David Theoret

Review of Forest Dunes Golf Club

Forest Dunes is home to three fabulous golf course...

Forest Dunes is home to three fabulous golf courses on two layouts: The Forest Dunes Course and the Loop, which is played clockwise the first day and counterclockwise the next. The Forest Dunes Course was designed by former PGA TOUR champion turned golf course architect Tom Weiskopf.

The course features several elements that Weiskopf is known for: A split fairway, a drivable par 4 and a 19th hole in case you need to settle a bet! It s a short, 117-yard par 3 that plays over water to a green with a bunker in the middle of the green, much like the 6th hole at Riviera Country Club in California.

The back nine opens up and is highlighted by rugged native sand dune areas with thick underbrush crossing and bordering several fairways and greens. Water comes into play on three holes on the back nine, four if you count 19. On the front, you don t see any water until the 8th hole. This would be The Dunes.

Before your round, take advantage of Forest Dunes incredible practice facility, included with your paid greens fee. There s a full-length grass driving range where you can hit every club in your bag, a short game area complete with a grass bunker and a large practice putting green. Up above the practice area is a two-acre, 18 hole putting course.

Most Memorable Hole: Number 19: Par 3, 117 yards. Just in case you haven t had your fill quite yet, Weiskopf gives you one final opportunity; it s also a great place to settle bets or start a new one. It s a short par 3 that plays slightly downhill over sand dunes and water to a large green with a pot bunker in the middle, reminiscent of the sixth hole at Riviera Country Club. Find the green, make the putt, collect some dough. Easy!

Forest Dunes features an impressive 15,000 square foot clubhouse that includes a well-stocked pro shop, beautifully appointed locker rooms with showers for both men and women and Sagamore s Restaurant, with both formal and private dining rooms. The food is outstanding with all three meals being served, peppers, red beans and just the right mix of chili spices. Steaks and burgers are also very popular at Sagamore s.

Forest Dunes offers some tremendous stay and play opportunities with several lodging options. Now you can play all three courses without leaving the property.

The Lake Au Sable Lodge is located just a long putt from the first tee. This two-story lodge features 11 standard rooms and two suites and exemplifies the same Adirondack them of the clubhouse.

In the last couple of years, Forest Dunes has built several villas that are located within walking distance of the clubhouse and across the road from the start of The Loop. Both two and four-bedroom villas are available The two bedrooms are actually quite spacious; each has a small kitchenette, small living area, two bathrooms and four total beds. Four-bedroom units feature the same amenities, along with 4.5 bathrooms and a mix of king and queen beds.

As you make your way around the course, you can t help but admire the beauty of the sculpted tee boxes many of which are surrounded by wild fescue rough, exhibiting traits of ocean links layout minus the water! Weiskopf has done a marvelous job of working this design into the natural surroundings; rarely does a hole look or feel out of place. What The Loop offers in a rugged Scottish feel, Forest Dunes offers golfers a beautiful nature setting.

As resort course go, the conditioning at Forest Dunes is second to none. Aesthetically, Forest Dunes is a joy to behold. Exquisitely designed white sand bunkers accentuate the fairways and green complexes, and the sparse use of water is a refreshing change of pace from many courses. For the most part, there is plenty of room around the greens; the areas in front are often accessible with a bump and run shot. Miss to either side of the green and you ll have to rely on an excellent short game, especially with a lob wedge. A good sand game is also something that will prove valuable as it s virtually impossible to get around this layout with experiencing it at least once.