White Pine National Golf Resort

At 6,762 yards (73.0/127), White Pine National isn’t going to overwhelm many longball hitters. Move up to the White tees if you’re looking to simply enjoy yourself and have a good time: and the yardage drops significantly to 5,896 yards (68.6/118). The Bentgrass fairways and greens feature a lot of undulation and the greens run at a 10 on the stimpmeter year-round. Four sets of tees provide suitable distances for every level of player.

With all of the trees, sand bunkers, and smallish greens to keep your shots honest, the one thing you won’t find out here are water hazards, and with good reason. Bruce, who also serves as the Golf Course Superintendent at White Pine National, says that the course does not require any type of drainage system. Because of its high terrain and what Mother Nature has already provided, the turf is protected from disease and damage caused by heavy downpours and flooding. The course has only been closed once because of heavy rains since it opened, and that was only for a few hours.

The first four holes consist of 2 par 5s and 2 par 3s and can help you get off to a fast start. Or not! The course follows the contours of the surrounding terrain and the greens have been placed in very natural settings. As you make your way around the layout, you’ll be presented with shots around and through majestic hardwood and pine trees. Don’t be surprised when you see deer grazing in the fairways, songbirds singing a tune for you, and eagles soaring overhead. It’s golf the way nature intended.

Whether it’s a quick warm-up before their round or some solid practice time, golfers from all over the area come to White Pine National to take advantage of their practice facilities. In addition to 3 target greens on the driving range, there’s a practice putting green and a 9-hole putting course to test your skills with the flat stick. Be sure to loosen up before heading over to the first tee!

Most Memorable Hole: Number 12 is far and away my favorite hole on the entire layout and is one of the most unique driving holes I have ever played. For starters, it’s a long hole – 402 yards from the White Tees – with tall pine trees scattered throughout the landing area. If you can get through the trees off the tee, you’ll be left with a long, downhill approach shot into one of the course’s largest greens. Get used to it; you’ll also encounter a tall pine tree in the middle of the 18th fairway!

Favorite Par 3: White Pine National’s second par 5 is followed by the second par 3. Number 4 plays 132 yards according to the scorecard yet it is significantly longer because it plays uphill. The green sits well above the fairway and anything hit short will likely funnel down to a collection area. The two-tiered green is long and narrow and anything over the green or in the bunker behind it spells trouble.

Favorite Par 4: Number 16 is a fun par 4 and a great risk/reward hole Hitting it straight off the tee can pay large dividends. It’s a very narrow driving hole with trees on either side and at 251 yards from the White Tees, it is reachable. Once you reach the green and look back, you’ll notice that the hole plays downhill and that the green is surrounded by bunkers. Avoid the bunker off the tee and you should be able to post a good score.

Number 11 is a scenic par 4, and a strong runner-up for Favorite Par 4. It’s a dogleg left that plays 371 yards from the White Tees. A good drive down the middle of the fairway will leave a mid-iron into a very wide green with little depth to it. The bunkers short of the green add to the aesthetics of this golf hole. The green has two distinct tiers and if you are putting uphill to a left pin, be sure to hit it hard enough or it’s coming back to you.

Favorite Par 5: Number 3 is the second par 5 at White Pine National. This dogleg left plays 461 yards from an elevated tee box downhill to an awaiting fairway. You’ll need to be careful with your layup shot and playing it out to the right is a safe bet. On the left side of the landing area is a lot of mounding and bunkering that can add a lot of difficulty to the hole. The bunkers start about 80 yards from the green. Two successful shots will leave a short pitch shot into the green and set up a good birdie opportunity.

The RoadHouse Restaurant is a great place to unwind after your round with your favorite libation or a delicious meal. RoadHouse is open for breakfast too and their Pulled Pork Hash and Eggs are delicious as is the breakfast flatbread. Lunch and dinner selections include your usual burgers and sandwiches as well as such novelties as Smoked Chicken, Smokehouse Pork and Peppers, and a Ribeye Steak. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to be pleased.

White Pine National provides seasoned golfers with a formidable challenge and beginners with a great place to learn the game. They offer lodging on a limited basis in some tremendous local homes. Best to contact them for more information.

We were a group of 7, told ranger we would split after first hole. We did. He kept following us like a bird dog. There was no one else behind our last group of 4. We the first group stopped by the drink cart, which by the way does not carry very much. Our group behind us was catching up to us. We the first group did see a group behind our group of 4 so we went on. There was no pressure till the last hole (9), baby sitter proceeded to tell use to hurry we were holding things up. We were not. We were on the tee box and our group behind us was not even on the green yet. Confronted by the so called manager and it got heated. He does not have a clue as to what went on or to even manage a Golf Course. My view is you do not run people through like cattle which is what they do. But then again that is social liberals for you.

Very long course. Real tough and guarded greens. The most beautiful course ever. Most difficult course ever. Make sure you can aim, and do not try hitting long, or you will go into the woods or really kill your game up close (tough greens!).

You play golf in Michigan? Play White Pine National! Don't miss this course!

CW

Haven't played White Pines in several years, the course needs some maintenance, the carts sound like go-carts without mufflers and need to be replaced. For the money not a value. Better value and experience at other courses in the area

My dad and I played White Pine as our final round of the year and it was a great experience. We've played White Pine in the past and it's never disappointed. It's a scenic course that offers a fair, but challenging round of golf. Even though it was very late in the season, the course was in great condition. The course was mostly clear of leaves and pine needles and while the greens had been aerated, they still rolled true. The staff at the course was minimal (obvious for the time of year), but were still very helpful and friendly. We practically had the course to ourselves, so there was no problem with the pace of play. In addition, with the Hot Deal and promo we got from Golf Now, it was an excellent value for the quality of course being played. Overall, I would highly recommend White Pine to anyone looking for a fun, but challenging course with some nice scenic views.

Saturday afternoon, got put behind three or four threesomes playing best ball, whooping it up and playing loud music, as a single. It was a long round of waiting but I wanted to see the course (passing through), that being said I wouldn't mind playing the course again, decent conditions and some nice holes, good senior distance on tees.

Excellent up north course, great scenery, well maintained.

Clean ,nice place to play staff freindly,good course to play on

It was our first time playing here but not our last. We had a great experience. Thank yous to the White Pines staff.

Had a great time enjoyed the course just wished I could have eliminated a few bogies.
What a treat, I've played Lakewood Shores prior to this course and there's no comparison. Friendly staff great course and no drunks

Nice course. One of our favorites. Could u up the temp and turn off the wind. No beer cart.

Nice wide fairways, greens in good shape, fairways had rough patches but overall good.

With the savings on Golf Now; value for White Pine National is 5 stars. The course was in excellent condition. Is a fair but challenging test of golf. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to experience northern Michigan golf at it's finest.