Travel Michigan Golf

The Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms - by Mike Terrell

PGA Professional Chuck Olson was looking for exceptional land in Leelanau County to build a golf course. The first place he looked was Bahle Farms, perched in the highlands above Grand Traverse Bay between Suttons Bay and Traverse City.

"I knew when I looked at it if we could come to terms that this would be an exceptional golf property," said Olson. "This was Leelanau County at its finest."

Offering unsurpassed views of Grand Traverse Bay, the rolling Leelanau countryside and the village of Suttons Bay, it's easy to see why Olson felt like he had found the mother-lode of golf property. It had been the homestead and working farm orchard of the Bahle family since 1870, who also own and run the largest department store in the growing village.

The course opened for limited play last fall and received rave reviews.

"We had a little over 5,000 rounds from mid-August through closing last season, which was about two months worth of play," said the former Traverse City Country Club professional. "We hadn't planned on opening until this spring, but the course grew in so fast we decided to run with it. We think the word-of-mouth from those players will be a big enhancement this season."

And, it's no wonder why. Nick Edson, Traverse City Record Eagle sports editor, loved the course when he played it last fall.

"It's a great course that combines beauty and challenge, which are probably overworked golf course phrases up here. But, in this case it's an accurate description. From the white tees it's a fun course. From the black tees, it's all the challenge a good player can handle, and the views are spectacular on just about every hole. It's the kind of course that will demand a lot of repeat play. I know it will from me."

Featuring a lot of elevation changes, 14 of the holes will play downhill, according to course architect Gary Pulsipher, also a partner in the business.

Golfers love holes with spectacular views, and they'll find a lot here," said the golf course architect who has worked on other northern Michigan courses like Matheson Greens, The Crown and Cobi Pines. "Small greens, tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers will put a premium on shot making rather than brute strength."

Four sets of tees-ranging from about 6800 yards to just under 4900 yards-will allow the course to be competitive for a wide range of golfers.

One of the things that Edson raved about when he played the new course last fall was the condition of the greens and fairways. "It didn't play like new. They were already on a par with some of the finest in northern Michigan. I was amazed for having just opened."

"We didn't have to move much terrain at all," added Pulsipher. "That's why this course feels like it's been here a long time. It has."

The Bahle family spokesperson, Karl, indicated that was one of the things that intrigued them on the initial proposal. "They weren't looking to remake the farm and land. The terrain was already there, and they recognized it. The other thing, since we were all going to be limited partners, was that everybody was in this for the long haul. From conception to infinity, nobody walked away when the course was complete. It preserves the beauty and intent of the land, which has been in our family for well over a century. We are very pleased with the way the project has turned out."

The course winds through working orchards of wild grapes, blackberries, cherries and apples.

Karl recalled that when his grandfather Lars arrived in Suttons Bay in 1870 and bought the farm "that he supposedly wanted to eat fruit in every season, so he planted a ridiculous number of things, most of which are still growing on the land."

The handsome clubhouse, which overlooks the ninth and 18th holes, offers scenic views of the countryside.

Besides Olson and Pulsipher, there's turf expert Steve White, who's also a limited partner. The three have worked together on other area courses.

The Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms is located three miles south of Suttons Bay. For more information about the club or to reserve tee times, call 231-271-2020 or click on www.leelaunauclub.com for a look at the course layout.