This place looks epic. A peaceful golf paradise that not even your slice can disturb. Forest Dunes is a hidden gem in northern Michigan’s Huron National Forest. A secluded, golf-focused resort in Roscommon. Pristine natural surroundings, massive dunes, mature pines, and two world-class courses that deliver variety and innovation. Featuring Tom Weiskopf’s classic parkland gem and Tom Doak’s revolutionary reversible “The Loop,” it’s pure Midwest bucket-list territory. Firm and fast conditions, strategic shot-making, epic scenery, and that remote “up north” escape vibe.

Quick Facts

  • Two championship 18-hole courses (plus The Loop’s dual routings) + Bootlegger (10-hole par-3 short course) + putting greens
  • Unique designs: Weiskopf’s forested-to-dunes transition; Doak’s fully reversible 18 (Red counterclockwise one day, Black clockwise the next, same holes, different experience!)
  • Seasonal play: Mid-April to late October; peak summer/fall for long days (golf until 9pm+ in summer) and prime conditions
  • Public resort access: Stay-and-play focus with priority tees; top-ranked public gems (Forest Dunes often Top 50 nationally, The Loop in top 100 public lists)
  • Secluded luxury: On-site lodging (lodge, villas, cottages), dining, and golf-only immersion with no distractions, just great golf

For those who are into local lore, there have been many reported sightings of the Michigan Dogman in the Huron Forest. Part dog, part man, with glowing eyes and a piercing howl. He’s like Michigan’s bigfoot.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round marathons (play The Loop Red one day, Black the next for “two courses in one”), post-golf fireside beers, stargazing in the dark skies, and friendly bets on creative holes
  • Families: Relaxed short-course fun (Bootlegger par-3), spacious villas/cottages for groups, nature vibes; non-golfers enjoy forest walks or nearby lakes

Top Standout Courses

Forest Dunes Course (Tom Weiskopf)

The original star, a Top 50 public course nationally with wide fairways, large greens, and two personalities: front nine through dense Huron National Forest pines, back nine opening to dramatic glacial sand dunes. Elevation shifts up to 100 feet, risk-reward holes, and a fun 19th-hole par-3 for settling matches. Classic, challenging, and beautifully conditioned.

The Loop (Tom Doak Red & Black Routings)

North America’s only fully reversible 18-hole course. Same 18 fairways/greens, but switch directions daily (Red counterclockwise, Black clockwise). Firm, fast inland-links style with undulating terrain, wild grasses, strategic bunkers, and clever angles. Play it twice for completely different experiences; innovative, fun, and highly acclaimed as a modern masterpiece.

Bootlegger (10-Hole Par-3 Short Course)

Quick, creative fun. 1,100 yards of pitch-and-putt-style holes (par-3s from short to longer), inspired by 1920s local history. Grab a few clubs, cold drinks, and enjoy casual rounds or warm-ups with music and vibes.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Lake AuSable Lodge: Cozy, steps from tees and clubhouse
  • Villas & Cottages: Spacious options for groups (2-8 people), kitchens, lake or course views
  • Stay-and-play packages include lodging, rounds (priority on both courses), practice access, and perks; book direct for best deals

All Key Forest Dunes Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Forest Dunes Course (Weiskopf parkland/dunes classic)
  • The Loop (Doak reversible Red/Black innovation)
  • Bootlegger (10-hole par-3 short course)
  • Plus massive practice areas, putting course, and future SkyFall private access for guests

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via forestdunesgolf.com; fills fast in peak summer/fall; includes multi-round options and replays
  • Fly into Traverse City (TVC) 1.5 to 2 hours drive, or Detroit (DTW)/Grand Rapids (GRR) for longer scenic routes
  • Pair golf with northern Michigan favorites: fresh cherries, local breweries, hiking, or epic stargazing away from city lights
  • Embrace firm conditions (run the ball!); use caddies for strategy on The Loop; forward tees make it accessible for all

Time to get lost in the forest, play reversible magic, and reset with pure golf immersion. Forest Dunes is calling your name.

