By Bill Semion
If you’re in a golfing family searching for that out-of-the-ordinary course to call your own, you just might find it in the pine forests of East Michigan, a few long drives north of the tiny vacation community of Roscommon.
Tucked in the pines and bordering the famed Mason Wilderness Tract, Forest Dunes is an uncommon find in Michigan’s long list of public golf course choices. If you’re a golfer, you’ll be blown away by your discovery, never expecting what you’ll find, and even if you’re not a golfer but with someone who is, there is plenty to do here while your companion is on the links.
After entering the grounds and meandering your vehicle along a the pine-shaded road, prepare to be stunned with a clubhouse that looks as if it were airlifted straight from Scotland.
The massive 22,000-square-foot stone and wood structure looks over an artful 18-hole course designed by none other than Tom Weiskopf, who carefully cut into the surrounding red and jack pine woodlands while incorporating the natural landscape and dotting it with Scottish-style mounded fairways and plenty of sand to get you in trouble, hence its name.
Each hole of the par 72, 7,141-yard course is named, with the first appropriately called Eagle’s Perch, named for the majestic birds golfers often see cruising above. In fact, you’ll see more bald eagles and other winged creatures than you probably thought, too. In 2003, Forest Dunes was certified as the first Gold Audubon Signature sanctuary in Michigan, one of just 16 worldwide. And somewhere along the way, you’ll also probably hear that the grounds weren’t always so genteel. The surrounding woods sported an earlier nefarious history, as a hangout and getaway for Detroit’s infamous Purple Gang in the 1920s.
Since Forest Dunes opened for golf, the accolades for this relatively undiscovered Troon-managed course have mounted up, starting with being named the top best new upscale golf course in American by Golf Digest in 2003, and continuing in 2009, when it was listed as the No. 2 best course in America by GolfWeek Magazine, and a 4 ½-star rating as one of the Best Places to Play by Golf Digest in 2008-09.
Inside its beautifully appointed locker rooms, you’ll see some of the names who’ve discovered the club. They include Detroit Red Wings great Steve Yzerman and former Visteon CEO and Ford Vice Chairman Peter Pestillo among them.
Also on the grounds is a beach club bordering 27-acre Lake Au Sable, made for relaxing, swimming, or fishing (equipment is available at the club). Or, grab your fly rod and waders and head for the South Branch of the Au Sable River’s Mason Tract, where no-kill regulations have grown monumental-sized fish to catch and release while you enjoy 13 miles of riverfront. Guided trips are available as well
Bring your mountain bike and ride trails through the property, or head to the Mason Tract, where two-track roads meander through the property. Or, canoe or kayak the South Branch from liveries in Roscommon. Other activities include nearby horseback riding, hunting, snowmobiling, casino outings and shopping.
In winter, the course may be closed but Forest Dunes isn’t, as several miles of groomed cross-country trails open to skiers starting in mid-December, conditions permitting.
After golf, enjoy brunch each month, or dinner nightly. Luxurious rental homes also are available on the property.
But you needn’t worry about meeting any of those characters. Only the quiet whoosh of the pines, the smack of driver against ball, the call of bald eagles, orioles, and warblers, and a sense of quiet awe that only comes from golfers experience something that’s truly magical.
Forest Dunes is just northeast of Roscommon off exit 239 on Interstate 75. Call 866-DUNESMI, or 989-275-0700, or go to www.forestdunesgolf.comwww.forestdunesgolf.com.
