SUMMIT GOLF COURSE at Shanty Creek Resorts
Review 7/04/04
General information
Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire just NE of Traverse City is a four season resort that has been has been ranked
Silver Medal Resort by Golf Digest, Top 25 Golf Resort by Travel & Leisure 2003 Reader's Survey and Best Golf
Resort in Michigan by The Detroit News Reader's Poll. Four 18-hole championship layouts include the upscale 4
-1/2 star Arnold Palmer designed Legend, the spectacular Tom Wieskopf designed Cedar River, one of
Michigan's long time top public courses Schuss Mountain, and the player friendly and original design at Shanty
Creek, the Summit. Three distinctive villages at the Summit, Schuss and Cedar River offer a variety of
accommodations ranging from standard rooms and suites to condominiums, chalets and fully equipped homes.
A great variety of dining and recreational opportunities are available. For more info on the resort visit our Shanty Creek page in our Michigan Golf Resorts section by clicking here.
SUMMIT
The Summit is the original design at Shanty Creek, and affords golfers an opportunity to play a resort course at a
value rate ($49 - $65 prime time including cart in 2004). Golfers should not expect manicured tees and fairways,
but the medium size putting surfaces are mildly undulating, true rolling and kept in very good condition. The
terrain is similar to the other three courses, though not as dramatic. After an opening hole that begins innocently
enough with a gentle dogleg left, the second and third holes play over meadows to greens that are perched
above deep valleys - not a particularly grand set of holes to start. On two be aware of the large pole in the fairway
located in the landing zone, and know that the green is situated to the left (not immediately ascertainable). From
there however the layout takes on a more traditional design, with rolling fairways and some elevated tee areas.
Most putting complexes are open in front, providing easy access for those who cannot hit high, soft approaches.
Two greens that are an exception - that demand accuracy and a soft touch - are found on numbers 7 and 8, which incidentally are the most memorable on the course (photos of both are pictured above).
The clubhouse here does double duty for the Legend course, and provides a pro shop stocked with golf attire
and accessories, plus Arnie's Grill. Breakfast sandwiches and lunch items, as well as a limited dinner menu are
available. The practice facilities, which include a grass range and several putting greens plus a short game area
with bunker, are also shared by the two courses. A fleet of new carts (in 2004) provides comfortable seating and
features dividers in back plus canvas covers to protect golf bags during inclement weather. 100, 150 and 200
yard blocks are posted on all par fours and fives, and small flags indicate front, middle and back pin placement
on the greens. Three sets of tees play to 6260 yards/122 slope, 5910/117 slope and 4679/113 slope.
As the slope ratings indicate, this is a player friendly layout that can be navigated by all levels of abilities. The landing areas off the tees are usually generous, although some tight, tree lined fairways will challenge golfers to
keep it in play, and the rolling nature of the terrain also keeps it interesting. For families and beginners, the
packages at Shanty Creek that include golf on the Summit are some of the best available in Northern Michigan. For more information on the course, visit our page for the Summit by clicking here.
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