LEELANAU CLUB AT BAHLE FARMS
(231-271-2020)
Michigan Golf Course Review 7/16/05
The Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms is a stunning Gary Pulsipher design that boasts spectacular views of
SuttonsBay and West Grand Traverse Bay. This course is relatively new and a bit out of the loop of Traverse City
- which may explain why we have not heard much about it. The course is actually just a beautiful 15 minute drive up 22 from the shores of Traverse City - and WELL WORTH IT!
This is one gorgeous golf course. Dramatic elevation changes will grab the attention of golfers right off the bat as
the opening holes on both sides, located near the clubhouse - play from markedly elevated tees to valley
fairways below, then back up again to raised green complexes. The layout features a group of the most beautiful
par threes in the Traverse City area, including the 202 yard 4th, which is nearly all carry over a pond. The 6th, 9th
and 11th also feature significant drops from tee to green, with number 11 doing a free fall of nearly 100 feet, that seems to be nearly straight down from the back tee boxes.
There is a nice mix of open and tight tree lined fairways, which afford golfers with ample opportunities to let the
big dog fly. The course was wonderfully conditioned on our visit, with manicured fairways and large bent grass,
undulating greens. The secluded layout rolls through high farmlands in the Leelanau wine country, with cherry
orchards scattered about the property. On my July review round, a variety of trees on the back side (hole 13)
were ripe with golden, sweet black and tart pie cherries - just waiting to be picked. A timely fade or draw may
result in a snack break...five minutes to look for your ball - or just take a drop and help yourself to the sweet
pickings! A couple holes also feature natural areas which add to the challenge and beauty of the experience.
On property is a mat range and two putting greens, and the clubhouse features a pro shop plus restaurant/lounge
with outdoor patio - serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week in season. On course small flags indicate the
day's pin placements, and yardages are marked on the fairways at 100, 150 and 200 yards with 150 yard
stakes doubling as directional devices on all par fours and fives. This is especially helpful on the doglegs and
raised fairways, and particularly on the two finishing holes. Seventeen is visually intimidating from the tee areas,
as it dips and rolls to a landing area bordered tightly by forest on both sides. There is more room than appears,
as golfers will hopefully find out. Eighteen is a beautiful finishing hole that winds uphill, providing a last dramatic view from behind the green.
We highly recommend a visit to the Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms! With reasonable rates - this is a must play
for golfers visiting the Traverse City area. The drive along the west side of the Grand Traverse Bay is nearly
worth the trip itself - and once played, we feel golfers will want to come back to this wonderful course. Great
service and conditioning - challenging yet fair layout...For more info visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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