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By House
This scenic northern Michigan course in Lake Ann hosts 27 championship holes. The three courses are patriotically named Red, White, and Blue. When I first played this course, it was for one of my best friend’s bachelor party. Playing just 18 that day, we were rewarded with the Blue and then the Red course. We did all the fun little games: greenies, skins, even guess your score, and the closest one who gets it wins. I played dynamite and won many skins that day.
I played again recently and am still just as impressed. The staff is remarkable. We were supposed to play the same course sequence (Blue to Red) so I asked if there was any way I could play the Whites after the Blues (which is my personal favorite) and was told to come in after the first 9 to see if it would be possible. Without an inkling of my Weekend Warrior Golfer status, this request was still later graciously obliged.
| #1 |
BLUE COURSE- Starts with a short slightly downhill par 4. I had a tap in par after missing my birdie putt to the high side. |
| #4 |
I hit to the back of the green with a wind-assisted tee shot. Keep in mind that the wind does play a factor into many the holes. |
| #5 |
This downhill sloping green is slick as ice. I felt lucky to walk away with a bogey. |
| #6 |
Gorgeous hole! Shaped like a U if looking at the hole from the side. You tee off high, hitting down over a pond and onto a hill, leaving you with a nice uphill second shot. Take one extra iron on your second shot, because this plays longer than the marker indicates. |
| #8 |
This is the course architect's signature hole. Play it from the blue tees to really get the true experience of this wonderful three-tiered green. |
| #9 |
I crushed a drive close to 300 yards and almost in the water. It left me with a very short second shot over the pond to the green where the pin was up front. Nice finishing hole to end a great series of holes. |
| #10 |
WHITE COURSE-
This nine is actually located across Sweet Lake road. You will get there via a tunnel under the road. It is a very beautiful piece of property, but the first few holes are pretty forgettable.
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| #11 |
Double check your yardage on this par 3 water hole. On our day, it was playing almost 20 yards shorter than the card stated. |
| #13 |
I felt a nice Little House on the Prairie vibe due to the beautiful meadow that looms beyond the green. |
| #15 |
My father-in-law and I stood at the tee box for a few moments staring at the fairway, the scorecard, the flip map on the cart, and hawks in the sky to figure out where we wanted our tee shot to land. Because I was back to playing bogey golf, I decided to add some fun and play a little risky shooting over the left row of trees to put it up next to the green. He played it the more recommended 200 yards down the fairway to the backside for a nice approach shot to the green. I carried the trees but was stymied behind a willow that guards the left of the green. After punching out to chip it close, I realized the risk/ reward wasn't worth the hassle. Attack this pin from the right. |
| #16 |
This is another special hole. You want to hit a tee shot about 215 yards to the right side of the fairway to give you a good look at the green. Your second shot needs to carry some wetlands to an elevated green. Like every hole on this course, once you get to the green the fun has just begun. |
| Some greens are fast and some have more movement than you think. Mistwood has some of the finest greens northern Michigan has to offer. There is a reason this course is on so many lists of courses to play. It really will challenge you as a golfer and rewards you if you are striking the ball well. |
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| 1) |
Fee Factor
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19
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| I actually think they should charge more. You probably won't see me write that too often, so keep that in mind. |
| 2) |
Friendliness Factor
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19
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| The older staff was exceptional. The starter was extremely friendly while the gentleman in the pro shop made a point to thank me for coming in to play and asked me where I was from. There are some very warm and friendly folks here. |
| 3) |
Fringe Factor
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17
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| Provided is a practice range (with sand), and two putting greens (2nd one is located across the street by the White course). The pro shop is small but very nice and had good deals on most items. I regrettably didn't have time to see the banquet area or to try their food. |
| 4) |
From 1st Tee to Handshake Factor
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18
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| Some really memorable and entertaining holes at Mistwood. Anyone who plays it will find a few that they will remember forever. |
| 5) |
Fun Factor
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18
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| Having played both rounds on fantastic summer days, with great friends and family, it is hard to have anything but praise for this northern Michigan gem! |
Website: http://www.mistwoodgolf.com/golf/
Check out the Where to section: for places to eat, drink, and stay around northwest Michigan including the Sunset Bar & Grill.
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