ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
Forest Dunes is known for its rare reversible companion course, The Loop by Tom Doak, but the Weiskopf course remains the original star and is a staple in state and national top-100 rankings.
About
Forest Dunes Golf Club’s Weiskopf course is a highly acclaimed parkland design set on 500 acres within Michigan’s Huron National Forest. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and opened in 2002, the course is renowned for its risk-reward architecture, strategic bunkering, meandering fairways through pines, and a stunning back nine that transitions into sandy duneland. Consistently ranked among America’s best public-access tracks.
Caddie Tip
Tee shots demand precision more than power—position is key on both the forested and dune-lined holes. Stay below the hole on approach shots as the greens are subtly contoured and long putts can be treacherous. Take extra care on the back nine where sandy waste areas collect wayward drives.
The Main Challenge
The back nine unveils Pine Valley-like sandy hazards and several tight corridors through majestic pines. Many holes require savvy navigation of cross bunkers and dramatic elevation changes, with the par-3 16th and drivable 17th testing both nerves and strategy. Missing the fairway can turn birdie looks into scrambling for bogey.
The Good
Golfers rave about the seamless transition between forested and duneland holes, the strong strategic variety, and pristine solitude—no homes or distractions, just pure golf in nature. The risk-reward options and expertly contoured greens consistently stand out as reasons players return year after year.
The Not So Good
Players occasionally note that some uneven lies in sandy waste areas and the challenge of finding balls in the native underbrush can slow down play. A few wish for more on-course yardage markers, and the remote northern location means unpredictable weather during shoulder seasons.
Signature Hole:
#
17
The par-4 17th is renowned for being drivable for longer hitters, offering a thrilling late-round risk-reward challenge. Flanked by native sand and strategic bunkering, the hole invites players to go for the green but punishes wayward shots with tricky recovery options and a dynamic putting surface. It’s a classic example of Weiskopf’s design philosophy.
Clubhouse
The welcoming clubhouse features a full-service restaurant, bar, attentive staff, locker rooms, golf shop, and ample outdoor patios overlooking the finishing holes. Private event areas are available, and on-site lodging allows for multi-day golf getaways.
Practice Facilities
Expect an all-grass driving range, large practice putting green, and dedicated short-game area with bunkers. The resort clubhouse offers modern locker rooms, fine and casual dining, fully equipped pro shop, and luxurious lounges—perfect for pre- and post-round relaxation.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
.avif)
%204.webp)
.png)
%205%20KM.webp)
.png)
