Mistwood Golf Club (231-275-5500)
Michigan Golf Course Review - 7/29/02 - Photos updated July, 2007 (these photos include images of the last few holes on each nine - the White, Red & Blue)
Located just 25 minutes southwest of Traverse City in Lake Ann, Mistwood features 27 holes of 3-1/2 star
championship golf. Three distinctive nines make up layouts that range in slope ratings from 117 to 143. With this
incredible range of playability versus challenge, Mistwood is truly a course that can be enjoyed by all levels of
golfers. Play from the tips is tough from any combination of the Red, White and Blue Courses. Maximum
distance is just 6695 yards, but tree lined fairways, undulations and formidable water hazards combine to make
this a demanding test. Play from the Blue and White tees is fair (slope from 124 to 135) and the forward tees
measure between 4800 and 5000 yards. No matter which course you choose, you will find wonderfully
conditioned fairways and greens, sculpted tee boxes, and beautiful Northern Michigan scenery. The six lakes
and ponds, strategically placed bunkers, and daunting heather rough help to create an aesthetically pleasing environment, full of wildlife and free from residential development.
The clubhouse features indoor and outdoor seating, snacks and beverages at "Bogies" and a full service pro
shop. An ample grass diving range compliments 2 putting greens, providing considerable space to work on your
game before your round. All the carts at Mistwood are equipped with a plastic hole diagram/yardage booklet,
making club and shot selection more efficient. There are also small diagrams of each hole on the scorecards,
along with the slope and course ratings for the three 18-hole choices. Sprinkler heads provide accurate
distances to the center of the green, and flag markers on the sticks indicate front. middle and back pin placement.
Our review included the Blue and White Nines. Number one on the Blue is a relatively easy opening hole. It plays
straight away with high grass and bush on the right and fairway traps left off the tee. Avoid the deep depression
along the right side of the fairway and you should get off to a good start. The second is fairly open off the tee, with
green-side bunkers on either side. Most of the green complexes on this nine include sand bunkers on both sides
. Avoid the fairway bunker and favor the left side for the most advantageous approach to the green on number
three. The right side near the green is trouble here. An easy par three on the fourth follows. Anything long to
either side will find the water hazard. The par five 5th plays into the prevailing wind. Though it doglegs right, the
left side of the fairway is the recommended location off the tee. Water comes into play along the right side on the
approach. The toughest stretch of the course follows. Six is a mid-range par four that features a very tight, tree
-lined fairway, with an extremely uphill approach. The water hazard off the tee should not be of concern. The
seventh plays back down the hill and doglegs slightly right, with fairway and green-side bunkers. After a pretty
par three over a water hazard, the Blue nine finishes with the toughest hole of the round. Water comes into play
about 140 yards out, and all along the right side of the fairway to the sloping, L-shaped green. Avoiding the
bunkers on the fairway and near the green is key to a good score here The combination of wind, water and
elevation changes make for some challenging obstacles in the final few holes of the Blue layout. The first, second
and third handicaps are included in the last four holes. Overall, the Blue is the longest of the three nines, measuring 3452 from the tips.
The White Course is the second longest in length at Mistwood, measuring a maximum of 3243 yards. Only one
hole with a water hazard is featured (par 3 second) , with marshland also in play on number seven. The opening
hole doglegs slightly right. Aim just over the right FW bunker for the best results. The second is all carry over a
pond, with bail our room right and long. Like the Blue Course, these two opening holes provide an opportunity for
a good start. The third presents an uphill tee shots with grassy knolls on either side of the fairway. The sharp
dogleg right will prevent most hitters from reaching in two - a couple accurate shots and a short pitch should
provide a reasonable birdie opportunity here. A downhill, dogleg left par four is followed by the easiest hole on
the course on number five. The tight approach to a fairly small green is the only obstacle in the way of a low score
on this short four par. Number six is even shorter, and is a classic risk/reward par 4. A long draw by a right
-handed player can reach the green on this downhill 334 yard hole. A safe lay up sets up an easy approach to the
pretty green complex. The seventh and eighth are the number 1 and 2 handicaps - you can make or break your
round on these holes. Only a long, bending shot along the left tree line will leave a reasonable approach on the
long par four 7th. It is easy to drive it through the fairway, and tough to cut the corner. Most players will have to lay
up and hit a long fairway wood towards the elevated green. More likely is a wedge approach on the third shot
and hope for an efficient up and down. The eighth is a beautiful tree-lined par three that plays downhill to a multi
-tiered putting surface. Bunkers on both sides do not look like bad alternatives off the tee. Par these two holes
and prepare for a good finish. The ninth is a relatively short par four that doglegs to the left. Aim just right of the left fairway bunker, and the rest is easy.
With rates of $50 with cart on weekdays and just $55 on weekends, Mistwood has to be considered one of
Northern Michigan's best kept secrets - and an outstanding value. The Traverse City area continues to challenge
Gaylord as Michigan's outstanding golf destination. Properties like Mistwood add to a very respectable lineup of upscale golf opportunities in this beautiful section of the state. Highly recommended.
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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