Devries design brings national recognition to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
MARQUETTE, Mich. (Dec. 5, 2005)- The dramatic Greywalls golf course in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has been selected as one of the "Top 10 New Courses You Can Play" by GOLF Magazine. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, long known for its rugged natural wonders and outdoor tourist attractions, can now add this course as one of its attractions.
Every year the editors at GOLF Magazine research and review all of the new courses in the U.S. by sending its course raters to play and review potential candidates. Through that process, the editors select the ten best courses in the country that the public can play.
This year, Greywalls joins such highly acclaimed courses as Bandon Trails at Bandon Dunes, Reunion Resort in Florida, Wynn Las Vegas Resort & Country Club in Las Vegas, Silver Rock Resort in California and The Jewel Golf Club in Minnesota to name a few.
Other Michigan courses to have been so honored with this Golf Magazine award since 1999 include Black Lake Golf Club, Cedar River Golf Club, Shepherds Hollow, Lochenheath Golf Club and Forest Dunes Golf Club.
Will boost the U.P. as a summer golf destination
"Being rated nationally with some of the best golf courses in the country is a strong testimony to the quality design that Mike DeVries has created," said Bruce Roberts, president of the Marquette Golf Club. "The addition of Greywalls has the potential to make Upper Michigan as popular for summer golfers as it is for skiing/snowmobiling enthusiasts in winterâ?¦
"Even more, those fortunate enough to stand on Greywalls’ No.1 tee during autumn’s vibrant color season — surrounded by huge granite facades, clear cloudless skies and the dark blue hue of Lake Superior – will enjoy a view that rivals those on most of our nation’s best color tours," Roberts said.
Mike DeVries, who has designed such award-winning Michigan layouts as the Kingsley Club near Traverse City and Pilgrims Run near Grand Rapids, created Greywalls, which is the second course at the Marquette Golf Club. The Greywalls design is already receiving accolades similar to those of the private Kingsley Club, which has developed a strong national following. DeVries Design, Inc., is based in Traverse City.
In the article, GOLF Magazine states: "Architect Mike DeVries grabbed this rugged site by the shoulders and shook loose 18 distinctive challenges in a rough-and-tumble layoutâ?¦DeVries accomplished a minor miracle in routing such a variety of holes on such a difficult site, and you’ll tip your hard hat to his labors."
Huge granite outcroppings are prominent features
Greywalls spans over 230 acres combining views of Lake Superior with natural rock outcroppings. One of the most enticing visuals occurs even before taking the driver out of the bag at the first tee – a breathtaking view of Lake Superior that includes Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore some 55 miles to the east.
The rest of the round is downhill from there, because at 380 feet the tee is the second highest playable point above the lake. The first six holes drop down, highlighted by two dramatic holes, the 312-yard No. 5 and the 185-yard No. 6. A 60-foot wall of granite, which partly accounts for the course name, protrudes from the right side of the fifth green. The sixth features a ravine with three tee boxes more than 40 feet below the championship tee and the green. It is one of the most sensational par-3 holes in golf. The lake comes back into view on the seventh tee and then the ninth green.
The back nine arguably offers some stronger play. While lake views and more outcroppings come into play on the 10th, 16th, 17th and 18th holes, the best stretch of pure golf holes are found on 12 thru 14. These holes feature sandy soil, rolling fairways and strategic bunkering and green placement. These are also the longest stretch of holes on the course.
The Greywalls course is part of the Marquette Golf Club, which has been a traditional venue for golf in that part of the U.P. since its establishment in 1926. Greywalls will join the Heritage course and give the popular club 36 holes of fun and challenging golf.
For more information, call toll-free (866) 678-7171 or visit www.marquettegolfclub.com.
Contact:
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
kevin@resortandgolf.com
Dave Richards
(248) 642- 6420
dave@resortandgolf.com
