Trip in a glance: This northern Michigan golf trip ran seven days and 166 holes, split across two group segments (16 players for the first half, roughly 40 on the second). The trip saw mostly sunny weather with one round shortened by lightning; there was no sustained rain. If you’re evaluating whether a large-group, weeklong run fits your plans, these core numbers and cost figures should help you decide.
Trip snapshot and key numbers
Scale and people: seven days, 166 holes total; about 16 players on the first segment, roughly 40 on the second. Weather: the week was predominantly sunny and dry, but one afternoon produced lightning that forced a round to stop after 15 holes — a safety shutdown rather than prolonged soaking rain. No arrests, no serious injuries, though one rental-home issue occurred when a hot water tank leaked (reported by a participant who asked to be identified as “Mrs. Screencaps”).
Costs and packages: the group used bundled packages at two resorts. The Shanty Creek package was cited at $430 for two nights and four rounds, and a Garland package was cited at $530 for three nights, four rounds plus an extra round on The Sawyer. These figures came from participants on the trip and the original account of the run; your prices will vary with season and group size.
Best courses and the party scene
The Bear (Traverse City) stood out as the top-rate test for players on this itinerary. A Jack Nicklaus design, it challenges with deep bunkers and long carries; several participants noted it rewards conservative strategy more than heroics. Shanty Creek Resort (Bellaire) and Garland Golf Resort tied for the best party vibe: Shanty Creek’s ski-village ambience and on-site Short’s Brewery activities create a lively scene, while Garland’s clubhouse, tiki-hut bar and patio service made it feel like a private lodge for a large group. Dave Sanderson, who runs Garland, was thanked by several players for helping accommodate tee-time logistics and group dining (as reported by participants).
How to plan a northern Michigan golf trip
If you’re planning a northern Michigan golf trip, start with group size and the time of year. Peak season runs from late May through early September; weekday tee times and off-peak weeks give the best chance for group blocks and lower rates. For a trip this scale, book lodging and tee times months in advance — many groups secure blocks 8–12 weeks ahead, and popular weekend dates fill earlier.
Costs: look for bundled packages like the $430 and $530 examples reported on this trip, but shop around for midweek or multi-round discounts. When comparing quotes, confirm what’s included (cart fee, taxes, resort fees) and ask about group deposits and cancellation windows. If riders in carts matter for your group, call the pro shop early to confirm rider policies: cart shortages and rider limits have been reported by locals and participants on this trip, and course policies can change with demand. Treat those comments as reported, not independently verified.
Logistics tip: split responsibilities — one person handles lodging and deposits, another man-ages tee times and cart confirmations, and a third coordinates food and transport. For long days, schedule a social or reversible course (The Sawyer worked well for our group) as an easy night-round to reset the group energy.
Food, bars and course perks
Food and beverage choices can sway where big groups play. Garland’s hanger steak and firecracker shrimp were repeatedly praised by the group; at Shanty the bar’s steak bites and Short’s Brewery sandwiches (including a noted white pepper sandwich) kept energy high between rounds. On-course tiki bars, beer huts and reliable cart fleets matter: they change logistics for a 40-person group and help avoid delays.
When booking group meals, ask about private dining rooms and set-menu options to keep service punctual. Several participants recommended pre-ordering main courses for post-round dinners when you have tight schedules and a large table to serve.
Local trends, risks and quick tips
Several local trends surfaced in conversations with players and staff. Cart shortages and related rider restrictions were mentioned repeatedly by locals and participants; again, this is reported chatter and should be confirmed with any course you plan to play. A separate topic raised by some attendees was concern about smart meters on rental properties; that concern was anecdotal and unverified by this reporting.
Household hiccups: a leaking hot water tank at our rental was handled by a local manager, which underscored the value of using a property with an on-call host. This hot water tank failure was reported by a participant (labeled above as Mrs. Screencaps) and not independently confirmed by The Nonstop News.
Practical packing and health tips: bring layers for temperature swings, sun protection for long afternoons, bug spray for damp mornings, and a small first-aid kit for blisters or minor knocks. Add a phone charger and a group chat to coordinate rides and pairings through the day.
By the numbers
- 166 holes played across seven days
- 16 players in the first segment; ~40 in the second
- $430 — example Shanty Creek package (2 nights, 4 rounds) reported by participants
- $530 — example Garland package (3 nights, 4 rounds + The Sawyer) reported by participants
What comes next
For groups planning now: lock lodging and group tee times several months out, confirm cart and rider policies in writing, and build one easy social round into the schedule to help the group recover between intense days. Consider working with a local host or course contact to streamline logistics and avoid surprises like the rental-house emergency we experienced.
FAQ
- How much does a northern Michigan golf trip cost per person?
- Expect package deals in roughly the $400–$600 range per person for bundled nights and rounds if you split rooms and use group packages. On this trip the two main packages cited were $430 and $530 for the listed stays and rounds; individual prices vary with season and occupancy.
- Which course is the best to play in northern Michigan?
- On this itinerary The Bear (Traverse City) was the standout for pure golf challenge — a Jack Nicklaus design with demanding bunkers and strategy. Shanty Creek and Garland are recommended if you want strong nightlife and group amenities alongside golf.
- Are carts available for riders or are there limits?
- Some courses have been reported to limit riders due to cart shortages; that was local chatter on this trip. Always call the pro shop ahead to confirm rider policies for your specific dates.
Source attribution: This article is based on first-person reporting from the northern Michigan golf trip and an original account published at Fox News/OutKick. Anecdotal claims in this piece — including cart shortages, smart-meter concerns and the rental hot-water-tank issue — are reported by participants and local contacts and have not been independently verified by The Nonstop News.
