Manistee National Golf & Resort

Tucked away amidst towering pine trees and ancient oaks lies a golf resort that may not be on many golfers' radar. But then again, Manistee National isn't your typical golf resort. By comparison, it's small; a 42-room Inn, a lounge, a full-service restaurant, and two golf courses (actually 2 ½ with the recent addition of The Short Course). But what this Michigan golf resort lacks in size, it more than makes up for in service, aesthetics, and playability.

Manistee National is about 2 hours north of Grand Rapids in an area best known for its natural beauty. This explains why you'll have incredible views of the Northern Michigan scenery everywhere you turn. It's often called the "Salt City" because of its salt industry and factories on Lake Manistee. Tourism and fishing are also big industries, and with golf resorts like Manistee National, it may soon be a popular golf destination. It already is for those who know about it!

The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including standard "hotel" rooms and several cottages. The cottages are a refreshing alternative with much more space, privacy, and comfort. The Maxwell Cottage is a modern farmhouse that can sleep up to 20 guests. It overlooks the pond on the 18th hole of the Retreat and has one of the best sunset views in the state. The MacKenzie Cottage features award-winning architecture with space for up to 16 guests. It sits off the 17th green, with nearly a 360° view of the property from the main floor and a deck patio off the kitchen facing west. The Jones Cottage offers clean, modern accommodations for up to twelve guests. Its two living rooms, dining tables, and five bedrooms make it ideal for large groups or family trips.

For most visitors, it's all about the golf, and Manistee National now offers 45 fantastic holes and a practice putting green in front of the Inn, where a lot of money changes hands! The newest edition - The Short Course - is a nine-hole, par 3 course with four sets of tees and no hole longer than 138 yards from the back tees. Its conditioning and quality are the same as the two championship courses, and management has spared nothing in creating this mini-masterpiece!

Don't let the short length fool you; these holes will test your mettle. There's a considerable amount of elevation change and long, wispy fescue grasses that will grab your club and send the ball God knows where. Several bunkers have wooden bulkheads in front, making bunker shots more intriguing. But what sets this course apart are the greens. The fifth green would make Jack Nicklaus blush. The green has a couple of large mounds running through it; if you're familiar with a Biarritz green, this is Biarritz on steroids. Find yourself at the bottom of the swales, and you're looking at a long putt that will have to rise about 8 feet. The Short Course is challenging and can be enjoyed by any level of golfer.

The Retreat was the first golf course built at Manistee National. It was designed by renowned Michigan golf course architect Gary Pulsipher and offers four sets of tees with yardages that range from 4,778 to 6,517 yards. There's also a 5th "hybrid" yardage listed on the scorecard. I found that the White Tees (6,127/129) provided a fitting challenge. The Retreat winds its way through white pine and ancient oak forests. You'll find generous fairways with only a handful of forced carries. Wetlands, marshes, trees, and green-side bunkers hinder your progress as you approach the medium-sized Bentgrass greens. Many holes are tree-lined on both sides, so keeping the ball in play is a must. Each hole is a new and enjoyable adventure. The Retreat will test low handicappers yet still allow less-accomplished players to enjoy themselves.

The two finishing holes were my favorite. Number 17 is a 121-yard par 3 and is all carry over water. The small green is angled and protected by a sand trap between the left side and the water. The finishing hole is a short par 4 that doglegs left around a lake. At 284 yards from the White Tees, longball hitters who can hit a draw may be able to reach the green. Since that does not include me, I aimed at the fairway bunker and left myself a short pitch shot into the green. Although it wasn't so that day, I was told that the 18th hole usually plays dead into a prevailing wind, which will determine your club selection.

Michigan native and golf course architect Jerry Matthews designed the Revenge and transformed a naturally beautiful piece of real estate into one of the most outstanding golf courses in Michigan. From the Back Tees, The Revenge has one of the highest slope ratings in the state at 149. Thankfully for us shorter hitters, there are five sets of tees with yardages that range from 4,571 to 6,321 yards. I found the White Tees at 5,819 yards provided a great challenge and still let me leave with a little dignity!

To score well on The Revenge, you must think your way around the course. Several holes require forced carries over marshes and wetlands off the tee and into the green, so picking the right set of tees to play from will produce the most enjoyment. There are several blind shots, and the rolling topography of the land can leave some interesting lies. Many greens feature open fronts, allowing for the senior-favorite bump-and-run shot. Ridges in the Bentgrass greens create some interesting undulations, and the pin placements can make for some tricky putts. They are in immaculate condition and roll quick and true!

Once again, the two finishing holes are burned into my memory; they are two of the toughest three holes on the back 9. Number 17 is a straightaway Par 4, playing 371 from the White Tees. You'll need to carry the wetlands on the right and avoid them as you approach the green. Finding the fairway off the tee is essential, so you may want to consider hitting a 3-wood or hybrid. That will leave a mid to short iron into a small, elevated green protected by a large bunker front right.

The 18th hole is a 372-yard par 4 and requires a very long carry over water and wetlands onto a fairway that isn't that deep. Your approach shot is into a long, skinny green with 2 bunkers behind the green. They are mainly for aesthetic value; however, if you find yourself in any of them, good luck!

Before your round, be sure to warm up on the practice range. Manistee National has some impressive practice facilities, which include a full-length driving range with hitting mats and grass-hitting areas, a short game area with a practice bunker, and putting greens.

In addition to great golf, Manistee National has some incredible food options. The Grille serves gourmet-caliber meals that won't leave you hungry. With entrees like Pike Perch Filets, Kentucky Chicken, and Pasta Bandito, this is not your typical clubhouse food. For something a little more "low-key," The Lounge offers Detroit-style pizza, baked in a square blue steel pan and smothered in cheese and your favorite toppings. You can pick your toppings or opt for one of Manistee National's house specialties like Pineapple Express or Chicken Bacon Ranch. There's also a full-service bar where you can enjoy your favorite adult beverage along with that special pie. On weekdays, breakfast is also served at the Inn. It's a typical continental breakfast, with cereals, bagels, muffins, juices, fruit, and outstanding coffee! Weekends are a little different, with a full breakfast buffet served in the clubhouse at The Grille.

Should you find yourself needing to burn some unused energy after that big meal or the need to stretch out before your round, the Fitness Center is open from 6 AM - 10 PM and offers a good selection of cardio and weight training equipment. With treadmills, stationary bikes, dumbbells, and a rowing machine, you'll find more than enough equipment to keep you busy. After your workout - or round - submerge yourself in Manistee National's indoor and outdoor pools and hot tub, where you can soothe those aching, tired muscles before you go back out tomorrow and do it all over again!

For more information on Manistee National Golf & Resort or to book your next stay-and-play package, visit them online at www.manisteenational.com.