MARSH RIDGE (800-743-7529)
Michigan Golf Course Review
Looking for a quiet, secluded golf getaway, with a championship course and all the amenities of a family resort?
Marsh Ridge Resort fits the bill. On property is a vast number of accommodations options - from quaint
guestrooms for a couple, to townhouses equipped for a family, to themed lodges with massive space and
furnishings for groups of 10 or 12. There is an outdoor heated pool, and a sauna and whirlpool in a separate
building near the center of the property. They have a great restaurant on property called Jac's Place and the
Marsh Ridge practice facility rivals that of any property in the Gaylord area (it is the only one with a lighted driving
range). Though there is just one course at Marsh Ridge, the resort is centrally located with easy access to an abundance of premier courses in the area. Visit our page for Marsh Ridge Resort by clicking here.
The golf course is picturesque and well maintained, playing across an elevated ridge and over pristine wetlands
. Four sets of tees make it playable for all levels of ability. The blues and whites (slope rating from 126 to 130)
will challenge the best golfer, as you will encounter tight, rolling fairways and greens that are quite undulating. The
course is well marked with visible150 yard stakes and indicators on the flag poles for pin placements. Pick up a yardage card, as it is quite useful in negotiating the layout.
The opening hole provides an opportunity to get off to a good start. This is a very short (301 yards) dogleg left
par four, with a downhill approach to an undulating green. The second is a beautiful par three from an elevated
tee box to a green protected by a pond to the right and woods and sand left. The number 1 handicap follows - a
tight and short par five, that is score-able if you stay on the fairway. Another short par four features a dogleg left
with an uphill approach and bunkers all along the right. The fifth is a gorgeous hole - and one that underscores
the challenge of playing at Marsh Ridge. You must be straight off the tee! Hole # 6 plays about 50 yards longer
than the scorecard indicates, with a blind, uphill tee shot to a very undulating green. There is considerable carry
over a lake on the next par four. One of the toughest holes on the course features an extremely downhill
approach. Par is a great score here. You will have a wonderful panoramic view of the property from the fairway,
as witnessed by this picture of the clubhouse and main lodge. The 8th and 9th are two of the most gorgeous
holes in all of Gaylord. A par three that is all carry over a ridge and marsh is followed by a tee shot over a ridge
to a uphill green trucked into a corner, guarded by bunkers and trees on the closing hole.
The backside opens with another pretty par three from an elevated tee near one of the lodges - and is almost all
carry over an intimidating marsh. The fairway is wide open on the 467 yard par 5 eleventh. The dogleg left
comes into play late in the hole, making the elevated green difficult to reach in two. You will not be able to cut off
anything to the left here. Playing at 334 yards with a fairly flat green, the 12th is another short and narrow par four.
Next up is an easy par three. It is best to be long here as the marsh extends most of the way to the green.
Another narrow par four proceeds a long drive along a wooden cart path through beautiful marshland. You will
need to carry at least 150 yards over the next hazard, on the long but relatively open par five. A Marsh Ridge
characteristic hole - narrow fairway to a green surrounded by bunkers, confronts you on 16. The shortest par
three on the course is next, and will play 2 clubs longer due to its uphill nature. The closing hole is also extremely
uphill off the tee. The roller coaster fairway slopes right to left, and leads you to an elevated green over water, with one of the lodges just a sand wedge away.
With these many photos as a testament, Marsh Ridge is a great place for a fall getaway. Great deals can be had
in the late season and in the spring - though prices are very reasonable all year long. During winter months, the
resort is transformed into a winter wonderland with Nordic skiing, sledding and other recreational activities. You
have everything you need to enjoy a quiet stay on property. Gaylord, with its shops and restaurants is just 5 minutes away.
Click here to view the Two Guys Who Golf informational page for this course with a link to its website.
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