Tribute Golf Course at Otsego Golf Club

I don't know what happened to the Tribute. I played it back in 2013, and since then have told all of my friends that it ranks among the best courses in Michigan. I was really looking forward to playing it on this latest golf trip we took. We had not been back to the Gaylord area for a while because our group had played there so often that we needed to spend some time in other areas of the state. Anyway, we thought we had a great golf trip planned-- Black Lake on Friday, Michawaye Pines and the Tribute on Saturday, the Tradition and the Fazio on Sunday, and Gaylord Country Club on Monday. I anticipated that the Tribute would be the highlight of the trip, and we were all pretty focused on it. What a disappointment. The course is a wreck, and you can tell that Otsego Club does not really care about golf or golfers anymore. I think they want to focus on skiing in the winter and being a venue for weddings and conventions in the Summer, and the Club only (and barely) tolerates golfers. They moved the pro shop from the beautiful facility they had a few years back to stinkhole. The guy in the pro-shop explained that it was closer to the cart barn so it saved them (i,e, the club) time and effort. He waited until we paid ($65 for twilight) and then gave us $20 coupons (for our next visit) because the course "has suffered from some dry spots." Good grief, when we played it, it was absolutely terrible. I would not have payed $20 to play it, let alone $65 (or $89 prior to twilight kicking in). There is no way we will ever use the $20 coupons. Everyone there was rude, and it was clear that they did not know what was going on.

By the way, the other courses we played were all in great shape, and each of them (except, maybe Black Lake) experienced the same weather as the Tribute. So, how could it be that only the Tribute could be in such rough shape? My guess is that Otsego Club has decided that maintaining golf courses is too expensive, so they just stopped doing it. They're glad to take your money, but I suspect that will soon dry up as more golfers experience their new business model. I feel like I need to seek out everyone I told that the Tribute was a great course and apologize to them

I have been playing golf in the Gaylord area for the past 7 years and finally had the opportunity to play the Tribute Golf Course at the Otsego Club. I have heard the outstanding reviews regarding the layout and conditions of the Tribute. Although the layout and scenery did not disappoint, the course conditions are almost beyond repair. The lack of maintenance is apparent on all holes, especially the tees and greens. Most greens are cracked and have minimal to no grass remaining. They feel and look as if your playing on cracked concrete. The fringes are yellow and burned out from lack of water. Most of the tees have no grass remaining. The course is an embarrassment to the Gaylord Golf Mecca. I understand this course is under new management for the past 3 years, and it is apparent this management does not care about it reputation as one of the areas finest. Unless something drastic changes quickly, the course will be unplayable in the nearby future. I cannot express my disappointment, especially compared to other course in the area. Once being the highlight of the Gaylord area, the Tribute has unfortunately become a wasteland nestled on the natural beauty which the course lays upon.

Front nine is awesome. Greens rolled perfect. Weather was great on 10/1.

Playing the tribute course for the first time I was quite pleased with the condition of the course. The course is quite hilly which requires play uphill and downhill and consequently there are few fairway positions that are level. The tee boxes are level with adequate distance markers, the fairways have adequate distant markers at 200 150 and 100 yards. The greens are fair sized in good condition, I played late in the day and the greens were still very fast, hole place was very acceptable.

1st time playing this course. Fairways are playable but once you get to the greens, good luck. Pin placements were on some slopes and if you got on the wrong side, 3 putt minimum. Greens held well and putted true but level spots are rarely found. Some of the views from the course are just beautiful. I consider this one of, if not the toughest courses in the Gaylord area because of the greens.

We really love this course. The price was great through Golfnow.com.

We arrived early at the course and they got us right out. We enjoyed the course the views were great.... when the colors are changing it would be the best. Staff was great... Would highly recommend.

One of my favorite courses in Michigan. Will definitely come back to this one. AAA++++

The views here are spectacular! The course itself is in beautiful condition too. I think the condition of the course was as good as any I have ever played and we played it at 1:10. A lot of the nicer courses start to get chewed up by that point in the day but this one was not. I will definitely play it again!!!!!

This was the most breathtaking course I have ever played in the state of Michigan. It just has the best views of the course and surrounding areas. Even driving from hole to hole is awesome!

Great views,elavavation changes, tough and fast greens

Very scenic course. Challenging and exciting! Look forward to golfing here again.

Great views and a perfect picture of what Northern Michigan golf is about

Great looking holes abound. Not a lot of water, but sand and rough make it tough enough.

A very long drive to the first tee but after that a very picturesque course that covers a very large area. Both my wife and I are mid handicappers (10 & 12) and we found the course to play quite long even on holes that didn't have much length but had contours and hills that made second shots very challenging. Club selection was difficult in itself. The greens were quite large and fast with undulations that made them tough. One par 3 green was about 50 yards from front to back. We enjoyed the course for what it offered in terms of uniqueness and condition and would recommend it as a course to try once and develop your own opinions.

I played the course on Sept 14th, 2012 w/my two adult sons. We found the course to be very fair, but @ the same time very challenging on some holes. The views & elevation changes were spectacular. We played just prior to the fall colors changing. It would be great to get back up to play maybe when the colors are in full bloom. I thought we received an excellent rate by booking through GolfNow.com.. Would advise this method for all golfers. My only regret is that Gaylord is a considerable drive from Fenton, Mi. The Tribute is one of my favorite courses to play while in the Gaylord area. Keep up the great work! Have a great winter!!

This was 2nd time we have played and both were excellent
experiences. Tough enough for the guys but friendly for
the gals. One of our favorites.

This is a must play. From the challenging holes, which afford you the ability to play safe or go for the gusto, to the beautiful views, this course has it all. Friendly staff compliments the fantastic conditions you will find at this facility.