The Heathlands Golf Course

Have been playing this course for years, as we vacation up in the area most summers. While I will admit the course conditions aren't quite what they once were, it is still a fun and challenging course in Manistee county, with a full range and practice area. I had heard the past few years that it was close to closing, but it appears that they are doing better this year, and may be able to put some money back into the course. I hope it stays open, as it is a course I really enjoy playing ever year I come up.

The layout of the course is quite good. There are a number of holes that require good tee balls to be in position to score, a few that are wide open, and some with doglegs/blind shots that lead to good risk-reward. 1,2,3 are pretty straight forward and open. 4 is a good dogleg that requires a good tee ball. 5 you have to hit a good tee ball thru a relatively narrow chute. 6 is a wide open par 5. 7 is the best hole on the front which snakes around the trees - prudent play is to hit iron-wedge, but some like to try and drive the green over the tree. 8-9 are straightforward. 10-11 are two short par 4's that require good decision making off the tee. 12 is a good par 3 from a somewhat elevated tee box. 13 is a fairly open par 5. 14 is another great risk-reward par 4 - prudent play is to hit iron-wedge, but you can try and drive the green (small target!). 15 is my favorite hole, a challenging par 3 from a very elevated tee, with a two tier green - from the tips it is a blind tee shot! 16 and 17 are open par 4's. 18 is a challenging par 5. Downwind you may be able to hit 2 perfect shots to get there in two. However the prudent play is to either layup short of the water, or play it right of the water and leave yourself 100 yards in.

Over the years the bunkers have gone downhill in terms of condition - COVID hasn't helped since you can't have rakes in them. Some were just filled in, others are relatively bare, but some were still in very good condition - it was strange to see the differences. Greens were in GREAT shape, and ran true with average to above average speed. Other than a few baked out tee boxes, they were in great shape too. A few of the fairways were inconsistent - I think this was because a few were still wet from rain so the mower hadn't got to them yet.

Definitely make sure to play this if you're passing thru Manistee county. It's a great track with some serious challenge if you play the back tees.

I decided to play this course because I got a discount. I'm not even sure it was worth the price I paid. The layout is somewhat pedestrian and predictable. The staff was not friendly at all and it seemed like they completely stopped putting money back into the course in the past couple of years. There are one or two good holes, but they're snubbed by everything else. I'd suggest taking your money elsewhere if you're playing in Manistee County.

Best value at twilight rate, otherwise a little over priced. Difficulty of course depends on what tee you play. The back tees can give you some longer carries. I like most of the course, however I despise hole 15, a little par 3, that plays severely downhill (so downhill the shot can be blind) to a small double tiered green where you either hit a fabulous shot for a birdie putt, or you are scrambling trying to save par. There is no in between. This course has very good greens, I just do not like the layout of holes 15 and 18.

I played here in a twosome and walked away very impressed for the cost. The course is pretty easy which results in a relaxing and fund round. Minimal crowds. Cheap beers (with a couple IPA variety) in the clubhouse and hut at the turn. Just an overall fun golf experience. If I lived nearby I'd be out here with my friends often!