Gaylord Golf On A Budget

Gaylord Golf On A Budget

I recently received an inquiry for recommendations for Gaylord area /Otsego County, Michigan golf courses that won’t break the family budget. The target price was $30 to $45 a round.

That’s a bit of a tough find in midsummer in the Gaylord Golf Mecca, but the GolfBlogger is up to the task.

The key to keeping prices down is to avoid mornings and weekends. Everyone wants to play on weekends and mornings, and especially weekend mornings. That’s why they’re expensive.

Twilight rates at courses are often dramatically lower. Even weekend twilights are cheaper.

Teeing off after 4 p.m. does not mean that you won’t be able to get in a full round of golf in Northern Michigan. Throughout the month of July, sunset is between 9:08 and 9:30 p.m. Twilight ends close to 10 p.m. I have finished many rounds in Northern Michigan in the summer well after 9:30 with plenty of light to make those putts.

Here are a few recommendations for nice, reasonably priced golf courses in the Gaylord area, with prices as of this writing:

At $45 weekday twilight with a cart, Black Lake is a steal. It’s easily in my top ten in the state. You can play 18 holes with a cart on Tuesdays for $55. That also is a great value. Read GolfBlogger’s Black Lake Review.

Lakes of The North has two fun, but very different nines. One is classic parklands; the other has more of an “Up North” vibe. It is $45 with cart until 3 p.m. and $39 after 3 p.m. Read GolfBlogger’s Lakes of the North Review

As far as I’m concerend, Michaywe Pines is a must-play in the Gaylord area. It is $35 after 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and $40 after 1 p.m. Read GolfBlogger’s Michaywe Pines Review

One of the best manicured courses I’ve played in recent years, Gaylord Golf Club is $46 at twilight on weekdays. Read GolfBlogger’s Gaylord Golf Club Review.

Indian River is one of my favorite courses in Northern Michigan. I make a point to play at least once every season. It’s $29 walking after 3 pm on weekdays, and $40 with a cart. Read GolfBlogger’s Indian River Review.

Finally, I’ll note that many courses in Northern Michigan have computerized price calculators that automatically vary the price according to demand. It is worth checking the websites of those resorts and courses.