Text: Kassandra Olschanski // Photography: Black Lake Golf Club, Brian Walters Photography, Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau
Gaylord, Michigan is home to some of the best golf courses in Michigan and what better way to experience those luxury courses than by entering the Ultimate Golf Giveaway contest for a chance to win a golf vacation for four. The giveaway is sponsored by the Gaylord Golf Mecca, a division of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, in which residents across the nation have the chance to be selected in a random drawing as the Grand Prize Winner for a vacation of four featuring three nights of lodging, six round of golf, and two breakfast and two dining experiences
Christy Walcott, director of marketing and communications for Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, said many of the winners are first-time travelers to the Gaylord Golf Mecca, which gives them the opportunity to find out exactly what the area has to offer guests and community residents alike.
“They will experience different lodging, and dining options during their stay, along with six unique Mecca member courses. The courses vary each year, but recipients can look forward to the variety and quality the Mecca is known for, from immaculate greens with a parkland-style setting to courses built into valleys with dramatic elevation changes. The winner and their three guests are truly treated to a golfer’s dream getaway,” Walcott said. “The Gaylord Golf Mecca is a distinct location due to the quantity and quality of exceptional golf offered in our area.”
One of those locations, Treetops Resort, sits on 3,300 acres of land, offering 238 newly renovated rooms, 81 holes of championship golf, and award-winning dining, among more. Another destination overlooking the beautiful Sturgeon River Valley is Otsego Resort, which offers log cabin vacation rentals, award-winning cuisine, and two championship courses known as The Classic and The Tribute designed by William H. Diddel and Rick Robbins in collaboration with Gary Koch, respectively. At Indian River Golf Club, players can find a walkabout layout with a variety of tees, tree-lined fairways, and food at The Greenside Grille. These are just a few of the options available to visitors in the Gaylord, Michigan area.
“Our 17 area courses offer outstanding conditions, opportunities for all skill levels, from the novice to expert, varying price points to fit all budgets and the warm hospitality Northern Michigan is known for,” Walcott said. “Our location creates the perfect golf season, too. Our comfortable summer temperatures are a break from southern heat, and the sun sets late during our peak season, allowing for extended play into the evening hours. Whether visiting for a weekend or week-long getaway, guests will experience some of the finest courses in the Midwest during their stay in the Mecca.”
The current deadline for the contest for this year is September 30th, with the winner for this year selected around October 15, 2021. Once they are contacted, the Grand Prize winner will be announced and preparation for the next year’s contest will begin on October 1, 2021.
“This contest generates more traffic to our website, which features all 17 Gaylord Golf Mecca courses, 21 lodging members, stay-and-play packages, and area attractions,” Walcott said. “Our website offers a detailed description of each course, along with photos, providing guests with the information they need to select the courses that will best fit their needs. Numerous packages are also available with a multitude of lodging options and price points.”
