Grayling is located in the heart of Northern Michigan and is easily accessible by freeways, earning it the nickname, “Gateway to the North”. For golfers, it is also considered the gateway to Northern Michigan’s golfing. With three of the top-rated, award-winning courses in the United States, and located within an hour’s drive of another 30 courses, Grayling is unsurpassed in providing the ultimate in golfing adventures that will please even the most serious golfers.
The Gateway to Northern Michigan Golfing
- Forest Dunes; (989)275-0700; 6376 Forest Dunes Drive, Roscommon MI 48653
- The Patriot: (989)348-4343; 5825 West 4 Mile Rd
- Grayling Country Club: (989)348-5618; located on I-75 Business Loop
Forest Dunes –Surrounded by 400,000 acres of lush forest, Forest Dunes offers three nationally ranked golf courses. The Forest Dunes course is a Tom Weiskopf-designed course featuring two distinct “nines.” The front is typical parkland golf with tree-lined fairways while the back opens to native wasteland formed by glacial sand deposits. The Loop is a one-of-a-kind reversible course that opened in 2016 and is two courses in one – the Red and the Black. Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, golfers play in a counter clockwise direction as the Red routing one day and then a clockwise direction as the Black routing the next. Using the same 18 greens and fairways, the courses play as two distinct courses when played in the different directions. The Loop is an English heathland style with firm, fescue fairways, interesting green complexes and rugged bunkering and the best strategy is a bump-and-run style of play. Guests are also able to enjoy our 10-hole short course, Bootlegger. Only a couple of clubs are needed as the holes range between 50 and 150 yards. There’s a laid back vibe as 16 speakers play music throughout your round and groups are not limited to just foursomes, you may play with up to 12 golfers in your group. Many guests even kick off their shoes and play barefoot. Your greens fee is a daily rate so play the Bootlegger multiple times if there is availability. Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult on the Bootlegger. There are several types of lodging available on property, including a lodge with standard rooms and suites, villas and luxury cottages. Our restaurant and outdoor covered Bootlegger Bar provide the perfect atmosphere for a nice meal after your round.
The Patriot: (989)348-4343; 5825 West 4 Mile Rd.
The 18-hole course in Grayling abounds in the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. The course is known for its pristine greens, a traditional yet challenging layout, and its superb and helpful staff. The Patriot is rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and includes practice and warm up areas to work on your driving, chipping and putting.
Grayling Country Club: (989)348-5618; located on I-75 Business Loop
The prestigious Grayling Country Club, set along the alluring AuSable River, serves about 200 club members each year. The 70 par course, which opened in 1924 is open to the public, has a 68.9 USGA rating. The course is painstakingly maintained and kept in top-notch condition including lush greens and stunning landscaping. They offer 3 sets of tees, 2 for the men and one for the ladies. The lively clubhouse is also open to the public for food and refreshments, including a fine dining menu on Friday nights and a daily lunch and buffet open during the golfing season.
Grayling is a favorite tourist spot and is the Gateway for the extraordinary golfing experiences available in Northern Michigan. The golfing opportunities in the area have something to offer for any ability, from beginners to pros, including families hoping to share the passion of golf with their children. Golfers will discover superb lodging facilities and quaint shopping districts within minutes of most courses. Make plans to golf Grayling soon for an experience second to none.
