 THE RIDGE (989) 732-4454
Michigan Golf Course Review
Note: The Ridge Golf Club and resort are now part of the Loon golf resort – with stay and play packages featuring 2 distinctive resort properties and 3 golf courses – The Loon, The
Lakes and The Ridge.
Looking for a quiet, secluded golf getaway, with a championship course and all the amenities of a family resort? The Ridge at the Loon Resort fits the bill. On property is a vast
number of accommodations options - from quaint guest rooms 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 Ridge practice facility rivals that of any property in the Gaylord area.
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 visible 150 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 the 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 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, The 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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