Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort

Reader Ratings / Reviews

• Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort

  
  by Phil
  on August 15th, 2022 09:15

  Okay place but really nothing special. Driving range (was closed when I was there) is just okay, small practice putting green area, fairways needed mowed, greens were well kept and in good condition. Layout doesn't present much challenge other than maybe a little long. Heather rough barely/rarely comes into play, just a big field with a mowed golf course. Way overrated for the price ($100+...... it's a $40 track). Online reservation process is not well done for a newer place, I had higher than normal expectations but was disappointed, overall its decent, but I wouldn't hurry back.
• Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort

  
  by The Golfin' Guy
  on September 19th, 2021 13:01

  When golfers think of Augusta, their first thought in all likelihood is The Masters and Augusta National on a bright sunny day in April. I doubt it’s that small town in Michigan, midway between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. But maybe it should be because Augusta, Michigan is home to one of the largest golf resorts in the country: Gull Lake View Golf Resort. There are 108 holes within a 12-mile radius of Augusta, Mich., and offers more holes than Bandon Dunes, PGA National, or Pebble Beach Resorts. It is among the five largest golf resorts in the country. Five of the six courses have been certified as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries since 1995.
  
  Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort has been owned and operated by the Scott family for over 50 years. Every day, four generations of Scotts go to work at the resort in one capacity or another. There were no big-name golf course architects called in to build the golf courses; no Tom Fazio, no Pete Dye, no Ron Garl. Gull Lake View is a did-it-themselves golf resort. Except for Bedford Valley – which was purchased by the Scott family in 1988 and with a little help from Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design on Stoatin Brae - the golf courses were designed and built by the Scotts. Renaissance helped out with the bunkering and greens on Stoating Brae, as well as doing some of the labor. The shaping and contouring of the golf course were done by the Scotts.
  
  Darl and Letha are the matriarch and patriarch of the Scott family and were the first generation of Scotts to be involved with the property. Darl used to be the superintendent at nearby Gull Lake Country Club and the couple also owned the Gull Lake Motel. The Scotts sold the motel to get the funds to build their first course, Gull Lake View West, which opened in 1965.
  
  Stoatin Brae is not only the newest course at Gull Lake View but also their crowning jewel. The course was built by the Scott family with a little input and help from Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Company. Translated from Gaelic, Stoatin Brae means Grand Hill and since the course sits on the highest point in Kalamazoo County, it just makes sense! The course can be described in 4 words: fast, firm, and wide open (and doesn’t count)! When the wind is up, you’ll have a good idea of what it’s like to play golf in Scotland. The course plays 6,667 yards from the tips with a course rating of 71.5 and a slope of 122. You’ll have to shoot a 71 if you want to play par golf here. And it’s priced right too. It’s probably one of the best golf values in the country. There are no water hazards at Stoatin’ Brae. But what it lacks in water, it makes up for in strategically placed bunkers and challenging green complexes. And if the wind’s blowing, you’ll forget all about the lack of water. At 336 yards, the 10th hole is relatively short however as you stand on the tee, you can’t help but wonder where is the best place to hit your tee shot? As it turns out, a long drive down the left side and over the hill provides the best angle into the green. If you can see your tee shot when it lands, you’ll probably have a tougher approach shot. Several rugged bunkers guard the green.
  
  
  Although the majority of Gull Lake View’s guests come from Detroit, Chicago, and Toledo, it’s not uncommon to meet golfers from Cincinnati, and Wisconsin, and Canada while you’re there. Golfers may come out to just play Stoatin Brae but once they get a feel for one of the other courses, they’re hooked! And at Gull Lake View, there is something for everyone.
• Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort

  
  by Chris
  on August 24th, 2020 12:00

  Played on August 23 rd 2020. Took my group of 14 guys to finish our 3 day weekend of 72 hole friendly "Jacket Championship" tourney. Have been doing this for 14 years in Michigan, and have played top courses from Arcadia Bluffs & Arcadia South all the way down to Harbor Shores and many more in between. Staotin Brae is ABSOLUTELY an outstanding price for the value you get in return. It is very similar to Arcadia South just much more elevation and half the price. Arcadia South is a great course, just not worth the price. My entire group all played South last year, and play Stoatin Brae this year. It was a unanimous hands down from all they enjoyed Staotin Brae much better.
  
• Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort

  
  by LJG
  on June 27th, 2017 14:51

  Great links-style course. Wonderful greens with challenging contours that roll very true; hard to believe they have only been grassed in for a year. Plays firm and fast with fescue fairways. The hay is high and thick, but the fairways are very wide, so you won't lose too many balls even in a breeze unless you are spraying it. Browsing Golfweek's list of best Michigan publics, I would not say it is top 5 (stiff competition), but it makes a good case for top 10, and is easily top 15.
• Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort

  
  by jeremy
  on May 30th, 2017 11:08

  It is different I will give them that. Perched on a very high point in Kalamazoo county SB does give some really good views. The golf course is BRAND NEW and you can tell for sure. Even if the course was perfect condition I personally don't think I would pay more then $60 to play. It is a fun layout don't get me wrong! We played Stonehenge South before going to SB and we were all more impressed with SS. Probably wont be back. One recommendation........Do NOT HIT OFF THE FAIRWAY!! It WILL BE a penalty stroke.
• Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort

  
  by John
  on December 02nd, 2016 19:15

  Best views in all of Southwest Michigan!!! Make sure to bring extra golf balls for this track.