The Homestead

To start, I have played here probably 20 times over three years and always a great experience. Of the courses in this part of N Michigan, Manitou was always in the best shape. Such a great layout and fun course to play.

Keeping in mind current conditions with COVID, I was still surprised to see The condition of the course when we played. While it has been dry, I was still surprised to see the number of burned out spots on their fairways and the greens. Even more surprising was to see bunkers that had knee-high weeds grown up and many with high weeds inside of the bunker.

As mentioned, I typically love playing here but expected more from the highest-price course in the area.

Played in June of 2020. Probably 3 1/2 stars, and I’m trying to be sensitive to the COVID-19 situation as well.

First off, the course does have a tremendous layout. It’s a fair course, in that If you put it in play you can score. Getting off the tee is imperative - and going with less than driver on a number of holes is recommended based on my experience. Lots of undulation on the greens, and some great elevation changes from tee to green. Hole 8 is a tremendous hole. Par 3’s were good holes too. So, the layout itself makes it worth playing.

That being said, the conditions left a lot to be desired, especially considering the high expectations I had - based on reviews and word of mouth. I am sure the unusually dry conditions and the economics of COVID were factors. Fairways were firm and fast, I had no issues with them. However, greens were slow and had lots of burnt out spots. There were lots of bare spots around the green, as well. Bunkers were in good shape all things considered. Tee boxes were inconsistent - some in good shape, and others not. I felt, conditions were average at best, and if COVID wasn’t a thing, I’d say they were below that.

Cost was fair. Pace was great. Staff was super friendly and cleaned up your clubs after. Clubhouse and restaurant appeared very nice but only a tiny part was open due to COVID.

I would play it again if I know the current conditions are a product of COVID and not just poor maintenance. That being said, it is a wonderful layout with some pretty awesome views!

Expensive course that lays on the west side of Sugarloaf mountain. Some tremendous views. About half the holes are hilly , but fair. Greens and fairways are always in tremendous shape. Only negative is the cost to play.

Great course with attractive amenities: Electric carts with onboard gps course layout and yardages, small cooler with ice and water, ball cleaner. Not one thing to complain about.

This course is worth the drive. Great value for what you get. It has lots of rolling hills, in fact, in it's' former life part of the course was used for skiing. On one of the holes on the back nine there is even a former chair lift complete with some chairs still hanging on it. The fairways and greens were in great shape. The greens are large so don't get too excited with a GIR as you still may have a long putt.

I will definitely be back.

Always a pleasure to play this course when in the area. Good test of your golf skill but not crazy difficult. Will play again.

Second time playing here. Greens were rolling nicely and even though it was busy pace of play was great. I don’t think we waited on a single shot. Staff was great. Only wish they had a range but the nets were ok.

Great day. Great price on a Hot Deal!

Beautiful conditions and layout. Super friendly staff. I'll be back. Worth any drive.

Manitous Passage is in my top 5 favorite northern Michigan courses. I consider it to be somewhat of a hidden gem. The conditions are always excellent and the staff is very friendly. I could play this course over and over and not tire of the layout. The enormous elevation changes make for a gorgeous round, especially in the fall. I will continue to come back multiple times a year. Great value, great course!

Had a great time playing here this August during a family vacation in Northern Michigan. It's a beautiful course that challenges you more often than not. I found myself not playing my best on this particular day, but it never took away from the experience. I loved the history in the clubhouse (lots of tribues to Arny). The course was in great shop. The bartender was a sweetheart. All said, it was a great afternoon! Thanks Manitou Passage

Very friendly staff, nice layout, - semi tricky shots required but gps on carts helps a lot. The greens were nice, moderate speed but a little bumpy (it is fall golf). Some excellent vistas and very pretty scenery. Very favorable women's tees.

Clubhouse filled with information about Arnold Palmer. Golf course is challenging from all tees and is in very good condition. Cart paths only on par 3's and GPS restricts where carts can travel on the course. Pace of play was a little slow but worth playing again and again and again and again. Hope to be back soon.

This is the best course that I've ever played. Excellent layout. Errant shots are penalized and I had plenty of those, but still had a blast! Played 2 course in NW Michigan on this trip and I'd come back here in a heartbeat. Excellent staff that was very accommodating.

Do yourself a favor and play this Northern Michigan gem.

First time was better than the second time

First-time starter was on point, rhythm of play was consistent I felt like I was at a high dollar course.

Second time the play was extremely slow and had trouble finding somebody who worked there.

Hope my third experience is like the first!

First time playing this course in 20 years -- very nice course. Well kept. Rolling hills and scenic holes but fair -- played off the whites.