Manistee National Golf & Resort

good layout must keep ball in play, greens fun to putt on

The course was in great shape, not busy, but was wet.

this was our 31st year for our golf group of 16 and this was the first time to Manistee National. The courses were strong, the lodging clean and comfortable, and the staff very accommodating. all agreed that this was a place that we were going to come back to.

Good course for outings and golfers of lower levels. Better players will enjoy Cutters much more. The lack of rangers results in slow play.

The most discouraging thing was the starter told us a beverage cart would be around. This was a good thing because there really is no turn. Unfortunately, the cart never came around and it was quite hot and humid that day and we were left to struggle thru 9 holes until we came across the Gatorade machine. Luckily, we were able to scrounge enough change to get drinks for the foursome. Afterwards in the 19th hole, the staff, who apparently operates independently from the on course staff, said this is a frequent complaint and this is why they encourage purchasing beverages from the bar before starting play. Complaining only gets met with the commentary that it happens frequently.

The course was in decent condition, with only a few areas where weeds were taking over fairways. The course layout for a newbie, but experienced golfer, was difficult. Many blind shots, with no info on the tee boxes, pictures on the scorecard or even some reference on the cart. Had the course been busy, this type of thing will certainly back things up.

Played with my wife. Beautiful day and course.

Wasn't as difficult as expected.

The golf course (valley) is very playable

Very beautiful and difficult course. Take extra golf balls, you'll need them.

Be sure to play from the proper tees that suits your game to get over some of the wetlands. This course is not for the beginner golfer or high handicapper. There are many holes with forced carries from the tees and forced carries to the green. Play the much golfer friendly Canthooke Valley course instead. They are both beautiful courses.

I will recommend playing and staying here to our group of golfing buddies for next year.

Grass in good shape. Greens were spectacular. Had to call the club house to get some food and the ranger brought it out to us on the 10 th hole. Didn't see cart girl til the 16 th hole.

I'm convinced Cutters' Ridge is the toughest public course in Michigan. Not The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort. Not the Point 'O Woods Golf & Country Club, a private club that offers some afternoon weekday public play (which boasts the longest white tees in Michigan at 6,603 yards). Cutters' Ridge attacks with a relentless barrage of wetlands. One lurks to the right of the first green. The second hole requires a carry over another one. And so it goes the rest of the day. Wetlands come again and again on at least 15 holes. The tee shots over ball-gobbling hazards at no. 10 and no. 11 are downright scary. The finishing holes on each nine are so tough that the ninth is being altered and the 18th could be in the future. Golfers who book packages at the Inn at Manistee National don't seem to mind donating so many balls (I lost six). They like the challenge, and it's a nice contrast from the more playable Canthooke Valley.

It's rare that I play a course I know almost nothing about either its architect or layout. Canthooke Valley was a great surprise. There were some pretty unique holes, including a pair of outstanding short par 4s on the back nine. The layout ends with the risk-reward Cape hole around a pond. So fun! There are others. A tree blocks the entire left side of the par-3 fourth hole. The rest of the round is just solid golf roaming through the woods. It's never mentioned among northern Michigan's best courses, but dollar for dollar, it's a worthy spend every time.

We played this course on a Monday morning. Not much traffic so we were pretty much on our own throughout the round. The course was in excellent condition. A difficult course for mid to high handicap golfers as there are many holes with significant carry. Overall, a good experience.

Nice course for the money - greens in good shape - not a hard course after the first time playing.

Cutters Ridge requires accuracy - especially on approach shots. There is often little room to left or right of the green - and the greens have plenty of slope. It would be a real challenge for golfers of any skill level.

Played cutters ridge course for golf now rate of$36 which is a great value.
All tee boxes were superb
Fairways were in great shape and greens were consistent speed medium fast.
Lots of sloping to the greens but not extreme.
The bunkers have good sand and are consistent.
Would have been nice to see maps of the holes on the card or at the tee box.
After playing I did see some map sheets at the club house. Would have been nice to have been informed of such prior to playing, but otherwise the staff was very friendly.
The course is pretty cut through the woods, but not picturesque, and no real memorable holes.
The layout is plenty challenging but fair.
If you can't keep it close to the fairway, bring a lot of balls- outside the rough is very thick vegetation

Some really scenic holes, with lots of chances for trouble. Course is target golf in some cases, so bring your A game. Can be difficult depending on which box you play. Fun and pretty course overall. Recommend playing it.

I played The Cutters Ridge of Manistee National. This course is set in the pines and hardwoods of western lower Michigan. Tight fairways that take precision shots of distance and accuracy. Hilly and damp to wet conditions throughout. Undulating greens of speed. Gets a little hot in the noon to 3:00 sun but a beautiful course to experience!

This is the hardest golf course I ever played, you best be prepared to hit very long and straight. After we were done, I really didn't think I would want to play it again. The next morning I wanted to go back and give it another try.