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Mount Pleasant a Central Michigan golf standout

When one thinks of golf in Michigan, Central Michigan is usually where those thoughts will lead them. These days, however, people who hunt for the links in Central Michigan are more often than not drawn to Mount Pleasant.

Having gone from a town known for its thriving Native American population, to a casino town, Mount Pleasant is reborn again, this time as a top golf destination. Home to six courses, Mount Pleasant is within short driving distance to a total of 15 golf courses, making it a solid base for any golfer looking to explore Central Michigan's finest golf.

And the city of Mount Pleasant seems to understand golfers, as well, offering some great deals for golfers wanting to make the most of their golf vacation. The Mount Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, through Golf Central Michigan, has teamed up with every major golf course in the surrounding area, along with 14 lodging areas and nine restaurants to create a treat for all golfers and travelers.

By pooling the impressive Central Michigan golf resources, Mount Pleasant and Central Golf Michigan have gone the extra mile to ensure travelers come to enjoy the best golf in the Wolverine State, while saving money and hassle. Golfers can save 15 percent on meals, as well as get unlimited golf on many of the courses they choose to play.

Still, even without these deals, Mount Pleasant golf is something no golfer should miss. And with casinos, Native American exhibits and festivals and a wide variety of food and lodging options available, Mount Pleasant is a thriving force in the hopping Central Michigan tourist scene.

Must plays

Featuring a world-class clubhouse as well as a unique, par-54, 18-hole course just for putting, Bucks Run Golf Club is a course not to be missed.

Water come in to play often on this 6,756-yard, par-72 layout. And even though there are plenty of healthy stands of trees and some patches of shaft-bending fescue, the water is really the major concern. The course is player-friendly as long as you play smart golf and think your way around the course and the multiple tee stations at each hole allow players of all skill levels to negotiate the course off the tee.

Like so many new, upscale courses, Bucks Run claims no one "signature" hole, but rather a collection of holes which all stick out in your memory in one way or another. Excellent conditions and a friendly staff make Bucks Run a winner.

Unlike many golf resorts, Riverwood Resort is devoted entirely to the game: Sure there's a lot to do nearby, but inside there's peace, tranquility, and passion for the game of golf reigns supreme.

Offering 27 spectacular holes of golf, Riverwood was nominated as one of the top resorts in Michigan and is the course where touring LPGA pros Kelly Robbins, Cindy Figg-Courier and PGA Tour professional Dan Pohl grew up.

At 6,600 yards, and par 72 from the back tees, Riverwood is long enough to challenge big hitters, but more importantly, the plentiful woods and water you will encounter will create some very tight areas through to play through.

Few courses in the entire state of Michigan will match Riverwood, for price (you can often get on for $25 or less) and quality.

At just 6,100 yards, Mount Pleasant Country Club is a short course (by today's standards) with some serious bite, as it checks in with a very respectable 131-slope rating. It's also one of the oldest golf courses in the area, as it was built in the 1920s and has survived the passing of the years with style.

With thick oak trees and plush terrain, Mount Pleasant CC is a charming course, made all the more charming with one of the top clubs in the area, featuring the golf, restaurant, and an Olympic-sized pool.

The PohlCat is Pohl's first design effort and has drawn rave reviews from Central Michigan golfers. Golf Digest called PohlCat "One of America's 12 best new courses in 1992."

A women-friendly course, as well as the site of the Jeri Reid Golf School, which offers a complete learning/teaching and club fitting center with golf school. The 22,000-square-foot clubhouse is available for corporate outings, meetings, full service banquet facilities, weddings, cookouts, special events and tournaments.

Also worth playing

Pleasant Hills Golf Club is a course always rated high as a "People Choice Award" for golf courses in Isabella County. Pleasant Hills features 18 holes with gentle elevation changes and well-manicured greens. At about 6,000 yards from the tips and a 120 slop rating, it's a course that will give golfers a pleasant test. The chalet-style clubhouse offers lunch, snacks and your favorite libations.

Holiday Greens is an executive course that adjoins the Holiday Inn and Green Suites. Holiday Greens was built in 1964 and is famous for large, plush greens. Holiday Inn golf packages will include all the amenities of the hotel and this par-62, 18-hole course.

Dining out

Hungry travelers have options galore in Mount Pleasant, including great Italian food at Fazoli's Italian Restaurant and the Italian Oven.

Well-known national eating establishments like Applebees, Big Boy, Cheers and Red Lobster also dot the Mount Pleasant landscape, giving travelers numerous dining options. Fast-food options are also numerous, as are bakeries.

Stay and play

Riverwood Resort offers incredible value for serious golfers. The all-inclusive packages include deluxe villa housing, unlimited golf, 18-hole golf cart use each day, gourmet dinner and full breakfast, discounts in the pro shop, and mint-chocolate tees on your pillow each night. Ranging from just $79 to $159 per person per night, depending on the season and day of the week.

The Mount Pleasant area features a full supply of nationally recognized hotels, such as Best Western and Holiday Inn. The Baymont Inn is a popular choice for travelers who want to be right in the middle of casino and golf action.

Fast Fact

The "Saginaw Chippewa Pow Wow" provides visitors to Mount Pleasant the opportunity to experience firsthand traditional Native American dress, dancing, food, and crafts. This August outdoor competition powwow attracts dancers and drummers from all over the U.S. To learn more, call (989) 775-4000.

If You Go

Bucks Run Golf Club
1559 S. Chippewa
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (517) 773-6830
Web site: www.bucksrun.com

Riverwood Resort
1313 East Broomfield Road
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (517) 772-5726 or (800) 882-5211
Web site: www.riverwoodresort.com

Mt. Pleasant Country Club
3686 East River Rd.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 773-7671
Web site: www.mountpleasantcc.com

Pleasant Hills Golf Club
4452 East Millbrook Rd.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 772-0487
Web site: www.pleasanthillsgolf.com

PohlCat
6595 East Airport Rd.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 773-4221 or (800) 292-8891
Web site: www.pohlcat.net

Holiday Greens
5665 East Pickard Rd.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 775-9004 or (800) 292-8891
Web site: www.pohlcat.net/holidaygreens.html

Baymont Inn
5858 East Pickard Street
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 775-5555 or (800) 290-7777

Fazoli's Italian Restaurant
2111 South Mission Street
Phone: (989) 772-7787

The Italian Oven
2336 South Mission Street
Phone: (989) 773-6836
Web site: www.labellemgt.com

February 6, 2006