A couple of my friends are planing a trip 3 are coming from Cleveland and 1 from Chicago so trying to get as close as possible to even out the distance in hrs. Forst Dunes is one of our courses we are looking at has anybody played here and feedback? thanks.

I haven't played there, but I know some guys who have and they all say it is outstanding.

It is in the middle of nowhere though, so keep that in mind.

There are a couple nice courses in Mt Pleasant (Pohlcat and Bucks Run), that are in the central MI area, plus these are only a couple miles away from a large casino and other related entertainment, plus it is at least an hour less drive from Cleveland and Chicago. Forrest Dunes is definitely the better course, but there are some alternatives.

We played there last July and in one word; PERFECT. Immaculate conditions, good pace of play.

Here is a link to all of the pictures I took of the round:

http://www.hetzelfamily.org/golf/ForestDunes/

thanks for the help I knew I could count on this site for help.

+1 to Bucks Run and Pohlcat...both of which are only 30 miles away from where I live. If you're going up towards Roscommon, you might check out the Nightmare and the Dream, which are in West Branch. Same owner owns them so you might be able to get a cheap rate to play both. Bring your own booze though...no liquor license (long story here, I understand)

One other thing...I've heard rave reviews about Arcadia bluffs. Might be longer for some of you though. It's a bit pricey but well worth it I hear.

I played Forest Dunes this past fall and had a great time despite the weather. The course is fair IF you choose the right tees to play from. The facility is wonderful as is the staff. Just make sure to bring your A-game...

I played Forest Dunes last year and its a very nice course, however, if you guys are only going to play one course and you and your friends haven't played it yet I would recommend playing Arcadia Bluffs. It will be a little bit further for your Cleveland friends, but it is well worth it. I go on a golf weekend Memorial weekend every year. We play Arcadia and at least one other top ranked course every year. Last year it was Forest Dunes. In previous years its been Treetops, Black Lake, Bay Harbor. There is a reason we keep going back to Arcadia, and why it is ranked the #10 public golf course in America. After every trip we say, yeah that course was nice, but not as good as Arcadia.

is it a resort setup or do we need to look for hotels nearby, any website for Arcadia? Thanks for the great feedback.

Arcadia is NOT a resort set up with not a whole heck of a lot nearby. I liked Arcadia better than FOrest Dunes.....Pics here:

http://www.hetzelfamily.org/golf/arcadia/

Arcadia website is www.arcadiabluffs.com

One of the closer places to Arcadia to stay would probably be the Little River Casino Resort at US-31 and M-22 north of Manistee.

You can't go wrong with Arcadia or Forrest Dunes. Arcadia is better, but Forrest Dunes is no slouch. There are a couple of nice courses by Detroit area that would be closer for everyone. Some are on GD top 100 list. Those might be another option.

Bay Harbour is really great too and tons of lodging options at the Boyne complex.

I know I'm a bit late with my 2 cents here but I roadtrip to Michigan every summer (from Canada) and Forest Dunes is the best track I've played so far. I haven't been to Arcadia Bluffs yet but will give another update after I play there in a few weeks.