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Utah’s Most Beloved Baby: Why Black Desert Resort in Utah Needs to Be Your Next Golf Adventure

Utah is a wild place, it is the depository for more dinosaur fossils than anywhere else in the world, it’s home to the first KFC, and has some of the craziest natural beauty the United States has to offer. Black Desert resort is no exception to that beauty .Black Desert Resort is Southern Utah’s newest golf phenomenon, a Tom Weiskopf masterpiece (his 73rd and final design) carved into ancient black lava fields near Ivins (Greater Zion area, close to St. George). Surrounded by vermilion red cliffs, Snow Canyon State Park views, and 360-degree panoramas of dramatic red rock mountains, it’s a visual stunner: jet-black basalt contrasts lush green fairways under cobalt skies.I t’s ranked #1 in Utah by Golfweek, #34 “Best Courses You Can Play” nationally, and a top modern course contender, pure otherworldly drama with playability for all levels.

Quick Facts

  • 19-hole championship layout: 18 holes + bonus 19th par-3 (for settling bets), par 72, up to ~7,500 yards
  • Lava field spectacle: Ancient black basalt frames fairways, strategic hazards, and massive elevation; forgiving 70-100 yard landing zones but risk-reward everywhere
  • Year-round play: Ideal winter/spring/fall escape (mild 60s-80s°F); summer mornings beat the heat
  • Resort perks: Luxury in development (hotels, residences, spa, dining); GPS carts with Weiskopf hole-by-hole audio commentary; forecaddies available
  • Top-ranked: #1 Utah (Golfweek), top-100 national public lists; PGA TOUR/LPGA host

Utah can feel like a different country, it’s the center of an entire religion, it has stunning mountains and canyons, and a giant salt lake. It looks like another planet, probably why NASA tested the Mars rover there. But most importantly it has amazing golf.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-drama rounds with lava hazards, post-golf beers at the clubhouse (or upcoming 19th-hole amphitheater), friendly bets on drivable par-4s, and easy access to St. George nightlife or red rock adventures
  • Families: Playable for all (generous fairways, multiple tees); inspiring desert scenery; non-golfers enjoy Zion nearby hikes, spas, or resort amenities

Top Standout Features

The Lava & Color Contrast Drama

Weiskopf’s vision: fairways blasted through black lava fields, framed by red cliffs and distant mountains. The juxtaposition pops! Green turf against jet-black basalt and vermilion rock. Every hole feels cinematic, with lava shaping strategy (carry it, play around it, or use it as visual intimidation).

Signature Holes & Risk-Reward

Drivable par-4s (like #5 and #14) bring pure strategy; bunkerless par-5 #7 with blind tee shot over lava mounds (psychological beast); massive greens with contours; the bonus 19th par-3 for settling matches. Audio narration from Weiskopf himself on carts adds storytelling depth.

Overall Playability & Conditions

Wide fairways forgive misses, but angles and lava demand creativity. Greens are challenging yet fair; conditions elite (PGA TOUR-ready). It’s tough from tips but accessible forward, “fun for everyone” with epic views.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Black Desert Resort on-site: Luxury rooms, residences, upcoming full amenities (spa, dining, retail); direct course access
  • Packages include tee times, carts, practice (TrackMan range bays), and resort perks, book for priority and multi-round vibes
  • Nearby St. George hotels or Airbnbs for groups; full resort buildout ongoing for ultimate immersion

All Key Black Desert Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Tom Weiskopf final masterpiece (73rd design)
  • 19 holes (18 + bonus par-3) amid black lava fields
  • 360-degree views of red cliffs & mountains
  • Drivable par-4s & strategic lava hazards
  • PGA TOUR/LPGA host with elite conditions

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via blackdesertresort.com, rates ~$200-$300+ peak; specials for locals/veterans; PGA event timing books fast
  • Fly into St. George Regional (SGU) closest (20-30 min drive); Las Vegas (LAS) 2 hours for more flights
  • Pair golf with Greater Zion classics: Zion National Park hikes, red rock Jeep tours, fresh Southwest eats, or St. George breweries
  • Use carts (GPS audio is gold); forecaddies for strategy; forward tees for enjoyment, embrace the lava (stay out, but admire it)

Time to tee it up amid black lava and red rock drama, chase birdies in a Martian landscape, and reset in Utah’s hottest new golf spot. Black Desert Resort is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team