ST. IVES GOLF CLUB AT TULLYMORE GOLF RESORT (231-972-4837)
Michigan Golf Course Review
St. Ives Golf Club is a unique golf facilty that earned Michigan's #1 Golf Resort (Golf World – Readers Choice 2010) Other awards include " Top 50 Golf Resorts in the U.S. (Golf
World – Readers Choice 2010)", "Silver Medal Winner-Premier Resorts 2010-The Best Destination in Golf (Golf Magazine 2010)", "Top 100 Golf Facilities for Women (Golf for
Women 1999, 2000, 2002) and "Top 100 Golf shops" (Golf World Business 1999,2000,2002) and the elusive 5-Star rating from Golf Digest Places to Play in 2000/2001 - one of
only 15 courses in the country to be honored as such. The course is one of two on the Tullymore Golf Resort property, with the other being Tullymore – voted Top 15 Greatest
Public & Resort Courses in America (Golf Digest 2007-2010)! This one-two punch is perhaps the best that can be found in the Midwest. Each course has its own grass range and
large practice green. For more info on the Tullymore Golf Resort and for golf package and accommodation's pricing, click here.
It is worth it to arrive early and take in the atmosphere at this revered golf club, which includes a clubhouse that provides a beautiful pro shop, restaurant/lounge with outdoor patio
, banquet and conference facilities. The range at St. Ives Golf Course is spacious, as is the beautiful practice green that rests within arm's length of the outdoor terrace.
The golf course presents outstanding panoramic views, with the features changing it seems, every few holes. Numbers 3 through 7 for instance feature elevated tee areas playing
to fairways resting in valley floors amongst mature hardwoods and pines, with raised greens waiting at the end of each hole. The 14th through 17th holes are situated amongst
lakes and natural areas that are teaming with wildlife, with wide sweeping vistas available at every tee and green and gorgeous residential properties dotting the landscape.
Throughout the layout, one will encounter outstanding conditioning from tee to green, with lushly landscaped fairways and tee boxes, and large undulating putting surfaces that
putt quick and true. Beginning with the first hole, you will need your "A" game to beat your handicap here.
As one would expect from a world class golf course, and also evidenced by the award bestowed on St Ives as women friendly, the layout provides four sets of tees that are
thoughtfully designed to facilitate the games of a wide range of abilities. The black tees measure 6247 yards and slope out at 140, creating a challenging and memorable
experience for top notch golfers. The blues measure 6207 and play to a formidable 131 slope, while the white tees have a 124 slope and 5707 yards of distance. Average golfers
and especially high handicappers not used to elevation changes and sloping fairways may opt for the white tees, which present no par fours longer than 394 yards. The gold tees
are a reasonable 4821 yards with a 120 slope. No matter which tee you choose, we expect you will be pretty much blown away by this incredible golfing environment.
On course golfers will find St Ives wonderfully marked, with the Kirby yardage system in place (measurements every 25 yards for 200 in - 250 on par fives), and with tee boxes that
are also measured to the center of the green. Hole diagrams are posted at each tee area, and yardage diagram books are available and are recommended. Pin placement
sheets are provided for on each cart, which also include a weather guard to shield clubs during inclement conditions.
Warm up and be prepared for the opening hole, one of the most beautiful (and also one of the most challenging) beginning holes in Michigan golf. Repeat visitors will be aware of
the ridge that drops down past the 175 yard marker. Off the tee golfers will have the choice of laying up as close to the end of the fairway as possible, or driving through to the lower
level near the 100 yard marker. The latter play is not recommended, but men will be men. Land in between and you may find a horrendous downhill lie. The approach is to a
gorgeous green complex flanked by bunkers and trees, with a natural area short left. The par three 2nd must carry this marsh, though there is ample room all around the green.
Number three plays from an elevated tee with the left center providing an advantageous landing area for the uphill approach. The par five 4th turns sharply left near the 250 yard
marker and is best played as a three shot hole by most golfers. Five bends in the opposite direction and demands that the tee shot on this short but tight four par lands within the
100 yard area. Anything short will be blocked by trees on the uphill approach. One of the most score-able holes on the course follows. Avoid the line of bunkers on the right and the
par four sixth presents a good birdie opportunity. Tee shots landing at the 200 or 250 yard markers will find the preferred landing areas off the tee on the par five 7th, which
presents a challenging fairway complex featuring three separate levels. Prior course knowledge comes in handy here. Long is better than short on the par three 8th, which
demands a carry over a natural area, with some room to the left and behind the green. The finishing hole on the front looks daunting from the tee areas, as the narrow twisting
fairway leaves little room for error. A shot placed to the 150 area right of center is the safe play, although long hitters may be tempted to navigate the marsh and play for birdie.
The back side opens with a downhill par four that doglegs left with a wetland on that side preventing most golfers from trying to cut the corner. Eleven is a pretty par five that is tight
off the tee, but opens up from 150 yards in, as it plays to an elevated green complex flanked by sand bunkers. The fairway is narrow and the green is also raised on 12, which
precedes a beautiful par three fronted by a pond that comes into play just short of the green. Wetlands and lakes come into play on the next several holes, beginning with a long
par four that presents a water hazard along the left off the tee, and a marsh that comes into play past the 150 yard marker. A considerable carry over another natural area is called
for on 15, with the 100-125 area just right of the tall oak the preferred spot. The views from this area are spectacular. The 16th green is bordered by water in front and back,
creating the need for accurate club selection. There is some bail out room to the left of this gorgeous par three. The tee shot on 17 is a bit intimidating, as trees flank the left side
and water is waiting to the right. There is more room left of center than appears however, and this is where we recommend you place your tee shot. If you cannot hit it there, simply
walk past the tree line and take a free drop on us...There is plenty of room to be long on the approach, and a pitch or chip from the hillside is better than attempting an up and
down from the water hazard. Stay out of the back yards however - as these folks are paying pretty good money to enjoy some of the most spectacular vistas available in Michigan
golf. The tight, tree lined fairway on 18 invites a tee shot to the 170 yard area, or past the 150 marker along this tiered terrain. From 130 yards you will be playing uphill along a
snake-like path - with a picturesque view from behind the green.
Well - lots of photos here... sorry but we could not help ourselves. This is a gorgeous golf course that is immaculately conditioned, with upscale amenities and that truly make this
property deserving of a five star rating. How a 5-star course loses-1/2 a star over a short period is a mystery to us, but anyone who plays here is in for a spectacular golfing
experience... For information on the resort courses click on the link provided in the opening paragraph of this review, and click here for an informational page for the St Ives Golf
Club. This property is well worth the drive - and with the opportunity to also play Tullymore and to experience the upscale resort make this one of Michigan's premier golf destinations!
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