TRAVEL: Gull Lake View (MI) Named National Golf Course of the Year

For most of us, it’s been about a year since we’ve done any real traveling. Fortunately, things are starting to finally improve, so we all know what that means: golf trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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And at the top of your possible destinations should be Stoatin Brae Golf Course at Gull Lake View Golf and Resort in Augusta, Mich., which was just named the “National Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). The announcement was made recently during the NGCOA’s Golf Business Conference 2021, held virtually alongside the annual PGA Merchandise Show (January 25th to 27th).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Known officially as the Jemsek National Golf Course of the Year Award, the honor recognizes members demonstrating 4 criteria: exceptional quality of the course, exceptional quality of ownership and management, outstanding contribution to its community, and significant contribution to the game. The Course of the Year Award winners come from the NGCOA’s core membership, which make an outstanding contribution to the game of golf in their markets and are model operations to their peers.

“This is truly an honor to be recognized by the NGCOA and alongside so many top golf course facilities across the country,” said Bill Johnson, Vice President of Gull Lake View. “Gull Lake View has been part of the fabric of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek community for six decades impacting area golfers. This recognition is a testament to the Scott family and Darl Scott’s vision that continues today with Stoatin Brae.”

Going on its fourth generation with the Scott Family at the helm, and as one of the largest family-owned golf resorts in the U.S. with 6 championship courses, simple-yet-charming lodging, and multiple dining options, Gull Lake View is a fun and rewarding experience for everyday golfers.

Indeed, Gull Lake View looks to ensure that even the working-class group of buddies can have a similar kind of experience and camaraderie as golfers at pricey, nationally acclaimed high-end destinations, but without breaking the bank. Don’t believe me, well among the many golf packages Gull Lake offers is their Spring Special (April & May): 1-night of lodging and 2-days of unlimited golf for only $144.

As mentioned, Stoatin Brae (pictured above), which means Grand Hill in Scottish Gaelic, is the flagship course and also happens to be a departure from the normal pattern of growth at the resort. The course is only the 2nd course of the 6 that was not designed and built by the talented Scott family with landscape architecture backgrounds. The highly acclaimed course, a magnificent design situated on a picturesque bluff overlooking the Kalamazoo River Valley, marries a minimalist classic links-style with architectural elements from golf’s golden design era of the 1920s and 1930s to create a stunning and memorable golf experience.

In addition to Stoatin Brae, visitors can also tee it up at Gull Lake’s other courses:

• Gull Lake View East Course – Hilly terrain among natural water hazards, including 10 unique water holes
• Gull Lake View West Course – Featuring fields, hills, valleys, woods, and ponds
• Stonehedge North – 6 Par 3s, 6 Par 4s, and 6 Par 5s that feature forested terrain and dramatic elevation changes
• Stonehedge South – Routed through dramatic, rolling, forested countryside
• Bedford Valley – Huge greens, “mammoth” bunkers, and fairways lined with mighty oaks that has hosted State Open’s, Junior Championships, and NCAA Tournaments

Michigan golf is a golf destination that rivals some of the best, despite having a winter offseason. Fortunately, spring is quickly approaching so make sure to check out Gull Lake View Golf and Resort and plan your trip ASAP!

Cover Image via Instagram