Northwest Michigan golf is all aces

For many years, the brilliant golf in the northwest portion of the state has earned the region the moniker "Michigan's Golf Mecca." But, with the amount of tourism dollars the sport brings to the area, perhaps it is time for a new name: How about "America's Golf Mecca?"

In the golf world, the reputation of northwest Michigan is about as good as it gets. And it sure helps a state that is in need of revenue. With more than 865 golf courses and 86 golf resorts in the state, golf among the apple blossoms and white pines is much more than a recreational pastime--it is a key industry contributing to the vitality of Michigan's economy.

As an example of how big golf is in Michigan, compare the overall money it generates to other industries in the state. According to a recent survey conducted by SRI International for the World Golf Foundation, the size of Michigan's direct annual golf economy is approximately $2.2 billion. This is comparable to revenues generated by important manufacturing industries in the state, such as motor vehicle steering and suspension components ($2.8 billion), medical equipment and supplies ($1.6 billion), and breakfast cereal manufacturing ($1.3 billion).

Now, back to tourism, one of golf's strongest forces as far as making an economic impact. As the tourism dollar becomes more difficult to come by in Michigan, golf remains a strong piece of the puzzle. The SRI study estimates annual golf-related tourism spending in Michigan at $632.4 million.

Clearly, golf brings visitors to Michigan, and northwest Michigan--with several wonderful places to play--is no exception. Examples of some of the top-notch facilities here include Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, Bay Harbor Golf Club, Treetops Resort, Black Forest Golf Club, Black Lake Golf Club and Boyne Highlands Resort.

Most observers say the best golf is in Gaylord and Traverse City, but that doesn't mean that area is home to every single quality golf course in the region. There are so many other fine courses in Northwest Michigan that it would take at least a two-week vacation to hit half of them. From Cadillac to the tip of the Mitten, and Gaylord to the Big Water, brilliant golf abounds.

"It's an unbelievable collection of golf courses, and certainly an amazing draw to tourists from around the country," says Paul Beachnau, Executive Director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau. "It's not hard to sell people on the Gaylord area if they are golfers."

Of course, golf is a draw that brings with it spending in many other facets of the economy. Golfers don't spend 24 hours a day on the fairways and greens. When they're not on the course, they are eating at local restaurants, shopping at area retail outlets and perhaps even enjoying a cold beverage or two at a popular nightspot.

Pam Phipps, Director of Golf and Black Lake Golf Club in Onaway, calls northwest Michigan one of the great golf locations in the nation. Phipps is well qualified when discussing top tourist attractions. Not only is Black Lake rated the 34th best public golf facility in the nation by Golf Digest, she was raised in the Myrtle Beach area, one of the most well-known golf destinations in the world.

"I tell people that you should only come to Northern Michigan if you love the outdoors and you love golf," Phipps says with a laugh. "The elevation changes are unbelievable. We draw visitors from all over the world, and it doesn't surprise me. This place is beautiful, and we hear it every day."

Black Lake is a microcosm of a successful and money-drawing golf resort. Examples such as Black Lake abound--and prove that tourists can spend money off the grounds, but they don't necessarily have to leave the facility course itself to create tax dollars for the state. Pro shops at northwest Michigan golf courses offer golf equipment, attire and other retail items; dining options are the norm at virtually every course in the area; and golf lessons also generate revenue.

It is clear that golf is a huge moneymaker in northwest Michigan. People love the game, and, according to Phipps, as a result, many of them find out just how much they enjoy the area.

Jeff Barr is the author of "Golf's Best Kept Secrets " and "1001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die." He is a freelance writer who has lived in Michigan for 45 years. You can reach Jeff via email.

Photo captions:

Photos courtesy of The Inn at Bay Harbor - A Renaissance Golf Resort

- Bay Harbor Golf Club – Links #7

- Bay Harbor Golf Club – The Quarry #6

- Bay Harbor Golf Club – The Quarry #9 (Arial Photo includes Clubhouse)

- Bay Harbor Golf Club – The Quarry #9

- The Clubhouse at Bay Harbor Golf Club