Golf Travel Guide To Central Michigan

I am doing an interview series where golf destination/CVB representatives can brag about their destination. The answers to your questions will be reformatted into an interview style article to be featured on GolfTrips.com. So this is your time to toot your horn and brag about your amazing area! All I ask is that you take your time! After completing please email the answers to brian@golftrips.com.

Your name, organization, title, email and contact information?

Name: Claire Doty
Organization: Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Title: Marketing Coordinator
Email: claire@meetmtp.com

Give our readers an overview of your destination and why they should consider it for their next golf trip?

Golfing in the Central Michigan area is a hidden gem, and easy to get to for your next golf getaway. Meet in the middle of the state and you'll find some amazing courses and save time on getting there! Plus, with a variety of nightlife options, you'll make the Mt. Pleasant area one of your go-to golf destinations.

With more than 10 courses within a 30-minute drive of Mt. Pleasant, there's no better (or easier) way to experience golf in central Michigan. Whether you're looking for challenging layouts or a relaxing weekend of oasis golf, the central Michigan area has it all.
Spend your days perfecting your swing, and spend you evenings exploring Mt. Pleasant's nightlife. Choose from the area's one-of-a-kind dining options, entertainment at the Soaring Eagle Casino and live music in historic downtown.
From championship, links, "up-north," and relaxed styles of golf, central Michigna will have something different for you each and every trip.

What services or information do you provide for traveling golfers?

The Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (MPACVB) is here to help guide you to courses that fit your style, and provide you with a variety of lodging options that will fit your needs. Wanting to know what else there is to do when not playing golf? Let the team at the MPACVB customize things to do for your golf group. From canoeing the Chippewa River or trying your luck on one of the largest gaming floors in the Midwest at the Soaring Eagle Casino, their team can suggest a variety of things to do, places to eat, and must-see places while in the area.

What are the must play courses in area?

Bucks Run (Mt. Pleasant, MI) is regularly ranked in the top courses in Michigan and is considered a must-play while visiting the Mt. Pleasant area. Here you can find championship tees, underlying greens, fluffy sand-traps, pristine grounds, and majestic scenery. People drive from all over the state just to play at Bucks Run!

Similar to Bucks Run, PohlCat Golf Course (Mt. Pleasant, MI) is another championship-style course located in the Mt. Pleasant area, and is designed with the help of former PGA touring pro, Dan Pohl. Rolling hill fairways, lined with fescue grass and protected marsh-lands, punctured with undulating greens makes this course a treat to play. With so much movement in the fairways and greens, you'll never play the same shot twice.

What is the hidden gem and/or best value course?

The Pines at Lake Isabella (Lake Isabella, MI) has a long-standing history in Michigan golf, being a regular host of amateur qualifying events and GAM tournaments. This golf course offers pristine and long fairways, well-placed sand-traps and beautiful pines throughout the course. Don't forget to stop by their new restaurant for a refreshing drink and bite to eat. If you're looking to forget your score and enjoy time with your group, this is the place for you.

Riverwood Resort (Mt. Pleasant, MI) offers the perfect setting for a trip with the fellas or gals. Enjoy the laid-back and open course design before heading inside for bowling, drinks and great food.

Maple Creek Golf Club (Shepherd, MI) offers the perfect setting for large groups. With an open landscape and condensed course, Maple Creek makes it easy for large groups to travel between holes and to have a great time. When you're done with the round, head inside for lunch at the Fireside Grille.

Can you provide our readers with an ideal itinerary for a long weekend?

Since Mt. Pleasant is located about 2 hours from most major cities in the lower peninsula, it makes the perfect destination to meet with friends for your next weekend golf getaway.
Friday Afternoon: Start off playing a more "relaxed" style of course at Riverwood Resort to get you loosened up for your golf getaway.

Friday Evening: After you check into your hotel at one of the many convenient lodging options, head to dinner at a local favorite, Mountain Town Station. This staple brewery located in Downtown Mt. Pleasant will offer your group a wide array of delectable options from their famous Scotch Eggs to a mouth-watering Stone Fired Pizza. Round out your meal by ordering one of the many hand-crafted beers on tap. Looking for something more upscale? Conveniently located under the same roof, Camille's Prime is an intimate restaurant featuring certified prime grade black angus steaks, fresh seafood and upscale comfort food.

Saturday Morning/Afternoon: Now that you've warmed up, tackle the championship style links of Bucks Run Golf Club. The majestic scenery will have you thinking you're in northern Michigan! After your first round at Bucks Run, stay on property and grab lunch at the Quarry Grill. They offer amazing burgers, sandwiches, and salads to refuel you after a long morning of golf. Then you're ready to tackle the back nine that afternoon as you officially complete one of the top ranked courses in the state!

Saturday Evening: Head back to the hotel to freshen up as you prepare for another fun filled evening. For this evening's dining, try one of Mt. Pleasant's newest restaurants, Wood Shop Social Kitchen and Bar. This gastropub is brought to you by Executive Chef Jim Wood offers New American cuisine, featuring an extensive menu of updated standard and original cocktails, along with a curated selection of bourbon and wine. After dinner experience the Mt. Pleasant nightlife by testing your luck at the Soaring Eagle Casino or visit one of the famous Mt. Pleasant landmarks, Rubbles Bar, for some live music.

Sunday Morning: Close out your amazing golf weekend at the famous PohlCat Golf Course that has been carefully designed by former PGA touring pro Dan Pohl. This course will test your skills as each hole it's unique design will have you coming back to play again in no time!

Sunday Afternoon: Before heading home grab a sandwich at Max and Emily's Eatery or a burger from Freddie's Tavern. If you have a little time to spare before hitting the road, take a kayak trip down the Chippewa River or hike one of our breathtaking parks or a nature preserves.

After golf, what are the "must do" things or attractions to see?

Pair the quantity of impressive courses with the endless options of world-class entertainment and your group will need more than one weekend to experience the full Central Michigan effect. Here are the top places to explore when not hitting the links:
Test your luck on one of the largest gaming floors in Michigan at the Soaring Eagle Casino.

Cheer on the Central Michigan University Chippewas at one of their many annual events.

Enjoy locally-owned fine dining at Midori Sushi and Martini Lounge or The Brass Café.

Indulge in delicious, handcrafted brews at Summit Smokehouse & Tap Room (home to Mountain Town Brewin Co.) and Hunter's Ale House.

Kayak, canoe or float down the jewel of central Michigan, the Chippewa River.
Check out our comprehensive list of Lodging Accommodations, Things to Do, and Transportation, to help create the ultimate golf getaway!

What is the best time to travel?

Anytime during the main golf season of April-October is great time to travel to the central Michigan area. Most of the courses will offer deals and promotions during summer holidays (Memorial Day, Father's Day, 4th of July, Labor Day). Golfers should check out our courses as the golf season starts to wind down in late September/October, as many courses will offer deals and promotions to close the season out.

Anything else you would like to share about the area?

Located in the center of the state, the Mt. Pleasant area is easy to get to and an easy drive. Only one hour from Lansing and two hours from Detroit, golf in the Central Michigan area and have the up-north feel without the up-north drive.

Where can golfers go for more information to research and plan their trip?

Visit meetmtp.com/golf-central-michigan/ to see all of the golf courses in the Mt. Pleasant area, and to learn more about deals & packages. Head to meetmtp.com to start planning your next golf getaway.