The Fortress - East Michigan, Frankenmuth

[CristieKerr]

We played a little Saginaw, MI swing this pat weekend and we all decided this was the only course we'd write home about (although the first we played was also nice, Apple Mountain).

The Fortress is located in Frankenmuth, MI maybe twenty minutes from Saginaw and just off I-75. It's a Links style course, but I found it to be a bit of a hybrid links course. Feskew and tall grass down both sides, but some holes were guarded by tall trees and it had some flower gardens with bright colours. Overall the course was outstanding. The conditions were impeccable, the course was kept up very well, the layout was challenging and fun, and there was a good flow to the play and variety of challenges. The toughest hole was Lucky Number 13 which had water lining the fairway on both sides, on the left nearly to the hole and on the right to about 80 yards in. An incredibly beautiful hole, but it was tough. It lived up to it's handicap, none of us parred, three of us doubled or worse. My favourite hole was the Par 3 17th. It is a 153 yard hole that plays a bit down hill and subtly reminds me of 12 at Augusta. A very shallow green with water to the front, trees to the back, and not much of anywhere to miss. (The pictures online at their website don't do it justice, when I upload them from my camera, I'll edit this with a post of it.)

The course plays 6271 (71.3, 135) from the middle and 6813 (73.8, 140) from the back and has challenges for all. I would say it's a can't miss if you are in the area, and worth the drive if you are thinking of going somewhere. Having said that, I wouldn't rate it as high as Wilderness Valley - Black Forest in Gaylord (maybe two hours north), but about right on par with The Tribute in Gaylord. Hopefully I will review those to later on, but The Fortress was a great course.

Course rates are $65 during prime season (with cart on the weekend) but off season rates are even better at $49 per person or $180 for a foursome with carts (and $39 for May). At any season's price, it is definitely worth it.

The Fortress Official Site

[alf174]

Nice review; nothing like a Michigan summer for golf (its the winters I can do without).

[Leaguegolf]

The Fortress is a fine course in a resort town. Bring your sand wedge........you'll need it! Spot on with the review CK!

[Bigvivec]

Sounds like a tough little course...I will most likely never go to Michigan (no offense guys, but then you never know), but enjoyed the read...

[CristieKerr]

As promised, a little late, but still: