By Dave Finn

I must admit to an instant affinity with the Garland Resort the moment we pulled up to the grand entranceway. Boasting the largest log lodge east of the Mississippi River, it immediately brought back memories of golfing at Chateaux Montebello in Quebec and flashbacks of my parents log homestead in Burnt River, Ontario. I can't imagine anyone not being awestruck by this incredible building complete with hand carved doors and stained glass windows.

In 1951 Herman Otto had the idea of building a nine-hole golf course for his family, friends and employees of his company, Garland Manufacturing, to enjoy. Since then, this family-owned resort has grown to 35,000 acres with four championship golf courses and every kind of accommodation imaginable, each catering to your style and budget.

Ron Otto, the son and current owner "personally designed and oversaw construction of all 72 holes at Garland." Originally a golf professional from the Detroit area, he has done a magnificent job of designing four distinct layouts that will challenge every part of your game. One big advantage is that all four courses start from the same Pro Shop, so you can leave your clubs in storage, which makes it conveniently ready for your next round.

Garland was one of the earlier fractional ownership properties to be developed in Michigan, but all the facilities are still available to the pay-as-you play visitors. There are 56 rooms in the main lodge, 7 two story 3 or 4 bedroom French Villas, 16 Double Villas, 8 one or two-bedroom Condos and 59 two story Golf Cottages featuring 2 bedrooms with private bath, fully-equipped kitchen, gas fireplace and an outdoor BBQ on the deck. What more could anyone want? An ideal setting where you simply park your car, settle into your home away from home and then face the tough task of choosing which of the four golf courses to play first!

Unfortunately, our time was limited at this beautiful location, allowing for play at only one of the four layouts, so we asked Shelly Townsend, Leisure Salas Manager for her recommendation. Her answer: "They all get about the same amount of play but the Fountain Course is our premium course." That made the decision a little easier – the Fountain Course it was.

Pride of ownership is evident at this resort, so before we began our round, a tour of the property was definitely in order. Glen Brancheau, the Grounds Director at Garland for 22 years, claims that "they plant over 34,000 annual flowers per year" but they can't compete with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Glen proudly explained "You can see whitetail deer, wild turkey, fox and even a nesting of bald eagles." Whether you are golfing or not, these grounds beg to be explored by all who visit.

With Shelly, now my self-appointed guide, we set off on a "wild goose chase," meandering around many of the holes we wouldn't have the chance to play during this visit, in an attempt to find the infamous eagle's nest. Shelly sheepishly admitted that she has "been at Garland for over 4 years now and still gets lost out here," and I could understand why. The property is a maze of man-made lakes, forested woodlands and intertwining holes – a delightful way lose yourself for an hour or two!

It was definitely worth the trek as I witnessed to a very rare site indeed – mating eagle adults with a nest full of "youngin's". A Kodak moment indeed; too bad I didn't have my camera but perhaps some moments are not meant to be captured but simply enjoyed and remembered.

After lunch we set off to the range and putting green. The first thing you need to remember when playing here is that the practice green is a very good indication of what to expect putting – hilly greens with few flat areas.

The 1st hole sets the stage for your round. A tight par 4 with a small kidney shape green and big contours (very tough). Not difficult to leave this hole with a 3 putt.

The 2nd hole is a gorgeous par 5 with an elevated tee where you have to contend with a large pond that comes into play on your 2nd shot. Your second shot will run short and left of a long and narrow green, plus a fringe that slopes away into swales. A very photogenic hole with mature trees that line the fairway - target golf at its best! Be forewarned though - at Garland wayward shots will end up in the forest and the abundance of ferns makes it difficult to find your ball.

Other memorable holes included:
- #10 - another great Par 5 with water that comes into play on your second shot. The green here has 3 tiers and is more than a little intimidating for the average player!
- #13 - a 400 yard par 4 with the last 100 yards or so you have to carry completely over marsh. There is absolutely no room for error.
- #15 - another narrow but short par 5 where a fairway tree interferes with your approach shot as you lay up. If you go for this one in 2, it is almost impossible to hit the green since this "postage stamp" green slopes off toward the swamp that surrounds it on 3 sides.

Over all, we loved the layout. The elevation changes, treed-lined fairways, views and strategically placed bunkers make this course a must to play. In my opinion, however, changing the sand in the bunkers would enhance playability. Also, since this course is difficult from tee to green, a little less punishment on the putting surface would be greatly appreciated by this golfer.

Although we did not get to play the other courses I understand they are equally as challenging:

- Swamp Fire – 6,800 yards with a slope of 138 where 15 out of 18 holes have water that comes into play. Definitely a shot-makers course!

- Reflections – the shortest of them all at 6,400 yards but with a slope rating of 127, it still has some bite. A unique combination of 6 par 5's, 6 par 4's and 6 par 3's

- Monarch – the longest test at 7200 yards and a slope rating of 140. Pull out your driver but be careful of the 14 holes where water that comes into play.

As a golf destination, Garland is second to none. Where else can you enjoy 72 holes of golf without ever moving your car? There are enough choices of accommodations to suit couples, families, foursomes or tournaments alike. When you arrive, make sure you bring your ‘A' game or you'll be going home with your tail between your legs.

Garland is located 3 ½ hour drive north of Detroit or Port Huron. Garland also has a private airport. For more information, visit the website: www.garlandusa.com or call the Leisure Sales Department at 1-877-442-7526 and speak to Cindy Newell or Shelly Townsend - both these ladies are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable and will ensure your stay is everything you are looking for in a resort.

 

07/09

 

 

Top 5 Things to do
at Garland:

1. Play all 4 courses.

2. Have lunch and a cold "Landshark" or two around the Tiki Hut.

3. Practice you putting... because you're going to need it.

4. Have dinner and enjoy the seared tuna at Herman's Grill.

5. Go searching for the Bald Eagle's nest & bring a zoom lens camera.

 
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