Buddy Trips
August 27, 2018 - 3:34 pm EDT 6 years ago

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

SwingU Staff SwingU Staff

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa 

Adding to Michigan’s incredible array of golf destination options, the 900-acre Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, owned by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, is a must consider for anyone planning a golf getaway to the Wolverine State.

Situated in the northwest corner of the state’s lower peninsula along Lake Michigan’s East Grand Traverse Bay, the resort boasts almost 600 guest rooms, suites, and condominiums, two nearby casinos, a shopping complex, the 7,000 sq. ft. Spa Grand Traverse, a private Beach Club, swimming pool, whirlpool, tennis center, several delicious restaurants, health club, game room, access to a full slate of water activities, and three championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Bill Newcomb.

All guest rooms are fully equipped with WiFi, cable TV’s, coffeemakers, refrigerators, and wet bars.


Grand Traverse Resort

Unlimited Activities 

From American classics to poolside dining to pub fare, the resort provides several dining options to fit your taste buds. The Aerie Restaurant & Lounge creates delicious local-ingredient sourced dishes including sea bass, Otto’s chicken, rack of lamb, and pork tenderloin. Sweetwater American Bistro, The Grille, Jack’s Sports Bar, Bourbon’s 72, and Fin’s Sandbar offer additional dining choices.

Whether it’s a bonfire on the beach, catching some live music at the Beach Club, hiking, or renting a jet ski, you will definitely not run out of things to do off the course during your stay at the Grand Traverse. And did we mention the casinos? Yes, that’s plural as in two. The Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, just a few miles away from the resort, and the Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, about a half an hour away, are easily accessed by the resort’s 24-hour a day shuttle service.

Gary and The Golden Bear

The Bear: Unveiled in 1985 and set amidst rolling hills, lakes, and fruit orchards, the par-72, 7,078-yard course – a Jack Nicklaus signature design – features Scottish terraced fairways, tiered greens, deep grassy roughs, moguls and mounds, and deep penalizing pot bunkers. The Bear was home to the Michigan Open from 1985 through 2008.

The Wolverine: Gary Player’s first signature course in the state, the par-72, 7,045-yard Wolverine opened in 1999. With a front nine that tracks its way through lowland wetlands and back nine that makes its way along rolling hills and tree-lined highland terrain, the Wolverine is a treat for golfers of all skill levels. Water impacts play of 13 of the 18 holes.

Spruce Run: Winding along the hills overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay and surrounding the resort, the par-70, 6,204-yard Bill Newcomb-designed Spruce Run course is the resort’s original course and it’s most forgiving.

Grand Traverse offers several solid golf packages. The 2-night Championship Golf Getaway includes: two nights of accommodations, two rounds of golf per person, range balls, two breakfast buffets, and 15 percent off spa treatments. Rates start at about $480 per person double occupancy in the summer.

 

Buddy Trip Cost

$1000-2000  

Travel (by car)

4 hours from Detroit, 5 hours from Chicago  

Accommodations

Entertainment

Dining

Scorecard

Design

  • The Bear: Jack Nicklaus (1985)
  • The Wolverine: Gary Player (1999)
  • Spruce Run: Bill Newcomb (1979)