(The 177 yard par three twelth is a beauty! Lake Michigan backdrops the hole while the golfer likely battles the wind to hit the green in regulation. The back of the green is mere feet before the land plummets 150’ down to the beach. Don’t be long!)
Manistee started as a nine hole course. Tom Bendelow designed it for the railway in 1901. Besides the cliffs, there is a huge sand dune next to the property making for incredible views. The course expanded to eighteen in 1930. Bruce Matthews added nine and renovated the other nine. It was his first course. He had apprenticed with Stiles and Van Kleek. In 1992, 3,4,13,15 were redirected to give the golfer more holes on the cliffs.
(The 300 yard par four thirteenth is a dogleg left between a couple water hazards. The brave can take an aggressive line and drive the green or place it just short. Others will lay back and hit 110-130 approach. It’s an excellent chance for birdie.)
(The 284 yard par four sixteenth plays alongside a giant dune. The hole bends slightly to the right so be careful not to hit through the fairway into it.)
I was turned on to Manistee by The Fried Egg who described the views afforded by the bluffs as stunning. It also commented that the course didn’t take full advantage of its site. I think in its original form it did because old pictures look fantastic. The sand dune had a real rugged look to it and the bunkers blended into the surroundings. Nowadays it’s wall to wall grass. I wonder if the membership likes it better this way. They have a thriving course that’s very playable and is enjoyed by everyone. It also keeps the cost down. The greens are low key, almost at grade. The fairways flow into them. The Fried Egg commented that the greens had shrunk. I saw this on a few holes but overall I felt they were appropriately sized. In short, I think Manistee is great!! We need more places like it!! If you’re in Western Michigan, it is well worth a stop. I give Manistee a resounding 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play).
(The 383 yard par four eighteenth hole has a narrow fairway with a mogul filled valley guarding the right. The approach is to this small green with sand right and left. The beautiful clubhouse has a appetizing dining room on the second floor for after round drinks and food.)
(I played the back nine after a long day at Sleeping Bear Dunes. The wind was blowing a solid 15 mph with gusts up to 30mph. Only 10 and 14 played into the wind. The downwind holes like 13, 15 and 18 gave me good birdie chances. I drove the ball within 40 yards on thirteen for my only birdie.)
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