Detroit Free Press Rating

FOUR STARS out of 4 stars

History lesson:

The Stonegate dream was provided by developer Elmo Hahn, but he died in a plane crash in June 2003. Several others picked up the slack and finished the course, located on the edge of the Manistee National Forest. It opened three years ago this week.

Degree of difficulty:

The layout is an excellent mix of red and white oak tree-lined fairways, ravines to carry, plus sand bunkers and tall grasses (heather) to avoid. Keeping it in the fairway will result in a much more pleasurable round. Best hole: No. 7 will tempt some as a driveable par four, but a large bunker at the left front of the green will capture short shots. Portions of the thin, deep green - plus the sloping fairway - also feed down to the same bunker, so a shorter tee shot is smarter, just not as fun.

Needs improvement:

There are three nice practice greens for putting and chipping, but the driving range looks and feels like an afterthought, not up to par for such a good overall facility.

Wouldn't touch it:

What makes it tough (see degree of difficulty above) also makes it great. Additionally, several hawk sightings and other creatures of nature are a pleasurable bonus. Very friendly staff.

Woman-friendly:

Ladies Days are every Monday, when all ladies are offered nine holes and lunch for $25 or 18 holes and lunch for $35.

Walk or ride:

Ride. The trip from green to next tee is sometimes long, and the back nine is much hillier than the front. Cart fees also included.

Nineteenth hole:

A charming new clubhouse has a well-appointed bar/dining area with a wraparound deck outside overlooking the ninth green. Must try the sweet potato fries.

Value for the money:

The cost is lower than most Up North or destination courses, a tag Stonegate deserves. But if traveling that far, make sure to include a stop at one of several beautiful west Michigan beaches or other attractions.

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Record Number: dfp0000450076

Spring News

Congratulations to Dennis Thompson of Whitehall, MI for being the April winner of our Free Golf Giveaway. Dennis has won 4 rounds of golf with a cart at Stonegate Golf Club just for signing up for our monthly newsletter. Sign up today and you could be the next lucky winner.

Congratulations to Ken Taylor, Scott Knowlton and Scott Volkman for their victory in the 2008 Spring Toughman Scramble. They fired a blistering score of 63 to win the tournament by 1 shot. Thanks to everyone who participated.