Northern Michigan’s Garland Golf Resort is making a bold move in 2025 by adding something completely new to its lineup—a reversible 10-hole par-3 course. Known for its four championship layouts, Garland is expanding its offerings with a shorter, more accessible course that brings a creative twist to the game.
The course, designed by golf architect Kelly Shumate, is set to open this spring and will allow players to experience it in two different directions, adding variety and strategy to every round.
A New Chapter for Garland Golf Resort
For decades, Garland has been a premier golf destination in Michigan, with courses like Fountains, Monarch, Reflections, and Swampfire attracting players from across the region. But until now, the resort hasn’t introduced a new golf course in years. That changed when General Manager David Sanderson saw an opportunity to create something different.
Sanderson recognized the growing popularity of short courses and realized Garland had the perfect spot for one—a 10-acre parcel of unused land right next to the golf shop. With the terrain already well-suited for golf, minimal land movement was required, making it a practical addition to the resort.
Rather than settling for just another par-3 course, Sanderson reached out to an old colleague, Kelly Shumate, who had established himself as a golf course architect. Shumate’s past work included projects like The Ashford Short Course at The Greenbrier and Coonskin Park in Charleston, West Virginia, making him a perfect fit for the job.
A Reversible Course? Why Not!
Shumate’s initial design focused on creating a fun and strategic par-3 layout that would be accessible to all skill levels. But as the project progressed, Sanderson threw in an extra challenge: could the course be played in reverse?
This concept, while not unheard of, is rare in modern golf design. The idea intrigued Shumate, who had spent his childhood experimenting with playing courses in different ways. After reworking his original plan, he created a fully reversible design, allowing the course to be played in two distinct directions.
This unique feature does more than just add variety—it also benefits course maintenance and longevity. By alternating directions, foot traffic and wear are naturally spread out, helping the turf stay in great condition while providing golfers with a fresh experience each time they play.
Designed for Every Golfer
One of the driving forces behind the design was playability for all skill levels. Shumate wanted the course to offer a challenge for experienced players while still being approachable for beginners.
To achieve this balance, he incorporated:
Varied elevation changes, with uphill and downhill shots as well as flatter holes.
Strategic green complexes designed to reward creative shot-making.
Low-maintenance, flat-bottom bunkers to prevent erosion and reduce washouts.
Seamless mowing transitions with short-mow areas for smooth playability.
Built with long-term sustainability in mind, the course features 007 bentgrass greens and a fescue/bluegrass rough mix. Todd Godwin of TGC Construction led the build, working closely with Garland’s superintendent, Mick Zajas, to ensure the design was practical for daily maintenance.
A New Reason to Visit Garland
The addition of this short course enhances the Garland experience by offering a faster, more relaxed option compared to its championship courses. Whether golfers want to warm up before a full round, squeeze in a quick game in the evening, or introduce newcomers to the sport, the par-3 course provides a fresh alternative.
Short courses are gaining traction at top golf destinations across the country, and Garland is embracing this trend in a way that stands out. With the reversible design and thoughtfully crafted layout, this isn’t just another par-3 course—it’s a unique, strategic experience that will keep golfers coming back for more.
Set to open in late spring 2025, this new course marks an exciting evolution for Garland Golf Resort, offering something fresh while staying true to the resort’s reputation as one of Michigan’s premier golf destinations.
Whether you're a long-time visitor or a first-time guest, this course will be a must-play addition to the Garland experience.
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