LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY GOLF CLUB (231-526-6200)
Michigan Golf Course Review 8/06/05
Little Traverse Bay Golf Club is one of the reasons that the Harbor Springs area of Northern Michigan is one of
the state's hotbeds of golf. Designed by Jeff Gorney in 1992, this spectacular design has been awarded 4-1/2
stars by Golf Digest Places to Play, and features wonderful conditioning along a track that includes panoramic
views rivaling those of any course in Michigan. On a clear day, one is treated to great vistas of Little Traverse
Bay from quite a few holes. Unfortunately, on our review round we encountered unseasonably warm weather. The views were still wonderful, but a foggy mist hung over the bay.
There are some spectacular elevated tees on this course, and an equal number of elevated green complexes
that will challenge golfer's abilities to choose the proper club. 1 or 2 extra clubs is often needed on the uphill
approaches. The rolling terrain creates some spectacular holes, which have earned the accolades of local and
National golf publications. On my visit I had the opportunity to stay for dinner - which turned out to be a great
move. Little Traverse Bay is also known for its great restaurant, which affords wonderful views of the course and bay area.
Golfers get an idea of what they will encounter right off the bat as the opening hole plays a tee area from high up
on the property to the valley below. The back side also opens from an elevated tee - to a gorgeous par three with
the blue waters of Little Traverse visible in the background. The topography on the final nine is even more
undulating than the initial side. The stretch of holes 13-15 was our favorite. Throughout the layout, players will
encounter wonderful conditioning from tee to green, with true rolling putting surfaces that feature mild undulations.
There is a nice mix of open and tight, tree lined fairways, which will allow most golfers an opportunity to utilize
every club in their bag. Bunkering is strategic, with some bunkers providing fairly easy recoveries, while others
are high lipped and penal in nature. There is just 1 water hazard in play - on the beautiful par four 4th hole.
Four sets of tees provide golfers with opportunities to play from yardages and slopes that measure 6900
yards/136 slope, 6413 yards/129 slope, 5890 yards/124 slope for men and 138 for women, and 5061 with a
slope of 119. Yardage blocks are provided on the fairways at 100, 150 and 200 yards, and sprinkler heads are
measured to the center of the green. Small flags indicate front, middle and back pin placements on the well conditioned putting surfaces, which are often part of raised green complexes.
On property is a beautiful clubhouse with the aforementioned dining/lounge facility, with extensive lunch and
dinner menus offered 7 days a week. There is a pro shop, and practice facilities include a grass range, short
game area with sand bunker, and large putting green. Great course, wonderful service, outstanding environment
- a round at Little Traverse Bay is a must for golfers visiting the area. Here are some accolades from golf
publications: GREAT LAKES GOLF "Crowning what is one of the highest peaks in the area, on land that is
simply breathtaking - Little Travers Bay is a must play for golfers in the Great Lakes". GOLFWEEK MAGAZINE
"likely to be remembered as a best day in golf by many visitors that seek it out". MICHIGAN GOLF "Little
Traverse Bay rewards with the most dramatic elevation changes and scenic overlooks Northern Michigan Golf
has to offer. The restaurant cuisine may have no equal value in the state". GOLF WORLD MAGAZINE "If you
don't have time for golf, at least stop and have a scenic lunch". For more info and for a link to their website, visit
our page for Little Traverse Bay on our web catalog of courses to play in Michigan by clicking here.
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