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Black Lake Golf Club Spring Update: Steve Zimmerla Shares Course Updates and Tee Time Details

  • Writer: Metro Detroit Golfers
    Metro Detroit Golfers
  • Aug 10
  • 2 min read
A landscape photograph of a sand bunker in the foreground, bordered by a green fairway and tall pine trees with autumn foliage, featuring an inset video box in the upper right showing General Manager Steve Zimmerla in a black quarter-zip against a wood-paneled wall with the MDG logo.

As one of the premier public golf destinations in Northern Michigan, Black Lake Golf Club continues to set the standard for high-end play—and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another banner year. In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, General Manager Steve Zimmerla joined host Jeff Lesson to discuss the course's Rees Jones architectural pedigree, resilience against early-season weather, and year-round tee time accessibility.


A Rees Jones Masterpiece Built on Natural Terrain


Black Lake Golf Club operates a spectacular 18-hole championship course in Onaway, Michigan. Designed by world-renowned architect Rees Jones and owned by the UAW, the course was built directly into the natural landscape, carving fairways through mature hardwoods and wetlands without artificial earth-mounding:


  • Natural Elevation & Drainage: Engineered to absorb heavy rainfall and snowmelt efficiently, protecting the course from regional spring flooding.

  • Acclaimed Architecture: Celebrated nationally as a top-ranked, high-value public destination with 5 sets of tees.

  • Welcoming Playability: Highly rated for female golfers, junior players, and higher handicaps while still offering a stern test from the back tees.


Because the layout sits on elevated, well-draining terrain, recent spring rain and lingering cold weather have left the fairways and greens in pristine, immaculate condition.


Early Season Operational Plans & Travel Directions


Located approximately 4 hours north of Metro Detroit—just off I-75 Exit 310 in Indian River—Black Lake provides an easy "up-north" getaway for traveling groups.

"Rees Jones built it... when at its inception, about being able to absorb all the water, all the snow that we knew we'd get up here,"

Zimmerla noted regarding the course's outstanding structural health coming out of winter.

"It really is impeccably shaped for what we've been through, and every year it's the same thing."

Built on Experience, Not Just Courses


While the 18-hole Rees Jones layout is a major draw, Zimmerla emphasized that a trip to Black Lake comes down to the complete guest experience:


  • An extensive 350-yard double-ended bentgrass practice facility featuring short game chipping and bunker greens.

  • The "Little Course," a 9-hole par-3 layout perfect for casual afternoon fun or family warm-ups.

  • Full dining and lounge options at the Black Lake Golf Club Grille.


For visiting golf groups and family vacations, every aspect of a stay-and-play outing is handled by an experienced, welcoming pro shop team.


Planning Your Trip


Golfers can explore tee times, stay-and-play packages, and overall facility updates directly through the resort's pro shop or online portals.


With summer travel surging and weekend grids filling fast across the Gaylord Golf Mecca region, early booking is highly recommended for groups looking to lock in prime tee times.



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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