We recently returned from our event at the Grand Traverse Resort in Northern Michigan and first thoughts were "let’s to go back"! Maybe that’s because the heat index in Palm Coast meant that it felt like 108 degrees outside…The weather in Traverse City hovered in the 60’s and 70’s most of the time and was very comfortable for golfing. The area itself was absolutely beautiful as it hugs the coast of Lake Michigan’s picturesque Grand Traverse Bay. Spring had sprung in Northern Michigan and the wild flowers were blooming and everything was so green. That included all three golf courses, the Wolverine, Spruce Run and the Bear, which were all in great shape. 

The Grand Traverse Resort is Michigan’s number one rated golf resort and was a wonderful venue for our group. We experienced a helpful friendly staff, comfortable accommodations, very good meals and great golf. While we were not golfing we were out exploring the Leelanau Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. We toured the Grand Traverse Light House and had a great lunch in a quaint seaside village known as “Fishtown”. The area is known as the “Cherry Capital of the World”, so naturally we had to visit Cherry Republic, a store, winery, café that features everything cherry! And we even had a few members win some money from the nearby Turtle Creek Casino.

However, the golf is what we were there for and our package included four tournament rounds on the resort’s three championship courses. We played four 18-hole tournaments with a different format each for each tournament. As I had mentioned the courses were in great condition and I had the most comments regarding how difficult the Jack Nicklaus designed Bear Course played. It’s one of the hardest courses in the country, but that didn’t bother the team of Jim & Karen Meyer paired with Tom & Janet Florip who shot a 56 in the “One Best Ball of Four” event and won by three shots.

Thanks to everyone at Grand Traverse Resort, all participating Carolina Seniors Golf Association and Sun and Fun Golf Association members. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful resort, golf courses and sightseeing adventures and hope to return soon.