LochenHeath Golf Club in Williamsburg: Making the most of its second chance
WILLIAMSBURG, Mich. -- LochenHeath Golf Club, on the outskirts of Traverse City, is getting a second chance.
LochenHeath sat closed for all of the 2009 season and most of 2010 until it was purchased by new owners, who opened the Steve Smyers design for 2011.
The staff got down on their hands and knees -- literally -- to revive the 7,239-yard golf course and reclaim it from the weeds. Mike Husby, the general manager, and Joe Ettawageshik, the superintendent, supervised a crew that spent hours restoring the course's treasured bunkers. LochenHeath, which opened in 2001, hardly shows any wear and tear; It's already in great shape.
The facilities -- a finely appointed clubhouse and a world-class practice facility -- give players of this public golf course a feeling they've snuck into a private club.
The course's best hole might be its shortest par 4, the drivable sixth hole along East Grand Traverse Bay. The back nine is a beautiful brute that will bruise the ego but likely persuade you to come back for LochenHeath's challenges again.
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(based on 7 reviews)