Tour de fairways and greens - The Golf Explorer

Text: Brenna Buckwald // Photography: Brian Walters, Nile Young, Courtesy of HawksHead Links Golf Course

Part II of III

In this continued series, The Golf Explorer: Michigan’s Journal to Incredible Golf Magazine has assembled a list of golf courses around Michigan, for both the beginner and experienced golfer alike to help them discover new ways to enjoy the game or simply reconnect with an old favorite.

Tullymore Golf Resort

11969 TULLYMORE DR | STANWOOD, MICHIGAN

“Tullymore [Golf Resort] is frequently ranked as one of the top 100 courses in the country, and just the overall experience and atmosphere you’re going to get here between the two courses being so uniquely different from one another, but also both so playable and enjoyable for any level of golfer is unique,” said Matt Golden, chief executive officer and general manager at Tullymore Golf Resort.

Both the 18-hole St. Ives and the 18-hole Tullymore at Tullymore Golf Resort give guests the opportunity to have two distinct golf experiences onsite, while also enjoying the resort’s other amenities during their golf trip.

“I think that the differences between the two courses is one of the most unique things here. You’re going to play a more wooded, hilly course over at St. Ives, and over at Tullymore you’ve got a little more room to work but a lot more action on the ground with our trademark deep bunkers and the approach to some of the shots that you have to figure out,” Golden said.

First opened in 1995, the St. Ives course was designed by golf course architect Jerry Matthews. Carved out of glacial till, the par-72 course reaches dramatic elevation changes of 40- to 80-feet, allowing golfers to meander through mystic woodlands, sprawling wetlands, and rugged highlands, taking in the scenic landscape as they play through the course.

One of the more popular holes on St. Ives is the par-4, hole number 14, which tests how straight and accurate one can hit onto the narrow landing pad, and challenges golfers to display a lengthy carry over wetlands to land on the green.

At St. Ives course, a driving range that can accommodate up to 15 golfers allows people to warm up before beginning a round, as well as a separate chipping and putting practice area for short-game practice.

Designed by golf course designer Jim Engh, Tullymore is a par-72 course first opened to the public in 2002. Weaving its way through roughly 800 acres of woods, meadows, and wetlands with subtle undulations throughout, golfers can test their skills on greens that vary in shape and size and adapt their game to their personal abilities with multiple tee sets at each hole.

A driving range sized for 22 golfers and a separate practice area for chipping and putting await those who would like to hone their skills at Tullymore course.

Along with utilizing each onsite practice facility at the courses at Tullymore, guests looking for one-on-one assistance can book a golf lesson with one of Tullymore’s PGA golf professionals for a lesson individualized to their needs.

“A visit to Tullymore and St. Ives really comes down to an overall experience. It can be enjoyed for a group of two going out for a round of golf during the day or a group of up to eight or 24 looking to stay at some onsite lodging, take advantage of our restaurants, and making a weekend trip out of it,” Golden said.

At Tullymore, there is an abundance of lodging options to fit the needs of any group—including a range of styles, amenities, and the size of the space. Guests can choose between a classic hotel stay or booking a condominium or cottage for larger groups.

The two onsite restaurants, the Tap Room at Tullmore and the St. Ives Grille, also provide onsite options for those guests who want to socialize, grab drinks, and dine without having to leave resort property. A shuttle is also provided to transport between the two golf courses and overnight accommodations to offer a relaxed, worry-free trip.

“2021 was a great year, especially coming out of 2020,” Golden said. “It ended up being a great season for daily play golf, but it was also nice to see some of our groups return and get back together for their annual golf trips. We look forward to that in 2022 as well. We are looking forward to the Canadian border being reopened and welcoming our guests back from Canada who weren’t able to join us in 2021 or 2020.”

HawksHead Links Golf Course

523 HAWKS NEST DR | SOUTH HAVEN, MICHIGAN

A course that ranges from a 4,960-yard game marked at gold-colored tees to a 7,003-yard, par-72 layout marked by the championship tees, the HawksHead Links Golf Course, designed by golf architect Arthur Hills, allows guests to play in a variety of ways.

At HawksHead Links’ practice facility, golfers can perfect their swing with the assistance of certified instructors, on the full-size driving range, chipping green with bunkers, and the putting green.

Not only do guests of HawksHead Links’ golf course and country club get an adaptable game of golf and practice, but they can also make the most of their golf trip while staying onsite. Restored from an elegant Old English Tudor Mansion, The Inn at HawksHead sits near the course, the interior featuring nine rooms influenced by old world décor. Tucked on the back nine of HawksHead Links course, two GoldenHawk Cottages offer more spacious accommodations for larger groups, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as a common area kitchen and dining room.

In-between rounds, golfers can grab a bite to eat at the HawksHead restaurant, located inside the Inn at HawksHead, which offers an old-time atmosphere and varied menu for lunch and dinner inside the pub. In the dining room, guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine inside a space wrapped in understated elegance, perfect for a dinner for two or more intimate gatherings. From either space, people dining can look out floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views of the woods and links.