Not far from Treetops is Otsego Resort, home to two standout courses: The Classic and The Tribute. The Classic is revered for its parkland strategy and wide fairways – an enjoyable test that rewards shot-making without punishing the mid-handicap player. The Tribute, meanwhile, meanders through wetlands and valleys in dramatic fashion, making it a favorite among seasoned players seeking reward and the chance to hit some truly heroic shots. Otsego Resort has a number of accommodation options available, and the Duck Blind Grille is a perfect spot for a post-round sandwich or a well-deserved steak dinner with a cold beer from one of the local breweries.
There are plenty of other courses in and around Gaylord that you can make part of a multiday itinerary. Michaywé Pines Golf Course offers a classic forested layout with precise routing and excellent service, while Gaylord Country Club – one of the area’s oldest clubs – invites golfers to experience a true parkland design with thoughtful bunkering and immaculate greens. Additional local favorites such as the Loon Golf Resort and its companion Ridge and Lakes courses offer serene yet engaging complements to the region’s heavier hitters.
Beyond Gaylord itself, courses like Black Lake Golf Club and Black Bear Golf Club lie a short drive from town, providing variety and options for itineraries that span multiple days. Black Lake is part of a UAW-owned conference center in nearby Onaway with a brawny 18-hole course designed by Rees Jones and a fun par-3 layout called The Little Course. Meanwhile, Black Bear is a family-owned course in Vanderbilt that is being restored to pristine condition and is known for its Bear Bourbon Bar – an oasis for bourbon lovers with more than 110 varieties available, not to mention a strong selection of cigars.
Gaylord’s golf season is refreshingly long for the Great Lakes. Courses typically open in late April and continue through October, with prime conditions from May through September. In practical terms, that means Chicago players can plan early-season trips in late spring or bask in extended evenings during the height of summer. Unlike destinations burdened by oppressive heat, Gaylord offers comfortable temperatures and long days that stretch your rounds and your memories well into the cooler twilight.
One of the region’s most underrated advantages is accessibility. Gaylord sits along Interstate 75, roughly 350 miles from the greater Chicago area. It’s a straightforward drive that many Chicago golfers can complete in under six hours without stress. That ease of travel turns what might otherwise be a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip into a repeatable, annual pilgrimage.
For groups aiming to optimize their golf time, this proximity means you can leave early Friday morning, play an afternoon 18 on arrival, and then build out two or three more rounds before packing up Sunday afternoon. Golf travel planners and operators in the region encourage this approach, noting that many visitors build multi-round packages that include lodging, meals and greens fees under one convenient itinerary.
Gaylord’s draw isn’t only about its many fine fairways; it’s about the full vacation experience. Walk off the course and you’ll find a community rich in natural beauty, with fishing, hiking, biking and lakeside relaxation waiting on the non-golf days. The Gaylord area is dotted with more than 90 inland lakes and five trout streams, making it a premier destination for anglers of all skill levels. Downtown Gaylord itself has seen a revitalization of its own, with boutique shops, craft breweries and eateries where groups can gather after sunset to recount the day’s best shots.
Another compelling aspect of a Gaylord golf trip is the value. Compared to resort pricing in the Southeast or on the West Coast, Gaylord delivers tremendous bang for your travel dollar. Courses in the area offer reasonable greens fees for the quality of golf you receive, and the region’s lodging partners span from cozy inns to full-service resorts with fine dining and spa amenities. For golfers seeking package deals, many courses and hotels will bundle multiple rounds with accommodations and meals, further smoothing the path to a cost-e icient yet memorable getaway.
Whether you gravitate toward historic layouts or modern resort classics, mid-range values or premium plays, Gaylord serves up a range of styles and experiences that make it ideal for groups of varying tastes and handicaps, and the diversity of courses lets you build an itinerary that is as challenging or leisurely as your group desires.