Chuck is awesome. We were here with a group before a wedding and used both regular and hickory clubs, for a bit of authenticity. Due to time constraints we were only able to get 6 holes in before our taxi carriage arrived, but we had a great time.
Chuck (pretty sure that was his name) in the pro shop was great at explaining this unique golf course and helping us out loading and unloading clubs off the carriages. He was extremely friendly and was very accommodating that our carriage took much longer than we anticipated.
The course itself remains mostly unchanged since opening in 1898. This makes it a lot different than most courses with small greens, interesting sand traps, and even some history of The Battle of 1812 scattered throughout the course.
Again, the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming.
Oldness makes it awesome. Check out the locker room.
Historic place to visit. Interesting place to tour.
I'm not a golfer.
But the coarse looked beautiful.
Had the opportunity to play Wawashkamo last week, what a absolute fantastic experience! The golf course was built in 1898 making it the oldest in the state. Feels like you are playing in Scotland but on Mackinac Island, Chuck the head pro and his staff are very welcoming! Have only good things to say, will be back next visit to the island.
Most historic golf course I ve ever played. Tee off next to a cannon left begins by the British!
It meets the requirements to be called a golf course. I called a few days ahead, and they gave me a number of a company that would give me a ride and said to call as I was boarding the (whatever time) ferry to the island and timing would be perfect. Called the company, said it would be an hour and a half to get a ride, which was not perfect timing (not necessarily the course's fault). I decided to walk, as I enjoy walking, had I known that I was the only person that was playing the course that day, probably would've just called to adjust the tee time. If this golf course was anywhere other than Mackinac island, it would cost about a dollar per hole. It did have discernable tee boxes and greens. Some of the holes could've been fun, but the conditioning wasn't good. Didn't get a chance to play the course at the Grand Hotel, but did get a chance to walk by. Looks to be in much better shape, but can't speak to the layout. Next time, would probably pay the extra for that course. On a positive note. The guy that may have been the head pro had a group of kids out teaching them about the game in a very comfortable environment. That's the only reason for both of the stars. More kids should play golf and he seemed to be doing a great job of getting them into it. He put me on the spot in the 10th, but I creamed it, so that was awesome. Heard a bunch of young 'uns say whoooaaa... Made it worth the green fee. Can't promise that for everyone, though.
This weekend I had a fabulous experience playing 9-hole at Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinac Island. Wawashkamo is a 10 - 20 minute bike ride from Downtown Mackinac Island and well worth the ride. The course is beautiful with a unique layout/bunker scheme. Chuck and the staff at Wawashkamo do a great job of making you feel welcome and ensuring that you have a great experience on the course. I highly recommend the outing!
A great course. I found it very challenging to play. The course itself is historic, the original golf course on the island. There wasn't a moment on the course that I was unhappy to be there.
An historic golf course in a natural landscape habitat.
Always a pleasant experience golfing Michigan's 1st public course, dating back to 1898 and the Chicago Cottagers.
Thanks Chuck for always making things go smoothly.
If you're in Northern Michigan and can take a day trip to Mackinac Island, Wawashkamo golf course is an absolute must. It takes you back in history especially if you love golf.
This authentic golf links, designed in 1898 by Alex Smith of Carnoustie, is a must-visit for every lover of golf tradition. The 9-hole layout, last altered in 1912, is an authentic, living reminder of the earliest days of the game. Challenging play centers on wind and long grass rather than artificial water hazards.
About a 25 minute walk from downtown. Course was originally made with horse drawn plows, so it may be a bit rougher than some. But it adds to the charm of the place and is smooth enough to drive electric carts on. The staff is very welcoming and helpful in answering any questions you may have. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone.
Visited the Island the end of June and played the Historic Wawashkamo while my wife attended a conference. What a pleasure to meet Head Pro Chuck Olson who was extremely nice and helpful with his course knowledge that he shared. I enjoyed the links style course and thought the course condition was very nice also.
Went on Monday morning with a friend who has never golfed before, played 9 with no problems so we decided to play another 9. When we got to the 4th hole an employee on a mover told is that we were going to slow and that the grounds employees had work to do. There was only one other group playing and we let them go ahead of us because I know my friend would play slower then them. My friends first golfing experience is paying $80 to be told that he needs to get better or play faster by one of your employees, he was less then impressed.
Beautiful golf course! Designed by Alex Smith of Carnoustie, Scotland.
Staff was welcoming. Course was interesting. Stay in fairway if you don't want to get poison ivy. Bring your own clubs because the $15 rental clubs are pathetic. Recommendation - spend few more bucks elsewhere.
For me golfing at Wawashkamo is an annual event. I've played for 20 consecutive years and each time is a unique golfing experience. Playing golf is a challenge, historic and a fun walk with family and friends on Wawashkamo. I still enjoy reading the history markers on the unique holes but I do miss the story behind the "sand tee" setup on hole #1. The staff is super helpful and supportive for family golf gathering and the greenskeeper is indispensable and does an amazing job keeping up an immaculate course conditions each year . The course is unique with 2 set of tees for each hole and an original links styled setup; the 2nd nine will require your best game to score well. The greens are fair but require accurate approach shots especially hole #5. I highly recommend taking the time to play it during a Mackinac Island vacation. It will be a memorable walk even after 20 years.
A big step back in time, great way to see how golf was played 100+ years ago. Highly suggest walking the course.
wawashkamo.com
