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A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort - Torch Course (231-264-5081)
Michigan Golf Course Review
The Sundance Course at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort has been selected as the 2023 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA). See
video on the Agaming Resort at the bottom of this review.
Located in the heart of "America's summer golf capital" - between Traverse city and Charlevoix, A-Ga-Ming's Torch Golf Club features 18 holes of upscale championship golf at
mid-range prices. This par-72 layout features outstanding views of Torch lake, considered by national publications to be one of the three most beautiful Inland Lakes in the world!
The crystal clear waters of Torch Lake result in effervescent hues of blue and green, reminiscent of the waters found in some sections of the Great Lakes. Spread out over 500
acres, A-Ga-Ming Torch flows through forests of stately pines and hardwoods, along undulating terrain and across swift creeks. Their four-star golf digest rating means you will
encounter a versatile layout and upscale conditioning. The landscaping features sculpted areas filled with annuals and perennials, with four sets of tee boxes on every hole.
Amenities include hole diagrams at the white tee boxes and water coolers on four holes (2 on the front and two on the back). The course is well maintained, with greens that are
some of the most consistent in the area. A beautiful grass range is on property, along with an oversized putting green. The clubhouse features a small pro shop and dining areas
both inside and out. Wonderful condominiums with 1,2 and 3 bedroom accommodation arrangements are also on property, and feature spectacular views of the course and of
Torch lake. For more information on A-Ga-Ming Resort - visit our information page by clicking here.
The course features an ample marking system, with sprinkler heads measured to the center of the green, and 100, 150 and 200-yard markers on the fairways. Small flag indicate
front and back pin placements on these quick and true-rolling greens. We encountered many locals who walk the course and find nd it to be a reasonable and pleasant
experience. The tee areas are located in close proximity to the greens on the previous hole, and the elevation changes are gradual enough to make walking possible.
The opening hole at the Torch opens with a beautiful par four that bends left and plays downhill between rows of mature pines. The putting surface slopes off on the right side and
long. Number 2 presents a very narrow fairway with a water hazard on the right that runs along that side from 200 yards away. This is the number two handicap. Three is also very
tight. Even though it bends to the right, you must stay on the left side of the fairway to reach the green through a narrow opening on your third shot. From a slightly elevated tee box,
you will encounter a sloping fairway (left to right) on the par 4 fourth. There is a water hazard along the right and behind the green. After a pretty par three over water, we find a long
par five that provides an opportunity to grip it and rip it on the first 2 shots. The approach bends slightly left with the fairway depressed just in front of the green. See the first picture
at the top of this page for a view of the par three 7th. This is a gorgeous hole that is very score-able from the white tees - in fact it is the number 18 handicap. Eight is also visually
stunning as the elevated tee area provides spectacular views of Torch Lake, the condos and fairway below. Aim for the right side of the fairway, and be sure to take enough club on
the approach over the pond, front left of the green. The ninth hole is a sharp dogleg right, which demands a well placed tee shot, near the 150 marker. The approach is tight and
plays 1 club uphill, with the putting surface sloped front to back.
The first hole on the back 9 is quite stunning and is the number one handicap on this beautiful northern Michigan experience. An accurate tee shot must land near the 150-yard
marker on the top of the hill. The bend to the right is very gradual, and does not call for a cut. Left or center of the fairway presents the best approach to this beautiful green complex
at the bottom of the hill, just beyond a menacing pond. The eleventh features a long narrow, tree-lined fairway that opens up on the second shot. The approach bends to the right
with a ravine 40 yards out. A tight fairway on number twelve concludes a three-hole stretch that might be the toughest sequence on the course. Thirteen opens up somewhat, as
there is plenty of room near the large undulating green on this long par three. Aim over the right edge of the pond on the short par four 14th. The approach plays uphill, but this is
one of the best birdie opportunities of the layout. Number fifteen provides ample landing area off the tee but narrows and plays uphill on the approach, making this par five difficult
to reach in two. The left side of the fairway will present the best approach on the mid-range par four 16th that doglegs to the right. This is followed by another fairly long par three,
with the putting surface tucked tightly between trees and marsh areas. If you want to play it safe, short left is the place to be. The par 3's on the back are no bargain - par is a good
score on both of them. The finishing hole is a tough one - the longest par four on the course at 420 yards. It plays fairly straight, but there is a hidden pond on the left about 200
yards out.
A-Ga-Ming is a special place. We highly recommend a stay of a night or two (or longer) in their spacious and well-appointed condominiums. Refrigerators and stoves with all the
cooking and serving utensils are provided for in each room. Balconies are great viewing areas, and the accommodations are walking distance from the course and clubhouse.
Several high quality courses ( including the Chief and High Pointe - included in the Golf Traverse City Triple Play Package) are nearby, and fishing and swimming are available on
Torch Lake through public access. The A-Ga-Ming Torch course is fun to play and challenging for all levels of players, with slopes ranging from 124 to 133 and yardage
measuring up to 6693 yards (the whites play at 6283).
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.
Click here for a Review of Charlevoix Golf Club at A-Ga-Ming Resort
Click here for a Review of the Sundance Course at A-Ga-Ming Resort
Click here for a review of Antrim Dells at A-Ga-Ming Resort
Please click on the video below to play if it does not begin automatically.
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