Gaylord Golf Mecca Offers Top Trio of Resort Golf Experiences
By Greg Johnson
Quality and quantity have been key elements for the 35-year success story that is the Gaylord Golf Mecca, America’s favorite summer golf destination in the heart of Northern Michigan. That quality and quantity is reflected in sparkling fashion in three primary Mecca member resorts that offer lodging, dining, golf and more – Otsego Resort, The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort and Treetops Resort.
Together they include eight of the 17 golf courses of the Mecca and are three standouts among the 21 lodging partners, too. For golfers seeking a complete resort experience, this Mecca trio delivers in unique and expert ways.
Consider the Otsego Resort with 80 guestrooms in lodges with an Alpine log cabin welcome feel, the Duck Blind Grille and two golf courses. This is the resort that started Gaylord’s connection with the Alpine theme and Swiss architecture, and the comfortable room options are offered at comfortable price points. Groups rave about the Hilltop Lodge with its aptly named Great Room in the center and the roomy modern units all around. It’s perfect for group gatherings and celebrations.
As for the golf, there are two courses, including The Tribute, one of the top courses in all the Mecca. The Gary Koch/Rick Robbins design takes golfers up and down the picturesque acres of the Sturgeon River Valley. The Classic course, the original course on site, provides few gimmicks and is friendly for family golf, seniors and juniors. Visit otsegoresort.com.
Golfers and their families find a different Northern Michigan experience at The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort. In addition to a fun-for-all golf course, there are comfortable, modern log cabin condominiums, including some with views of The Natural golf course and others tucked into the surrounding wilderness. The variety of cabins sleep anywhere from 6 to 16 people, and guests get the private resort treatment with access to a pool, water slide and more. It’s a common occurrence for guests to relax around a fire in the perfectly designed pits located near the cabins.
In addition to unique lodging, the Jerry Matthews-design of The Natural golf course is a great journey through the natural wetlands and hardwoods. Multiple tee positions help it fit golfers of all ages and abilities. The golf and the cabin experience combine for a pure Northern Michigan experience.
Meanwhile, the experience promised at Treetops Resort (treetops.com) with five golf courses and the area’s largest variety of lodging options is complete, all-inclusive and a study in quality and quantity. Amenities, gorgeous views and more can be found in Treetops’ Lodge, Inn, North condominiums and the Jones cottages. If golfers can’t find their optimum choice of lodging at Treetops, then those choices can’t be found.
The resort is also home to 81 holes of elite golf, and 90 if you count the nine-hole putting course called The Himalayas. The Masterpiece by Robert Trent Jones, Premier by Tom Fazio, Signature by Rick Smith, Tradition by Rick Smith and Threetops by Rick Smith (dramatic par 3 course) make for an unmatched collection over 1,500 acres of green.
Find out more about these resorts, our Mecca courses, lodging partners, and check out the travel packages, too, with a quick and comprehensive visit to gaylordgolfmecca.com.
