Remote, Removed, Refined, Remarkable

Golf Digest's list of the Top 100 Places You Can Play includes a wonderful course in Roscommon - Forest Dunes. Instead of giving you a shot-by-shot recounting of my Friday round at this pristine layout (wayyyy too many shots to recount), let me share some scattered thoughts (the only kind I seem to have these days) about the marvelous design and challenge at Forest Dunes.

• For all those who complain about slow greens, welcome to nirvana. The FDunes greens are rolling a bit above 11 and will give you every bit of challenge you pretend you want. In other words, get through your round in under 36 putts and we'll be impressed!
• Spend some time before (and maybe after) your round at the extensive practice facility on property. I haven't seen its equal in this state and often find myself thinking I would be better served to practice for a couple hours instead of revealing my need for practice throughout the round. Then again, I don't really want to give up the chance to play these amazing holes.
• The front 9 brings the forest into play, the back introduces the dunes. By the time you finish, there will be no doubt how the name came about.
• The clubhouse is simply stunning.
• Awards? You want awards? Here they are!
• • Golf Digest – Best rates for 36 holes of golf a day - Peak Season, #4 of Top 20 Americas Greatest Public Courses
    
  • Golf Week Magazine Top Public Access Courses in Michigan - # 2 Forest Dunes
  • Michigan Golf - Top 100 Golf Courses in Michigan - # 2 Forest Dunes
  • Golf Week Magazine – Americas Top 100 Residential Golf Courses - # 27 Forest Dunes
  • Golf Week Magazine Top 100 Modern Courses – #84 Forest Dunes
  • Golf Digest – 100 Greatest Public Courses – #20 Forest Dunes
• There isn't much to do away from the course here, so be sure and book one of the fantastic stay/play packages. The house you'll stay in is better than the one you live in, and the value of the package gives you unlimited golf, meals, lodging, range access - for less than 2 round of golf would cost. It's a great deal!

OK, enough from me on Forest Dunes. If you've been here, please share your thoughts on the course and experience. I need to go practice!