Charlevoix Golf Club (Charlevoix, MI)

Charlevoix is a nine hole municipal course whose origins go all the way back to 1896. It was founded by two members of Chicago Golf Club. Their website credits both Herbert Tweedie and William Watson for the design, but my understanding is the original course was done by Tweedie, and Watson was there when it was contracted to nine holes. It’s Watson connection makes this an interesting find. His work at Belvedere, only a couple miles down the road, is one of the best public courses in Michigan.

Before rambling on about Watson, it should be noted that Herbert Tweedie was one of the early architects of the 1900s. Like Tom Bendelow, he worked for Spaulding, and he laid out several courses in the Chicago/Midwest area. (He was also a member of the Chicago Golf Club) Golf architecture during this period was linear. Most holes went straight with circular putting greens. Tweedie’s layout reflects this style and going off the resemblances at Belvedere, I’m pretty confident I know which holes Watson touched up at Charlevoix. 

(The 402 yard par four second is a strong hole with good length. Note the Charlevoix water tower in the background. An open front allows balls to roll on with the bunker trapping any ball that veers right.) 

(This is the green on the 184 yard par three third. Check out the ridges in it and note how the area where my bag sits rolls away from the green. Any shot that finishes on the putting surface is excellent.) 

Charlevoix has two distinct green styles. One is the flat oval with an open front and the other falloffs on the sides with crowned features that scuttles balls away from the green. The crowned greens remind me of Belvedere. In fact, I feel some of the greens like the third are probably the way Belvedere was before they expanded the greens to capture the side slopes. Going by my limited experience, I’d say 3,4 and 7 are distinct Watson. (Tweedie’s style is more prevalent on 1,2,6,8) Only 5 and 9 am I uncertain about the architecture style. 

(The 318 yard par four fourth has a central spine that divides the green in half. Note the crowned sides which is fairway between the green and bunker. At Belvedere, that area would be green and there would be a chance to putt into the sand.) 

(The 363 yard par four fifth has a fantastic foreshortened bunker that hides the putting surface and distorts depth perception. The hole plays straightaway but this trap makes it play similar to a dogleg…
…there’s several other traps that guard the green. Note the circular flat putting surface. While the green looks like Tweedie, the approach is complex with differing lines being offered to the golfer trying to avoid the sand.) 

Charlevoix is a nice little nine holer. The course is in terrific shape and is presented beautifully. The rough is allowed to grow wispy and thin. It turns a golden color and contrasts very nice with the fairways and greens. The course itself is part of the town center and connects with the community. Holes 1,7,8,9 play on the east side of the street and the other five 2-6 play on the west side. I like how the scorecard has a four hole round (the east side holes) for those just looking to get some extra swings in. Everything about Charlevoix is cool. As nine holers go, I give it a 5 (good)  

(The 193 yard par three seventh has some excellent falloffs that guard the green. Note all the contrasting colors.) 


(I love the four hole addition on the right. Definitely something that more courses should look into doing.)