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Play Otsego Resort’s course The Tribute, named a Top 10 Best Course by Sports Illustrated, all while experiencing outstanding dining and lodging on a spectacular Gaylord getaway. This is the complete Northern Michigan golf resort experience you won’t want to miss.
Clean swings through cool morning air on a renowned PGA championship course, relaxing in a private hilltop suite, squeezing in a nap and a good book and then swapping golf tales over juicy ribeyes and merlot. Complete golf weekend getaways are found at Otsego Resort.
Tucked into a 4,000-acre slice of tranquility along the Sturgeon River, the premier 36-hole golf resort sprawls across two uniquely challenging PGA championship courses. The hidden gem of the North rests on proud home-away-from-home heritage and neighborly hospitality. Since 1939, Otsego Resort has been a prominent Northern Michigan fixture inviting guests to eat, sleep, ski and fully relax in casual elegance. Former general counsel for Ford Motor Co. Alan Gornick purchased Otsego Resort in 1955 from the estate of steel magnate Donald McLouth, transforming the ski resort into a year-round destination with the addition of The Classic golf course.
Today, fresh air and painstakingly manicured fairways are the summer draw. Award-winning restaurants, exclusive lodging options and peaceful retreat nooks inspire extended stays. Whether it’s a girls’ golf adventure, family reunion or couple’s retreat, here’s how to fully embrace the dream resort experience.
Photo by Otsego Resort
Photo by Otsego Resort
Otsego Resort’s Impeccable Public Courses
The Otsego Resort experience begins with two desirable courses: The Classic and The Tribute. Earning a spot among Sports Illustrated’s Top 10 Best New Courses, The Tribute delivers an 1,100-acre meandering tour of the grand Sturgeon River Valley courtesy of designers Rick Robbins and PGA Tour Professional Gary Koch. The layout delights varying levels of play with four to six tee boxes, natural forestry and landscape flow and just the right amount of elevation to keep you on your toes.
Each breathtaking green-to-tee golf cart ride unveils an exciting elevation change and new postcard horizon. Nearly every tee is elevated, with numbers 3, 6, 11, 14, 16 and 18 designed to wow. From the par-four third tee, you’ll drink in views spanning more than 30 miles and swiftly see why The Tribute was named the 8th Best Public Golf Course in Michigan by Michigan Golf Magazine.
Traditionalists seeking timeless country club design and an honest, no-gimmicks approach to the game naturally take to The Classic course. Often revered as the country’s finest golf course architect of his time, William H. Diddel designed the Gaylord Golf Mecca founding course with the golf neophyte in mind. The Classic stretches and yawns across attractive parkland overlooking the famed Sturgeon River Valley just one mile from downtown Gaylord.
A breathy reprieve from some of the area’s long and demanding courses, The Classic is a sleeper, offering enough challenges for the most skilled golfers and wide fairways for the beginner. Swing from one ski slope to the next on signature par-four hole nine and glance back from the green for a pristine 20-mile view.
The two courses are the backdrop for a complete golf getaway experience. Take time to challenge yourself on The Tribute’s elevated tees and greens, and then enjoy a leisurely day touring The Classic and honing your shot. Both courses are a scenic retreat into Northern Michigan’s woodlands, water and wildlife.
Photo by Otsego Resort
A Meal to Remember at Otsego Resort
Otsego Resort chefs know how to fuel your game and plate a celebratory meal. Powerful appetites on the green lead to satiating sit-downs at the award-winning Duck Blind Grille. Settle in to the breathtaking Sturgeon River Valley vistas and savor seasonal dishes that include a pan-seared salmon filet with marsala honey glaze, chicken prosciutto gnocchi and a golden and red roasted-beet salad with herb vinaigrette.
Duck Blind Grille is a multi-year Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner making it a great place to gather with friends and toast the day—and share truffle fries, Swedish meatballs and classic jumbo shrimp cocktail. Or build your own homemade pizza with specialty toppings that include marinated steak, chorizo and all the fresh veggies.
For breakfast, light lunch, drinks or snacks, stop by the Pro Grille in the pro shop next to the putting range. Pick up a little something to nibble on your way out to the golf course. Nosh on wraps, hoagies, club sandwiches, slow-smoked pulled pork and locally made brats. Refresh with a cold brew from the full bar in the Pro Shop or take one with you on your round.
Photo by Otsego Resort
Rest, Recover & Explore Otsego Resort and Gaylord
Extend your golf getaway and nab that dream tee time by staying at Otsego Resort. On-site bed and breakfast-style accommodations and condominium and log cabin vacation rentals unfold across 80 richly appointed guest rooms and suites. The Hilltop Lodge and Blue Spruce Lodge are furnished in comfy cabin-inspired décor with all the creature comforts—high-speed Internet, flat screens, in-room coffee, breakfast nooks and oversized tubs—to make you feel right at home.
The Tyrol Lodge’s 26 guest rooms offer spacious living areas and modern comforts, including high thread-count bedding and deluxe pillow-top mattresses. Families settle into twin beds, lofts and inviting living areas inside the Loft Lodge, and roomy Otsego Resort chalets offer two full bedrooms and bathrooms with a convenient kitchen and living room for gathering and games.
When you’re not relaxing in your resort accommodations, soak up abundant sunshine and famous laid-back Northern Michigan vacation vibes. Invite the non-golfers in your group to the Sturgeon River headwaters for famous trout and salmon fishing. Guided fishing services and boat rentals are readily available. And no Up North vacation is complete without a canoe or kayak adventure. Take to the waters, paddle, unwind and spot wildlife along locally cherished rivers.
Photo by Otsego Resort
Snag Your Complete Golf Getaway Package
Otsego Resort makes it easy to embrace the full Northern Michigan vacation experience with carefully curated Stay + Play Packages. Choose from weekend and weekday golf-lovers’ packages that include 18 holes at three courses, luxe lodging, lunches and dinner at the celebrated Duck Blind Grille. Larger groups relish in full golf getaway townhouse packages for up to eight golfers, and hassle-free custom golf packages are available for those who prefer more personalization. Learn more about the available packages and snag yours now!