Black Lake Golf Club Spring Update: Steve Zimmerla on Rees Jones Architecture and Public Stay-and-Play Packages
Tucked away in the secluded woodlands of Onaway in Presque Isle County, Black Lake Golf Club stands as one of Northern Michigan’s purest championship golf experiences. In a recent Lesson on Golf broadcast, General Manager Steve Zimmerla joined host Jeff Lesson to discuss the course's pristine early-season conditions, its renowned Rees Jones design, comprehensive lodging options, and broad public access.
A Rees Jones Top 100 Layout Open to Everyone
Designed by celebrated golf course architect Rees Jones, Black Lake Golf Club opened to widespread critical acclaim and has consistently held a spot in national Top 100 rankings as well as statewide best-of lists. While owned and operated by the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), the club is fully open to the public:
No Membership Required: Golfers do not need to be UAW members to reserve tee times, stay on property, or utilize the practice facilities.
Immaculate Conditioning: Carved through dense northern timberland, the layout offers secluded holes, pristine bentgrass fairways, and zero outside distractions.
Championship Architecture: Jones designed a fair, strategic test that rewards well-placed tee shots and precise approaches without unfair hazards.
"It does not mean you have to be a UAW member to play the course,"
Lesson emphasized during the interview, setting the record straight for Michigan golfers.
"It's not a private club. It's open to the general public. The UAW does a masterful job maintaining the course and making it a great golf experience."
Bouncing Back into Peak Early-Season Form
Following a demanding winter and significant early spring rains, Northern Michigan weather has turned the corner, bringing optimal turf conditions across the property:
Course Recovery: The grounds crew completed extensive spring maintenance, leaving fairways, tees, and greens rolling smooth and fast.
Early Summer Specials: Memorial Day weekend kicked off the prime summer season with special rates, including 18 holes with cart for $67.
Peak Up-North Value: For golfers looking to escape crowded metropolitan areas on holiday weekends, Black Lake offers open fairways and relaxed pace of play.
Full-Service On-Site Lodging and Campground
For traveling buddies, couples, and family golf outings, Black Lake provides comprehensive on-property accommodations:
240+ Guest Rooms & Suites: Ranging from standard hotel-style rooms to multi-room condominiums and fully equipped apartments.
51-Site Campground: Complete camping facilities located right on property for outdoor enthusiasts combining golf and camping.
Custom Stay-and-Play Packages: Golfers can build customized multi-day golf and lodging getaways running throughout the summer and fall.
Planning Your Visit
Tee times and stay-and-play packages can be booked at any time for the entire summer season:
Online Inquiries & Reservations: Contact the facility directly via email at golfblacklake@yahoo.com.
Direct Phone Line: Call the golf shop at 989-733-GOLF (4653) to secure tee times, group outings, and lodging.
Lesson on Golf is hosted by Jeff Lesson and produced by Make The Turn, the team behind Metro Detroit Golfers, one of the largest golf communities in Michigan.
The show highlights courses, destinations, and golf experiences across the state.
👉 Explore more episodes on the Metro Detroit Golfers YouTube channel.
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