Text: Greg Johnson
Tullymore Golf Resort, tucked north of Grand Rapids in Stanwood, Michigan, has taken land long carved by ancient glaciers and crafted two, part-72, world-class courses across hundreds of acres of woodlands and wetlands. Whether it is the meandering Tullymore designed by Jim Engh or the woven St. Ives crafted by Jerry Matthews, each course offers a unique look at the inherent landscape.
While Tullymore offers subtle undulations across more than 800 acres of woods, meadows, and wetlands; St. Ives brings the drama of vistas, elevation, and glacial-carved land.
The two courses also recently hosted the GAM Scramble State Championship and in addition to discussing missed putts and great shots, the competitors came off the course talking about the surrounding beauty near the Canadian Lakes area.
The GAM Scramble field witnessed just the start of color changes, and the reflection of the trees on the water that is near the second hole through the fourth hole, and winds up the side of the 18th hole, as well as other places on the Tullymore course. Peak colors are anticipated to paint the landscape in October.
“I bet in a few weeks when this explodes with colors it is amazing here,” said Mike Henderson of the winning team from Bloomfield Hills. “The GAM runs a great event, and this is a great host place. I really want to come back in a few weeks and play when the colors are at peak.”
While known for its stunning golf course experiences and lodging accommodations, Tullymore has also recently added indoor golf to its portfolio, and as a result, the game has become a year-round entertainment option with the debut of Tullymore’s Topgolf® Swing Suite. It features three simulators that include 84 golf course choices, comfortable lounge seating in a sports bar atmosphere, a private room for parties and events, HDTVs, and food and beverage service. It is in the St. Ives Golf Club clubhouse and can be rented for business and social gatherings, including birthday and bachelorette or bachelor parties.
Accommodations are plentiful at Tullymore and St. Ives, which are just a few miles apart. There is a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and two clubhouses with dining service options. The resort has won many awards in recent years, such as being named Michigan’s No. 1 Golf Resort and one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts in the U.S. in the 2010 Golf World Readers’ Choice Awards.
Photography by Nile Young Photography
