Golf Course Architecture - Issue 62: October 2020

70 (That figure includes a number of nine- hole courses often left out of the tally). Sand is omnipresent at Forest Dunes. Guests are able to choose their favourite playing surface. Interestingly, this is part of a trip planning protocol for some. The closer to the resort, the more prominent is the sand. Next to the road, under the high-tension power lines, the quicksand-like country roads down which I was routed by my Waze were all sand. The houses and cottages at the resort were all set on sand. So, I assumed that the original course would be on sand. For the first-time visitor expecting sandy links-style golf, the first tee of the namesake Forest Dunes course will surprise. It is a fairly lush parkland. It is very well routed, enjoyable. It is an interesting juxtaposition, sand barren and dune immediately adjacent the verdant mow lines and rough. Pure sandcapped by soil and green grass laid in the dunes might be a bit of a ponder but understandable given the period the course was built. Fairways are moist but greens are hard packed directly on sand and roll true. More importantly, it has many fans and guests who love it and keep coming back. “My dad loves this course,” makes this a destination where there is something for everyone. Michigan is ‘golf is for the people’. The explosion in golf was driven not only by the elite, but also by the blue collar and line workers of the auto industry’s United Auto Workers (UAW). During the Detroit, (Flint, Cadillac, Grand Rapids) auto heyday, when the shift ended, there was no work to take home and the pay was excellent. A coupling of disposable income with a brutal winter climate, the UAW community took full advantage of summer warmth and 10pm sunsets. Golf became both an afterwork passion and a place to park money for those not connected to investment advisors of the wealthy country club set. Retzer says: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Michigan is either first or second in number of registered boats, depending on the source. Boats and cabins near lakes and golf courses.” Destination golf became an intra-state industry. Jump to the present, the competition for the Michigan golf dollar is heated. FOREST DUNES “Forest Dunes is an interesting combination of something for everybody” Firm fescue surfaces and severe ground contour invites creative shot-making, as seen here at the 100-yard second. Forest Dunes also has an eighteen hole layout by Tom Weiskopf and the reversible Loop course (right) by Tom Doak