Dunmaglas Golf Course

Deeply disappointed. That is the short summary of my experience at Dunmaglas this past weekend. I was excited to play this course, after all it is advertised as one of the top public courses (Golf Digest 1997 & 1998). I had also heard raves about this course years ago from friends and colleagues who had played it. So it was with great anticipation that I would finally get the chance to play it. The experience starts at the bag drop. No attendant, so I unloaded my own clubs. Not a big deal, but not what you would expect (did I mention the green fee is $99). Past the creaky wooden screen door of the “clubhouse” I was politely greeted by the staff. I paid the $105 for the green fee and a bucket of balls. I was then handed a bucket of “range balls” that were clearly used golf balls that were found around the course over the years. They were brown, with a lot of the white cover paint worn away. Most likely water balls. Frankly, I have found balls like this and threw them back. From the logos that you could read they were quite old. Interestingly, the ranger stopped by during my round and offered me a very good price on some “once used Titleist” balls that he had found. The course itself has a nice layout with spectacular views, sight lines, and shot values, but the condition of the course was clearly lacking. Clover everywhere, weedy fairways and rough, long grass on the tee boxes, patchy and bare areas on the greens. Dunmaglas appears to be a course trading on its reputation from many years ago. In its present state, and with so many truly great courses in the area in the same price range (Boyne, Little Traverse Bay, etc.), Dunmaglas’ best days may be behind it.

Great views of lakes charlevoix and Michigan. Course was tough but fair,, rainy conditions the night before is the only reason I can think nothing was mowed as far as fairways, roughs, and tee boxes are concerned. Greens were spotty and still had winter damage on them. Overall enjoyed the course but wish their would have been a beverage cart or station along the way.

Lots of blind shots and elevated greens make the course difficult for a first timer. The views from the elevated tee boxes are spectacular and all 18 holes are uniquely designed. Very fun.

it is a real good layout the greens are a little difficult to read but they were fair