Course Details
- Course Type: Private
- Architect: Tom Doak (1999)
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 6,928
- Rating: 73.9
- Slope: 140
Course Accolades
- Golf Digest: #161 in USA & #6 in Michigan
- Golf Week: #127 in Modern USA & #7 Private Course in Michigan
- Top100GolfCourses: #10 in Michigan
Course Score
- Course Conditions: 9
- Green Complexes: 9
- Amenities: 8
- Practice Facilities: 9
- Service: 9
- Course Design: 9
- Value: 7
Total Score: 8.56
Course Review
The Good: Lost Dunes, a private club in southwestern Michigan, is one of Tom Doak’s first designs in his illustrious architecture career. Built within an old sand quarry that straddles highway I-94, it is one of the most unique, interesting Midwestern tracks that I’ve ever played. Ample room and interesting options off the tee, yet these Doak green complexes may be some of the most undulating and severe that he has ever built. Excellent quintet of Par-3’s, strong risk/reward Par-5’s, and some of the most picturesque Par-4’s (particularly on the closing nine) that you’ll find anywhere. In superb shape & plays fairly fast & firm once you get around the greens. Given that it was October, the greens weren’t as slick as they typically are, but I found that made the course much more playable. Fantastic clubhouse with full bar & restaurant, as well as very nice off-course amenities including a robust practice area. Staff is unpretentious and will ensure you have an extraordinary experience.
The Bad: Some of the greens indeed seem like they have dead elephants lying under them and can be considered too treacherous for the everyman golfer. The greens, while they putt very true, didn’t hold nearly as well as I anticipated. This is likely by design, but just not my cup of tee. The 18th hole is a bit of a clunker as it’s the least interesting hole on the entire course.
The Verdict: Lost Dunes is a magical experience that is extra special when you can play when the foliage changes color in the fall. A perfectly manicured, extremely fun golf course that somehow gets lost (pun intended) amongst the Wolverine State’s very best. A Top 3 course in Michigan that I’ve played and Top 10 course of the 400+ I’ve been fortunate to tee it up.
Best Hole: There are many signature holes, but my favorite is the short downhill Par-4 14th. Your drive requires precision as there is a huge pond right and trees left, while the approach is guarded by water & must land in the right area to have a chance at birdie.
Midwest Golf Tripper 