Shanty Creek Resort Golf Season Opener: Lindsey Southwell Shares Course Updates and Women’s Golf Insights
As one of the premier golf destinations in the country, Shanty Creek Resort 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 Marketing Lindsey Southwell joined host Jeff Lesson to discuss the resort's diverse 5-course portfolio, top course recommendations for women and families, and early-season property updates.
A 5-Course Destination Getting Ready for the Season
Shanty Creek Resort operates five championship golf courses across its Bellaire, Michigan property, making it one of the most expansive golf networks in Northern Michigan. Located just 45 minutes northeast of Traverse City and 10 minutes off the US-131 corridor, the resort's full lineup of courses includes:
Cedar River: Designed by Tom Weiskopf, home to the Michigan Open and widely regarded as a favorite layout for women and skilled players alike.
The Legend: The iconic Arnold Palmer-designed championship track known for its forced carries and dramatic elevation changes.
Schuss Mountain: Featuring what many consider the most underrated back nine in the state, offering tremendous elevation and scenic vistas.
The Summit: The original resort course (formerly known as Deskin), an accessible par-71 layout perfect for families and beginners.
Hawks Eye: A gorgeous, acquired property located just a couple miles off-site that continues to receive top-tier conditioning upgrades.
Because of Northern Michigan’s recent spring rainfall, the turf has greened up rapidly across all five properties. All courses are officially open for play, presenting lush fairways and pristine greens for early-season visitors.
Top Recommendations for Women and Families
Rather than pushing every guest toward the most difficult track, Shanty Creek’s marketing strategy focuses on matching golfers with the course that best fits their game. During the interview, Southwell highlighted top picks for women’s golf groups and family outings:
"Cedar River is a great play for women. I think a lot of people are intimidated by the undulation of the course... but Tom Weiskopf was so brilliant in his way of designing it. If you can hit the right spots, you get that extra 20, 30, 40 yards."
Lindsey noted regarding the forgiving, broad fairways of Cedar River.
"Schuss is a great course for women... and the tees give you quite a benefit on that course. You get a lot of that elevation on that back nine, which comes in handy when you can't hit it as far."
For family play, both Jeff and Lindsey emphasized The Summit as an ideal choice. With its shorter layout and forgiving nature, it allows junior golfers and multi-generational family groups to enjoy a fun, low-pressure round together.
A Nationally Recognized Northern Michigan Resort
Shanty Creek Resort continues to draw golf groups from across Michigan and surrounding states. The property offers comprehensive stay-and-play packages that include lodging at the flagship 183-room Lakeview Hotel or the Lodge at Cedar River, which sits directly overlooking the 18th hole.
This complete resort footprint reinforces what many Michigan golfers already know—Shanty Creek provides an all-inclusive getaway featuring top-notch golf, award-winning dining, spa amenities, pools, and watercraft rentals at the Beach Club.
Built on Experience, Not Just Courses
While the 81-hole golf footprint is impressive, Southwell emphasized that a memorable golf trip relies on complete guest hospitality:
Multiple lodging facilities catering to both large golf groups and intimate family stays
Varied architectural styles ranging from Palmer and Weiskopf designs to family-friendly tracks
Lakeside recreation, indoor/outdoor tennis, and newly restriped pickleball courts
For visiting golf groups, that means every aspect of a golf package can be customized and booked well in advance through the resort's main portal.
Planning Your Trip
Golfers can explore tee times, stay-and-play packages, and overall resort availability directly through Shanty Creek’s official website at shantycreek.com. Entire season bookings are currently open for all five courses.
With peak summer demand rising and popular dates filling fast, early planning is highly recommended for groups looking to experience the best of Bellaire this season.
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.
Comments