US Airways - April 2014 - (Page 17)

explore Golf Fairways & Greens A Beautiful Challenge These Michigan courses are not to be overlooked. In fact, it would be nice to come back every summer. By Jeff Wallach PHOTOS (FROM TOP) COURTESY OF TREETOPS RESORT AND OSTEGO CLUB & RESORT I've heard much talk over the years about Gaylord, Michigan, America's so-called summer golf mecca. Somehow "the mitten" was one of few states I hadn't played golf in, so I was skeptical. But after visiting recently I'm a convert. Bring me some whitefish and a bowl of cherries, and I'll root for the Wolverines, Tigers, Lions, or whatever animal stakes a claim to the hearts of Michiganders if they'll just let me play more golf. The week before taking on the Black Forest Golf Club, I met with Tom Doak, course architect and a native of Michigan. He told my group that if we could get through the first four holes without falling apart, the rest of the day would prove easy. But 7-5-4-7 is not my debit card PIN: It's the doublebogey-par-triple that I recorded to start my round. Much of the trouble comes in the form of crazy lies, ★ even in the middle of fairways. Most players don't practice shots on uneven terrain, so the demands are enough to push you out of your comfort zone. The fun, if difficult layout is wellnamed. The holes route through the trees of a place known as Wilderness Valley. Few signs of civilization are visible, and the course seems to extend miles from the clubhouse (so no walking). Somehow, the trees seem taller and more foreboding than on other area courses. You'll swear they're closing in, like the Ents in Lord of the Rings, when you're not looking. Not far from Black Forest, local golf legend Rick Smith's Signature Course at the Treetops Resort weaves up and down the rugged wilderness and exudes the feel of a true mountain course. The par-70, 6,653-yard layout is punctuated by forests and subtle bunkers (135 of them, to be exact; my From top: Hole No. 2 at Signature Course at the Treetops Resort and the main lodge at the Tribute at Otsego Club & Resort usairwaysmag.com APRIL 2014 17 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - April 2014

Table of Contents
Perspective: CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know
Hot Spots: Bars and Restaurants with a View
Connections: Everybody's Business
Golf: Michigan
Gatherings: Grandover Resort, North Carolina
Gear Up: Travel Gear
Style Spotlight: Derby Duds
Great Escapes: Paladium Resorts
Great Tastes: Bonefish Grill
Travel Feature: Highway 30A, Florida
US Airways Feature: oneworld alliance
Make-A-Wish
Charlotte USA
Best of Living: Reef Residences
Santa Barbara: Culture Redefined
Best of Health: Miami Beach Foot & Ankle Surgery
Must Read: The Critical First Years of Your Professional Life
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Audio Entertainment
Video Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
oneworld alliance
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - April 2014