Top-Ranked Public Golf at Black Lake Golf Club: Steve Zimmerla Shares Course Integrity and Seasonal Outlook

In a recent episode of Lesson on Golf host Jeff Lesson sat down with Steve Zimmerla, General Manager of Black Lake Golf Club. Tucked away in the scenic northern wilderness of Onaway, Michigan, this exceptional championship property has generated significant buzz across the state. Zimmerla shared updates on the course's recent national accolades, its unique design features, and what golfers can look forward to as the facility launches its seasonal operations.

The discussion put a spotlight on how the facility manages to maintain an elite national profile while remaining perfectly accessible to regular public players seeking an authentic northern Michigan experience.

An 18-Hole Destination Getting Ready for the Season

Spanning 1,000 acres of heavily forested land on the southeast side of Black Lake, the property delivers an immersive golf experience completely untouched by modern development. Opened in 2000 and designed by acclaimed architect Rees Jones, the course is owned and operated by the UAW but remains entirely open for public daily fee play. Jones intentionally carved the 18-hole track through mature hardwoods and evergreens, utilizing the natural terrain to create a layout where every single hole is distinctive.

Because there are no residential developments, condos, or houses bordering the fairways, visiting golfers are treated to a pure, secluded connection with nature. This pristine environmental stewardship provides a peaceful setting that beautifully showcases local wildlife alongside premium tournament-quality turf.

Early Season Operational Plans

The club's dedicated grounds crew has been working around the clock to overcome early-season weather hurdles and prepare the course for optimal play. While northern Michigan dealt with severe local challenges leading up to the spring opener, the main playing surfaces came through the transition beautifully.

"We've had a tremendous amount of flooding up here in northern Michigan and it's really devastated a lot of the community... and even some of our grounds, you know, where we have our housing and stuff. But the course, which is elevated, is in fantastic shape, and we're fortunate with that and we will be opening actually this Sunday, the 26th."

By utilizing the natural elevation of the layout, the fairways and putting surfaces remained completely insulated from local pooling. This structural advantage allows management to keep its official opening date locked in for Sunday, April 26th, giving eager players immediate access to pristine playing conditions from day one.

Preserving National Distinction and Pure Strategy

The pristine condition and strategic brilliance of the course have earned it immense national recognition, competing directly against some of the most celebrated destination resorts in the country. USA Today readers recently ranked Black Lake Golf Club as the number seven public golf course in the entire United States, a major milestone that reflects the club's enduring quality.

"This course, when it first opened, received a lot of accolades and a lot of awards. But we've been going on for, you know, 25 years now, and to still be getting... it's very hard to, you know, keep the integrity and keep the course pristine and really keep the recognition going. So it's just awesome, you know, when we get recognized like that, and we're all so proud."

A major focal point of that pristine strategy is the course's signature fifth hole—a beautiful par 3 stretching roughly 200 yards. Guarded heavily by an extensive bunker running along the entire right side, it demands an exact and confident long-iron shot to find the green safely. Jones beautifully integrated natural cranberry bogs and native sand quarries into holes like these, forcing golfers to think strategically about placement rather than leaning strictly on raw power.

Planning Your Trip

With interest surging following the national rankings, advanced planning is highly recommended to secure prime weekend slots and explore the club's extensive on-site amenities. Once fully operational, the property offers premium stay-and-play packages with a wide array of options.

• Club Accommodations: The UAW Black Lake Conference Center features more than 240 guest rooms, with capacity to house up to 400 total guests across standard hotel rooms, apartments, and condos.

• Practice Amenities: Golfers can take advantage of a world-class 350-yard double-ended bentgrass practice range, multiple chipping blocks, and four dedicated practice greens.

• Booking Window: Reservations are open immediately on a rolling basis.

• Phone Reservations: Call the pro shop directly at 989-733-GOLF (989-733-4653) for custom booking assistance.

• Online Inquiries: For further club information and general packaging details, contact golfblacklake@yahoo.com.

About Lesson on 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.