Wild Bluff GC in Brimley, Michigan a World-Class Getaway

There's a good chance as you're reading this article the temperature is somewhere between negative one and your best score on a nine hole miniature golf course. So in times of arduous boredom that only winter provides, here's hoping the following description will warm your soul for another season of great golf.

Imagine 40 mile views in nearly every direction, some even being so prodigious that you are gazing toward another country. Off in the distance you see a gigantic wind mill farm, creating a gentle humming; almost lyrical in nature. You are, of course, perched on top of a pristine tee box, some 75 feet above a 50 yard wide fairway highlighted by eye-popping greens and bordered by amber fescue. Sure, you're not the second coming of David Toms, but even you can't miss the stunning short grass that lies below.

And then it hits you - is this heaven or just golf's version of Field of Dreams? From my perspective Wild Bluff GC in Brimley, Michigan is a perfect combination of both - a 4 1/2 Star Golf Digest property set on a landscape that is ideally captured by its name. Or in other words, a course you'll be dreaming about until you get to play it again!

"Customers always appreciate the exceptional course conditions they are treated to at Wild Bluff, as well as the incredible views that can be enjoyed while playing," explained Rob Lussenhop, Wild Bluff's Director of Golf since 2003. But the biggest factor that affects our playability is the wind. I think the course can play so differently day in and day out that it never really gets boring. The wind can swirl on certain holes and can be incredibly hard to gauge. Players coming on a two day package might play a wind off the lake on day one and opposite on day two," stated Lussenhop.

The real key to the Wild Bluff experience is the pain-staking efforts the staff goes to make you feel as loved as Norm Peterson at Cheers. While I'm not suggesting everybody will know your name at Wild Bluff, I am saying you'll feel like part of a small-knit family while there. It is also important to note that Wild Bluff has developed an excellent niche when it comes to hosting groups of 24 or more players. Rob Lussenhop describes their winning group philosophy. "We try and handle every detail for the group be it player's names on carts, putting proxies on the course, storing clubs, etc.

Over the years, we have established great relationships with several patrons who play in our larger groups. Now we will go one step farther by offering a few tee prizes, appetizer platters post play, and sometimes we even head out with them to play a bonus nine holes. We want everyone to feel like they are having a truly "hands-off" vacation and that they are being catered to," concluded Lussenhop.

It's important to note that Wild Bluff is secluded to say the least. Brimley, Michigan is located four hours northeast of Escanaba and 55 minutes south of the Mackinac Bridge that connects the U.P. to the rest of Michigan. But with seclusion comes an enormous opportunity to simply get away from it all. Wild Bluff GC is part of the Bay Mills Resort and Casinos where the golfer has the chance to gamble both on and off the course. There's always something to keep you busy in Brimley, from live entertainment, to Texas Hold'em Tournaments, to their famous snow crab, whitefish, and prime rib buffet.

"The stay and play package at Bay Mills Resort & Casinos and Wild Bluff Golf Course is unique because we are truly the perfect one stop destination," explained Nadia Cottelit, Sales Manager at Bay Mills Resort & Casinos. "Most of our packages include accommodations, free play for the casino, food credits, valuable table game coupons and discounts in the gift shop or pro shop. After playing the course you can gamble all night in one of our casinos. Finally, Bay Mills Resort & Casinos is the only casino in the state to offer free drinks while gaming, just like Vegas!"

Sure, drawing a full boat on the river is exhilarating enough, but we know why you come to Bay Mills - to test your skills on a championship golf course that has been voted "Best in The U.P." by numerous media outlets. And as we've mentioned before, it doesn't take long to realize Wild Bluff is a tournament-worthy effort.

The 7,056 yard Mike Husby design begins with five of the most difficult par-4's you'll ever play in a row. In fact, when standing on the 6th tee you'll be safe in the knowledge you have half of the courses ten par-4's already in your rear view mirror. The best of the initial five has to be the 449 yard, par-5 5th, a stunning dogleg left that reveals an inspiring view of Canada in the distance. The tree-lined wonder shows you where to hit it, but begs the question- can you?

The back nine is a more traditional mix of par-3's, par-4's, and par-5's and features all three of Rob Lusenhop's favorite holes on the property. "My personal top-3 in order would be #12, #17, and #15. I like 12 because it's a shorter par-4 and the green is framed in so well by the woods behind it. The fairway twists from tee to green that gives the hole great character. It is certainly a risk-reward hole as the player is faced with a decision on the tee as to the distance he/she will want to have in to the green.

"Number 15 is an obvious choice for no other reason than the beauty of the hole. The elevation from tee to green is a good two clubs, and the view from the tee overlooks the bay and into Canada. The hole itself will play anywhere from 135-210 yards depending on the tees being played, and the green is completely surround by woods, and guarded short left by a bunker. The tee complex was re-designed a few years ago as we added 700 railroad ties into the side of the elevated box to add more tee space and truly make it a show-piece," explained Lussenhop.

"The second to last hole makes my list as it is such a good three shot par-5. If your tee shot is not down the left side of the fairway your second shot will be blocked out. Generally a player will not realize how much that hole turns from left to right until it's too late. Those playing the white, gold, and red tees think they can bomb a drive and have a go at the green in two, but that brings in a creek which crosses the fairway about 225 yards from the green. The fairway bunkers on 17 could not have been placed any better, and the green slopes severely from back to front and is framed by the hill-side and bunkers behind it. As you know, any third shot hit over that green is probably going to result in bogey or worse," stated Rob.

I appreciate the fact Mr. Lussenhop added "As you know" within his description of the 17th. I had the pleasure of playing with Rob a few years ago and he had a first hand view of me failing miserably to try and get up and down from behind the green.

I was put in a similar no-win situation after my round was over in the Players Lounge located above the pro shop. Common sense gave way to peer pressure and their famous 2 lb Ace Burger became my latest adversary. Not too many humans can engulf the entire thing in 30 minutes and I was no different. It wasn't a total loss though; I still have a fancy "I Finished the Ace Burger" T-Shirt they gave me out of pity.

Much like death, taxes, and Jesper Parnevik not being invited to a Tiger Woods hosted tournament, you can count on the snow melting and Wild Bluff opening in a few months. My suggestion, take advantage of this Midwestern Marvel sooner than later. For more information, visit their websites at www.4baysmills.com or www.wildbluff.com, or call their pro shop at 1-888-422-9645.