and uphill shots is a science that will have to be mastered by
anyone who entertains prospects of beating their handicap. Having a well marked course should help - as
sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green, cart paths are marked and 150 yard stakes double as
directional devises. Small flags indicate front, middle and back pin placements on the large putting surfaces that
roll true and quick, with mild undulations. Four sets of tees play to 6593/145 slope, 6038/131 slope, 5542/126
slope for men and 141 for women and 4764 with a slope of 123. Though not overly long, there is plenty of opportunity to use driver off the tee.
Sand traps come into play often, as they are strategically placed in the doglegs of fairways, and most often
greenside. The tenth, pictured above, features a huge bunker near the end of the landing area on the left and
also includes rows of traps along the right side on the approach. The twelfth green is also well guarded (second
photo above), with a large trap left and a natural area right of the putting complex. Water is prominently in play on
just two holes - the par five eighth and par four sixteenth. Number 8 bananas to the right around a lake on the downhill approach, and number 16 bends sharply left off the tee and past the hazard.
The clubhouse at Kings Challenge features a pro shop and restaurant/lounge that affords wonderful views of the
golf course. A landscaped putting/chipping green is situated directly in front of the clubhouse facility, and a
driving range is available at the Sleeping Bear Course located just down the road. Sleeping Bear is the original
design at Sugarloaf, and is the simple sister to Kings Challenge. With rates topping out at around $80 in prime
time 2008 - this is a wonderful golfing value for the area. It is about a 1/2 hour drive from Traverse City - but
completely worth it! For more info on Kings Challenge, and for a link to their website, visit our page for the course by clicking here.
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