Well Northern MI trip was a success. Before the trip, thought I would walk most rounds and did not walk a single one, there were even push carts available at every course. Played like shit and loved every minute of it, perfect combination of fat & golf camp. Here's the recap.
Thursday, arrive at Forest Dunes for 18 holes on the Loop. Play the Black and it's a blast, does not show any odd feel or playability as a reversible course. It was 88 and humid AF. Play putting course after dinner, par 3 was closed and opens August 1st.
Friday: Cooler weather, humid and the bugs at Forest Dunes are a problem. Start the day with Forest Dunes, fantastic course. Front nine looks Augusta'esque and back nine has a Pine Valley look. Played the Loop Red on this day and it was fun, completely different look/feel than playing it as Black the day before. Very cool.
Saturday: Play Belvedere in Charlavoix, now one of my favorite courses. Fun, challenging golden age golf design. Head to Arcadia for an end of day round on the Bluffs. Great views, miserable 5:30 hour round.
Sunday: Bluffs in the morning and had fun since we played in 3:30. Played South course in afternoon and had a blast. Perfect round in 3 hrs. Headed north and played end of day round at Champion Hill on a recommendation by the Fried Egg crew. Incredible place to play for $25 twilight rate. Reminded me most of Pasatiempo for the dramatic land.
My post trip stack rank would be:
Belvedere
Forest Dunes - Bugs keep it from #1
Loop Black
Arcadia South
Champion Hill
Loop Red
When I do this trip again I will add Kingsley, keep Belvedere & Champion Hill. Saves a bunch of money and it'll be all the golf I want. Charlevoix is a fun little village. Northport is another I'd like to play along with going to Marquette but that might be too much of a drive for me.