Northern Michigan
The Loop - Red Course
Reversible inland links
The Loop Red completes the trick. The same land becomes a different golf course, and that is the whole point. Play Red and Black if the trip is serious. Playing only one is like reading every other chapter and then reviewing the book.
Course gallery
4 photos
The take
The Loop Red completes the trick. The same land becomes a different golf course, and that is the whole point. Play Red and Black if the trip is serious. Playing only one is like reading every other chapter and then reviewing the book.
Best for
Architecture fans and anyone playing both directions
Watch out
Concept fatigue if the group wants instant scenery
How to play it
Must play
Course intelligence
What you need to know
Strengths
- Completes the reversible idea
- Firm ground-game decisions
- Good walking rhythm
- Architecture-geek appeal
Watch-outs
- Subtle
- Harder sell for casual players
- Best appreciated with the Black Course
Signature holes
3, 8, 15, 18
Book it right
Cost, access, and timing
Green fees
Seasonal resort/public rate; verify current Forest Dunes pricing.
Best season
June through September is the main window.
Caddies / walking
Walking works best at Arcadia, Forest Dunes, and The Loop.
Replay priority
High
Booking move
Book the anchor tee times first: Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes, both Loop directions, Bay Harbor Links/Quarry, Heather, Donald Ross Memorial, and Treetops Masterpiece. Then
Weather read
Pick the right window.
Jan
28F / 15F
Sun Low; rain Snow
Feb
31F / 16F
Sun Low; rain Snow
Mar
43F / 25F
Sun Mixed; rain Medium
Apr
57F / 36F
Sun Good; rain Medium
May
69F / 47F
Sun Best; rain Medium
Jun
78F / 57F
Sun Best; rain Medium
Google review
5/5 - 2 years ago
My FAVORITE part of this place was the Loop. Doak evokes “love him or hate him” vibes and I LOVE him! Love his creativity, ingenuity and how he sees the game and no where else is his brilliance on display more than the loop. I played the red on Friday night and the black routing
My FAVORITE part of this place was the Loop. Doak evokes “love him or hate him” vibes and I LOVE him! Love his creativity, ingenuity and how he sees the game and no where else is his brilliance on display more than the loop. I played the red on Friday night and the black routing
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Google review
5/5 - 2 years ago
The concept is very unique!
I stayed to play it both ways and was surprised playing it the second round. Playing it the first day on the Black, then playing the Red. It is pretty impressive how you do not see the same course, literally, walking it the opposite direction I barely
The concept is very unique!
I stayed to play it both ways and was surprised playing it the second round. Playing it the first day on the Black, then playing the Red. It is pretty impressive how you do not see the same course, literally, walking it the opposite direction I barely
Read full reviewClose review
Google review
5/5 - 7 months ago
The Loop is fantastic, a lot like the old courses of Scotland! The bugs are a slight nuisance for sure
The Loop is fantastic, a lot like the old courses of Scotland! The bugs are a slight nuisance for sure
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Keep planning
What should you do next?
Use The Loop - Red Course as one piece of the Northern Michigan trip. Build the routing, compare the destination, or ask how it fits your group.
Keep exploring Northern Michigan
Other courses in the same trip.
Must play
Arcadia Bluffs - The Bluffs Course
The Bluffs is the course that sells the trip before anyone reads the fine print.
Must play
Forest Dunes Golf Club
Forest Dunes is the inland heavyweight.
Must play
Arcadia Bluffs - South Course
The South Course is why Arcadia is more than a one-course postcard.
Must play
The Loop - Black Course
The Loop Black is half of the reversible argument.
Must play
Bay Harbor - Links/Quarry
Bay Harbor Links/Quarry is the scenic resort flex.
Strong play
The Highlands - The Heather
The Heather is the old-school Boyne round and still useful.
Strong play
The Highlands - Donald Ross Memorial
Donald Ross Memorial is a concept course, not a museum piece.
Strong play
Treetops Resort - Masterpiece
Masterpiece is the Gaylord course that earns a spot in the curated Northern Michigan list.
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