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Grand Traverse Resort Golf Season Opener: Tom McGee Shares Course Updates and Opening Dates

  • Writer: Metro Detroit Golfers
    Metro Detroit Golfers
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read
An aerial perspective of an expansive green golf fairway and putting surface divided by natural water hazards and sand bunkers under a partly cloudy sky, featuring an inset circular headshot of Grand Traverse Resort Director of Golf Tom McGee.

As one of the premier golf destinations in the country, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa continues to set the standard for resort golf—and 2026 is shaping up to be another strong season. In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, Director of Golf Tom McGee shared updates on course openings, early-season operational adjustments, and the regional conditions that shape play.


A 3-Course Destination Getting Ready for the Season


Grand Traverse Resort operates championship courses across its northern Michigan property, making it one of the most expansive golf resort networks in the region. Following a stretch of heavy spring rain and local flooding, conditions are rapidly clearing. Thanks to the property's natural sandy base soil, everything has drained exceptionally well. The expected rolling rollout of course openings includes:


  • The Bear Opening: Jack Nicklaus's legendary signature course officially opened on Friday.

  • The Wolverine Opening: The resort's highly playable layout is fully open and welcoming players.

  • Spruce Run Opening: The half-and-half sand and clay-based track is drying out nicely to complete the 3-course rotation.

Because of northern Michigan's volatile spring weather—where regional flooding recently knocked out a major bridge on the south side of town—early-season conditions require special care. While a late dusting of snow briefly entered the mix over the weekend, the resort has officially pushed through the worst of the weather.


Early Season Operational Plans


Rather than rushing to open facilities before they are pristine, the resort's strategy relies on careful preparation to ensure optimal course conditions for early play. While the turf crew recently restricted carts to cart paths only during the heavy rains, their disciplined timeline successfully delivered a fully playable property by the weekend.

" Predominantly The Bear and The Wolverine are both very sandy base soil, so it—it definitely helps,"

McGee noted regarding the unique drainage advantages of the land.

"Our crew and the designers have done a nice job when the golf course got built to do that. So, yeah, we're in great shape."

The goal is to maintain premium fairway and green health from daylight to dark, maximizing the compressed Michigan summer calendar.


A Nationally Recognized Golf Destination


Grand Traverse Resort continues to earn major recognition well beyond the Midwest. The property has famously hosted the prestigious Michigan Open on the legendary 18th hole of The Bear, producing incredible tournament drama over the years.

This type of high-profile tournament exposure reinforces what many Michigan golfers already know—The Bear is a true powerhouse that competes directly with the top championship layouts in the country.


Built on Experience, Not Just Courses


While the architectural pedigree of Jack Nicklaus is impressive, McGee emphasized that a premier resort ranking comes down to the complete guest experience:


  • On-course golf operations and pristine fairway maintenance

  • Distinctive luxury lodging options in the resort tower

  • Premium food, beverage hospitality, and full-service spa amenities


For visiting golf groups, corporate outings, and convention travelers, that means every aspect of a stay-and-play package is handled by dedicated operational teams to ensure a premium getaway.


Planning Your Trip


Golfers can explore tee times, custom stay-and-play packages, and overall availability directly through Grand Traverse Resort's official site. Guest experience teams are also available to help build custom itineraries across multiple courses and properties, including special promotions like the spring par-3 shootout and complimentary golf for ladies on Mother's Day.


With stay-and-play packages bookable up to a full year in advance, early planning is highly recommended for groups looking to secure the best dates—especially for popular Monday through Wednesday trips that feature unlimited golf.



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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