Loop Links, no. 19
Summertime Madness
I won’t commit to any set schedule for the next few weeks, as school has ended, my annual Up North golf trip starts tomorrow, and birthday parties are being planned. But not to worry, I’m still in the lab working on some stuff for the rest of summer.
To keep things moving this week, I’ve dug up some old stuff that highlights this weekend’s itinerary.
Wolf River
The idea of the single-cut fairway approach, where outside of tees and greens, all playing areas are either maintained as fairway, or left entirely unmaintained, has been looming large in my mind. It sounds like such a sensible idea for so many courses with acre and acres of mown rough, and I keep picturing courses where I would want to see it, like at the 9-hole executive club where I’m a member. I’ve needed to pump the brakes, though, as I haven’t actually golfed at any courses that use that method.
That ends this weekend, as I will be taking in the changes at Wolf River Golf Park with Steven Biehl. Biehl is the Golf Course Manager at Wolf River, and the man responsible for implementing not only the single-cut maintenance program, but also designing many of the other renovations made to the former Bear Lake Highlands course.
The changes have been met with positive reviews, and I hope to add my perspective soon. For now, catch up on the facelift with this story from last July:
The Beulah Trip
Wolf River will be a lead-in to my 3rd annual trip to the Beulah and Crystal Lake area. The trip is centered around Champion Hill, and includes rounds at Crystal Lake GC and Pinecroft. Champion Hill is the star of the area, which, back in 2021, emerged from many years of flying under the radar after a podcast by Andy Johnson of the Fried Egg that told the story of Champion Hill and its sister course Pinecroft.
Pinecroft and Champion Hill are less than 4 miles from each other, and both are less than 3 miles from Crystal Lake GC. Whereas Pinecroft and Champion Hill are family-built, inspired by nearby Crystal Downs CC and the writings of Alister MacKenzie, Crystal Lake is a more traditional course by Jerry and Bruce Matthews, but with a completely different vibe and target audience. The centerpiece of the clubhouse is a bar, behind which owner David Stapleton conducts all of his business, from booking tee times to slinging drinks. It’s a unique local hang, and I’ll be bringing you more on that story soon.
Perhaps most importantly, the increased attention on Champion Hill, specifically, has been a boon for all three courses and the area. I recently asked Stapleton if he was aware of how high Champion Hill’s stock has risen with golfers in the state, and if he’s noticed a difference in the past few years.
Yes. We are now on that tier. There are 3 courses within 5 miles. That’s pretty rare for this small of an area. I think we’ve all helped each other. They’re all small family like we are. They are good people, whenever I’ve dealt with them. Their layouts are beautiful. Our focus in our greens. When we’re mown and rolled and our greens are rolling fast, they’re some of the toughest in Northern Michigan.
Best of all, it’s one of the most affordable trips in Northern Michigan. Find out more details here:
The Loop
Depending on how my body feels, I might sneak in an extra round at Chestnut Hills, just a 20-minute drive down US-31. It’s listed in the Best Affordable Courses list by North Coast Golf Co. That’s a recommendation that I will take, as long as I can pace myself.
On the way home, I will continue my single-cut research by seeing it in action at The Loop. I’ll be playing on an even-numbered day, which I’m told means the Red course. I don’t need to tell you anything more about the Loop, obviously, as it’s had plenty of pub over the years. But if you’d like some reading material, check out Angela Moser’s connection to The Loop, and maybe learn about the work of some other female architects in Michigan while you are there.
As I mentioned in no. 17, Moser worked as Tom Doak’s lead associate at Pinehurst No. 10, which was in the spotlight last week during the U.S. Open. The best profile of Moser during the week came from Brendan Quinn of The Athletic. It’s behind a paywall, but you should probably be subscribed to the Athletic if you aren’t already. It’s pretty cheap, and full of good work.
Wolf River Golf Park - Crystal Lake GC - Pinecroft GC - Chestnut Hill (maybe) - Champion Hill (36) - The Loop
That seems like a pretty good Up North lineup, and, if you ignore one member on that list, a lot of affordable golf. It’s probably my last extended trip in this particular area for the foreseeable future, so let’s go out with a bang!
Unsubstantiated Rumor Mill
This has been quiet lately, so let’s get things churning a little bit. I want to know what folks are hearing about two places.
First, the oft-discussed third course (or fourth? or fifth?) at Forest Dunes. So many names have been thrown around here, most notably David McLay Kidd and Gil Hanse, but few details have come out, only rumors. The land is apparently North of the current Forest Dunes and Loop areas, and people seem to be heavily leaning towards Hanse as getting the gig. Will 2024 be the year that we hear some news? I’ll see if I can get anyone to talk while I’m there.
Second, the Kingsley Club. It was reported recently that the club was eying a nearby parcel of 520 acres to expand the property. The article details that the new land could hold a new driving range, new clubhouse, and possibly housing development. Buried deep in the details, however, was the possibility of more golf holes.
I’m not sure how that would work at club like this, which is much different than expanding a resort facility. What do we know about any of these details?
DM’s are open if you want to share some news. I won’t drop any info unless it’s been deemed safe. You can trust me… I promise!
If you had to choose between playing 36 holes at Wolf River or 18 at Pinecroft and 18 at Crystal Lake what would you choose? Champion Hill will be closed for aeration so unfortunately that won’t be an option.