Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley

Somewhere between "in the middle of nowhere" and "just off the beaten path" lies Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley, Michigan. Thanks to my Bushnell GPS unit I've just confirmed that Wild Bluff is closer to Canada than to civilization, but when you're looking to really get away from it all, where else would you rather be?

Head Golf Professional Rob Lussenhop describes Wild Bluff's remote location this way, and in the process may have softened my "closer to Canada than civilization" line. "I'm not sure that we are SO far removed from civilization. I think civilization is now defined by how far a person lives from the nearest Walmart, and we're about 20 minutes. It is certainly a destination property, however, and most of our patrons are coming so that they can get out of the hustle and bustle of the city."

In truth, Wild Bluff and the adjacent Bay Mills Resort and Casinos is located roughly 30 miles from Sault Saint Marie and only 45 minutes north of the famed Mackinac Bridge. For directions and mileage to and from the property, please view the map on page --.

The hallmark of the ten year-old course is their incomparable collection of Five-Star views. And the best part - it doesn't take the property long to reveal its majesty. From a 200 foot ridge that doubles as the first tee box, golfers can view an impressive display of windmills, trees, and 30 miles across to Lake Superior. Wild Bluff is northwoods golf at its best with prodigious elevation changes and dynamic shot values waiting around every tree-lined bend. The above attributes make Wild Bluff the type of property you'll never get bored playing whether it's twice a year or twice a day.

Just how stunning are the epic views at Wild Bluff? Golfers and non-golfers alike have to stop and stare according to Lussenhop. "Most of our players' first reaction at the end of the round is 'Do you mind if we take a cart and go back up the hill to take a few more pictures?' The 1st, 15th and 18th are probably the most photographed holes, along with the 10th tee, the 3rd, 5th, and 9th greens, and finally the 6th tee which all look out over the casino, Waishkey Bay, the St. Mary's River and into Canada. The views are incredible and I can honestly say that in my five years here I never tire of them. We also have hundreds of non-golfing guests stop in each year, borrow a cart and tour the course with their cameras and binoculars," stated Lussenhop.

With a setting like that the only thing other than the weather that could possibly keep you off the course is the nearby Bay Mills Casino. A rustic lodge setting elicits a testosterone rush upon arrival. Combine that with the oxygen-infused gaming floor and sleep deprivation may become your favorite vacation pastime.

Whether you're all in at the casinos or just in all sorts of trouble on the golf course, there is one constant to the Bay Mills experience - the service. From the moment you pull into the drive you'll be treated like family . . . well upon further review . . . even better than family. Rob Lussenhop discusses Bay Mills and Wild Bluff's philosophy when it comes to customer service. "I love working at this destination because our patrons are truly our friends here. Our patrons know that when they come to Bay Mills & Wild Bluff they can expect an unparallel level of customer service. It's great to be able to develop relationships with returning groups and to keep in touch with them during the off-season. And, it's also great to meet the new groups that come up each year. People who come to our resort are looking to have a good time, and in providing that experience we have a good time. Our General Manager, Rod Jones, communicates to all of his Directors and Managers the importance of superior customer service and provides us with the resources to make that happen. I always tell my staff, our customers come to get away from it all, do some golfing, some gaming and eat some great food. Our job is to make sure that we deliver that product to them," explained Lussenhop.

Speaking of great food, Bay Mills Resort and Casinos offers no less than five unique dining experiences on site. The Back Bay Grille and Games is the Upper Peninsula's only waterfront sports bar and features incredible views of the bay and the chance to see an occasional water skier. Sacy's Restaurant comes fully equipped with a screened-in porch that lets just the right amount of sun in on your dining experience. North Winds is the epitome of a cozy, casual atmosphere where you can sidle up the bar, enjoy a game and revel in the drinks and appetizers of your choice. Chums Café offers a wide variety of dinner and lunch specials, including their famous Friday night whitefish dinner basket.

