SUMMIT GOLF COURSE at Shanty Creek Resorts
Michigan golf course review
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 Reader's Survey, and Best Golf Resort in Michigan by The Detroit News Reader's Poll. Five18-hole championship layouts include the upscale 4-1/2 star Arnold Palmer
designed Legend, the spectacular Tom Weiskopf designed Cedar River, one of Michigan's long time top public courses Schuss Mountain, Hawk's Eye - one of the top 25 layouts
in the country, 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 the Shanty Creek Resorts website 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. The medium size putting surfaces are mildly
undulating, true rolling, and kept in very good condition. The terrain is similar to the other four courses, though not as dramatic. The tenth hole begins with a gentle dogleg left, the
eleventh and twelfth holes play over meadows to greens that are perched above deep valleys – a mild way to ease into the course. On eleven 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 do demand accuracy and a soft touch are found on holes 7 and 8, which happen to be the most memorable holes on the course as well.
The clubhouse here does double duty for the Legend course, and provides a pro shop stocked with golf attire and accessories, as well as Arnie's Grill, which offers grab-n-go
service 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 carts
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. Par 3 tees for juniors are also located on each hole of the course, approximately 100-150 yards away from the green.
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 includes golf on the Summit are some of the best available in Northern Michigan. The red flags you see on the Summit greens are not for foot golf – they are simply larger
holes for beginning golfers to use as an alternative – making the round easier and the game more enjoyable. I was tempted to use them myself! For more information on the
course, visit our page for the Summit by clicking here.
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