The public golf scene in the state of Michigan runs deep. So deep that I somehow managed to overlook a 4 course destination with a glorious little short course. Just 3 hours north of Detroit, you will find Garland Golf Resort in the cozy little town of Lewiston. The resort has been around since 1951 when Herman Otto built a 9 hole golf course on the property. Throughout the 1980’s and ‘90’s, the resort grew by adding cabins, lodging, tennis courts, and all types of resort activities. Most importantly, Garland added new golf courses and expanded into 72 holes of golf. Just last year, a reversible short course named The Sawyer increased the resort’s total to 81 holes of golf.
The vibe at the resort is casual, friendly and perfect for groups that are looking to enjoy some golf heavy good times. With 4 courses, you won’t run out of new golf to explore and The Sawyer provides a perfect option to add an emergency nine to any full day of golf. The cabins are cozy, and conveniently located right next to the golf. Garland has everything that a golfer could want right at your fingertips.
During my photography visit, I was tasked with capturing images from every course on the property. Since I managed to golf all 81 holes during my time at Garland, it made sense for me to rank my favorite six holes on the property. My rankings below are based on a many different factors. Things like character, aesthetics, and shot options have all been considered in the list below. Please enjoy.
#6: Hole 15 - Par 5 - Fountains Course - 480 yards
There are plenty of fountains on the Fountains course at Garland. However, I have selected a hole that doesn’t have any fountains, just a glorious little green site. At only 480 yards, a good drive on this par 5 will tempt most golfers to go for the green in two shots. Since the hazard surrounding the green is hard to identify from the fairway, first time golfers might not be aware of the trouble that lurks. The green juts out onto a peninsula that is completely enveloped by marsh lands. It’s a fun and beautiful little chance to find an eagle.
#5: Hole 7 - Reflections Course - Par 4 - 381 yards
The Reflections course has a handful of interesting holes, but the 7th embodies the spirit of the round more than others. Located directly along the lake that separates the Monarch and Reflection courses, this hole was one of my favorites to photograph during the sunset hour. Left from the tee is disastrous and the fairway bunker on the right becomes the main hazard to avoid. After a good drive, the approach shot provides a great opportunity for a birdie by the water.
#4: Hole 13 - Monarch Course - Par 4 - 432 yards
The thirteenth on the Monarch Course at Garland might just be the most photogenic golf hole at Garland. The pine islands and the proximity of the water make for an excellent photograph. The golf hole itself requires some serious concentration with water looming on the tee shot as well as the approach shot. At 432 yards, the golf hole is also one of the longer par 4’s at Garland. Some dramatic mounding around the green makes for some interesting short game options.
Bonus Selection - Hole #5 - Swampfire Course - Par 3 - 165 yards
While the 5th hole at Swampfire doesn’t fall into my favorite 6 holes at Garland, I felt it was necessary to highlight the teebox. This wraparound beauty completely encapsulates the pond and makes for the a tremendous variety of tee shots. Depending on the day, this mid length par 3 is going to play completely different. There should be more tee boxes like the one on the the 5th hole.
#3: Hole 4 - Swampfire Course - Par 4 - 438 yards
It should be known that “Swampfire” is a bold and excellent choice for the name of a golf course. Most golf resorts go with a middle of the road option like Rolling Hills. Not Garland. Out here we are talking about a fire in the middle of a swamp. Hell yeah. This long par 4 is perhaps the most challenging of the bunch. The 4th provides a good mixture of the course’s signature swamps and some great undulations around the green.
#2: Hole 8 Green / 3 White - The Sawyer Course
The Sawyer course at Garland pumps up the fun meter for the entire resort. This reversible 9 hole loop offers a series of short golf holes that are perfect before or after playing one of the full length golf courses. You don’t need more than a few clubs to play The Sawyer and the good times are sure to roll on both the green and white loop The shared green on the 8th and 3rd hole is the apex of the round. with a large slope in the middle of the green, a plethora of interesting shots are possible.
#1: Hole 11 - Monarch Course - Par 4 - 444 yards
Most golfers will agree that the 11th hole at Monarch is the finest golf hole at Garland Golf Resort. This dogleg left requires a strong and accurate tee shot in order to set up a mid iron into the green. A creek protects the right hand side of the putting surface with multiple bridges adding visual enticement as the creek snakes around the front of the green. Not only is the 11th a real beauty, but this golf hole is also a real bruiser at 450 yards.