And last, but certainly not least, the Coup de grace of dining at Bay Mills, The Players Lounge overlooks Wild Bluff's signature 18th hole. It's the perfect place to unwind after a great day of golf or if you just want to relax with friends and watch others play. There is also a large screen TV behind the bar so you can catch up on the day's sporting events.

Sure gambling and fine food is always a suitable way to pass the time while at Bay Mills, but playing a championship quality golf course is the ultimate diversion. The 7056 yard, par-72 layout features the classic 10 par-4's, 4 par-3's and par-5's design, but how the holes are arranged on the front side is highly distinctive. Five, yes five consecutive par-4's begin your journey, including three straight (#3-#5) that are over 445 yards from the tips. If you can hold it together for the first five you've got a great chance to score well on the following 13.

Once you make the turn you'll be treated to nine of the finest holes in the Midwest - period! Wicked elevation changes and mesmerizing green complexes mesh harmoniously with tree-lined fairways and off the chart shot values from tee to green. In fact, the inward nine is so stout that Rob Lussenhop's two favorite holes reside on that 3,473 yard parcel of land.

"Number twelve is a 350 yard par-4 with a green tucked back in the woods. Although on the card the hole looks tame, anything off-line on the tee leaves the player with a "funny" angle into the green. The green has three bunkers around it and from the fairway looks about half the size it really is. From a players standpoint I like this hole because 3-wood off the tee will probably leave 6 or 7 iron in, but driver off the tee will leave a pitching or sand wedge but brings a fairway bunker in on the right, and plenty of junk on the left. Even though I fall victim to them more frequently than I should, I love holes when par or birdie is an assumption by looking at the card, but bogeys and doubles can happen in a swing," explained the 6th year Head Pro.

Lussenhop's other flagship hole may not get the publicity of the par-3 15th, which will be described shortly, but I'm glad Rob picked this underrated gem. "Number 17 is just a great par-5. It's a three shot, mid 550's par-5 with a creek running across the fairway about 200 yards from the green. The hole contains two extremely well-placed fairway bunkers which definitely keep the players' attention. Three very well placed shots are key on this hole, and the green is certainly no picnic. Par is a great score," stated Lussenhopp.

Sandwiched in between the 12th and 17th is a photographer's dream- the spectacular, plunging par-3 15th. The hole plays from 209 to 133 yards and the farther back you go the better the view and the harder it is to pick the right club. The drop from tee to green is in excess of 75 feet and the green is guarded by a huge bunker short left while woods and a creek encompass the green, so the only "bailout" area is truly the center of the putting surface. Here's your pro tip that's sure to save you a shot when playing the 15th. Make sure you check the wind conditions by feeling the breeze while playing the 14th hole. Finally, use that information only, not what you feel on the tee box because the extreme elevation tends to swirl the wind.

And then there's the incomparable 417 yard, par-4 18th. Want to hit it as far as the pros? Play this hole 18 times downwind and you'll give John Daly and J.B. Holmes a run for their money. Number 18 is one of only four holes on the property that features water, but the good news is it doesn't come into play on the tee shot, unless you drive the green that is. There's more room right of the fairway than left, and make sure you check the wind condition on the tee as any mishit will be accentuated due to the 100 foot change from tee to fairway.

Finally, it's important to note a unique amenity found at Bay Mills Resort and Casinos. Since 2002, the property features a thriving RV Park. It's one of the many reasons Wild Bluff is so popular with groups of 24 of more. "The RV Park has grown in popularity over the last few seasons as well, and it is also conveniently located to the golf course and casino. Again, our customers can get set up in their site and we do the rest. I can honestly say that most of our groups that started at 24 have grown to 50-64 in the last few years," said Lussenhop.

So in the end, my understanding of what constitutes being away from civilization may be a bit off, but there's one thing I know for sure - I've never felt more away from it all than I did when playing Wild Bluff in Brimley, Michigan. For more information on the property, visit www.4baymills.com or call 1-888-4-BAYMILLS.