Black Forest

About the course

Understand the course before making an access claim.

If you appreciate classic design on land that was naturally destined to become a superb golf course layout, you'll want to play Black Forest again and again. It is one of those rare golf courses you can never tire of playing because it will present you with a different look and challenge every time out. Doak's canvas was nearly 400 acres of native Michigan evergreen and hardwood forests to which he carefully added some of the most visually stunning bunkering and multi-contoured greens you will find anywhere in the world. The combination of trees, sand, grasses, and elevation changes are a veritable feast for the eyes. You'll have to force yourself to ignore the view for a moment to focus on hitting the ball. “This is one of the courses that you hardly ever see another golf hole. The course is ripped through some of the finest golf course property I have ever seen. You feel like you are secluded in a forest of golf holes that will go on forever,” described Dan Rusnak on GolfChicago.com. You won't be hitting through tunnels of houses in a real estate development because there's not a single house on the golf course site. Black Forest was Michigan resident Doak's first acclaimed design, and he has risen in esteem ever since to stand with the premier architects of the game today. His “minimalist” approach is appreciated for its respect for existing terrain, a preference for shotmaking skills rather than unbridled power, and economical construction which helps keep golfers' fees reasonable.