Getting To Know: Hawk's Eye GC

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Lindsey Southwell who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Adding to Shanty Creek's golf reputation, this John Robinson design features incredible vistas, water hazards on 9 of 18 holes, and putting greens to challenge golfers of all levels. Named among "Michigan's Top Courses" from GolfAdvisor and the "Top 25 Course Layouts in the US."

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
Hawk's Eye is a true Northern Michigan golf course layout. The course is carved out of natural landscape of the Cedar River valley, sculpted through dense hardwood forests, with elements of elevation and undulation, and water and sand hazards, that challenge all golfer types.

Any recent changes to the golf course? Or any upcoming changes?
Shanty Creek aquired Hawk's Eye GC in the spring of 2021. Since the addition of Hawk's Eye to the resort's 90-hole collection, Shanty Creek has spent countless hours working on the conditioning and care of Hawk's Eye, applying the resort standard of fast, firm and fair to each hole on the course. If you haven't played Hawk's Eye recently, you should add it to your bucket list. it's really turned into a gem of a course.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
Named among "Michigan's Top Courses" from GolfAdvisor and the "Top 25 Course Layouts in the US."

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
One of the most talked about holes on Hawk's Eye is it's 17 hole. Elevated tees provides spectactular driving opportunities - not to mention some of the most scenic views on the course. The view of the Cedar River valley from this hole is one of the best at the resort - especially in the fall.

One of the most photographed holes on the course is hole 7, a long par-5 that gives you the option of taking the high road or the low road to get to it's peninsula green. The hole plays differently each time you play it, with a peninsula looks more dramatic than it reallly is. A fun play.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
Holes 2 and 3 combined are my favorite on the course. A pond splits the two fairways, coming into play on both holes, but more so on the 3rd hole. The 2nd hole plays slightly uphill making it feel longer than it is distance-wise. Grab an extra club length on your approach and you'll thank me later. The 3rd hole plays true, but is intimidating as water covers a lot of area on this hole. Thee combination of the two holes are just such a stunnng sight.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
Bellaire's Short's Brewing Company is just 3 miles down the road. Take Shanty Creek's complimentary shuttle to downtown Bellaire and choose from one of their many, many brews. Litterally everything on the menu is fantastic - but I especially recommend the Exactly Where I'm At, which is a pesto spinach artichoke dip that melts in your mouth.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels?
With just under 400 lodging options across four villages to fit all family sizes and budgets, Shanty Creek's reservations team will recommend which one of their options will best fit your group. Ranging from guest rooms to large family homes, Shanty Creek has your lodging covered.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 7011
Slope: 148
Rating: 75.4

More Information
Hawk's Eye GC
5780 Shanty Creek Road
Bellaire, Michigan, 49615
800-678-4111

https://www.shantycreek.com/golf/