Lost Dunes Golf Club

The Good: Lost Dunes, a private club in southwestern Michigan, is one of Tom Doak’s first designs in his illustrious architecture career. Built within an old sand quarry that straddles highway I-94, it is one of the most unique, interesting Midwestern tracks that I’ve ever played. Ample room and interesting options off the tee, yet these Doak green complexes may be some of the most undulating and severe that he has ever built. Excellent quintet of Par-3’s, strong risk/reward Par-5’s, and some of the most picturesque Par-4’s (particularly on the closing nine) that you’ll find anywhere. In superb shape & plays fairly fast & firm once you get around the greens. Given that it was October, the greens weren’t as slick as they typically are, but I found that made the course much more playable. Fantastic clubhouse with full bar & restaurant, as well as very nice off-course amenities including a robust practice area. Staff is unpretentious and will ensure you have an extraordinary experience.

The Bad: Some of the greens indeed seem like they have dead elephants lying under them and can be considered too treacherous for the everyman golfer. The greens, while they putt very true, didn’t hold nearly as well as I anticipated. This is likely by design, but just not my cup of tee. The 18th hole is a bit of a clunker as it’s the least interesting hole on the entire course. Not really a walkable course.

The Verdict: Lost Dunes is a magical experience that is extra special when you can play when the foliage changes color in the fall. A perfectly manicured, extremely fun golf course that somehow gets lost (pun intended) amongst the Wolverine State’s very best. A Top 3 course in Michigan that I’ve played and Top 10 course of the 400+ I’ve been fortunate to tee it up.

Best Hole: There are many signature holes, but my favorite is the short downhill Par-4 14th. Your drive requires precision as there is a huge pond right and trees left, while the approach is guarded by water & must land in the right area to have a chance at birdie.

Course is quite pricey and their cost exceeds several higher ranked courses to play unaccompanied. However, it was very enjoyable and worth the cost to play at least once. Conditions were very good, greens bold with lots of undulations.. Only negative is the excessive tree growth blocking views of old sand quarry.

If you get invited absolutely do not miss Lost Dunes. Wonderful private club. A fantastic fun golf course with more room than it looks like on all tee shots. A couple of holes/greens here reminded me of Doak's work at Black Forest (now closed) near Gaylord except not on as much steriods....green sites are the main defense here. Highly recommend if you ever get to set foot on it.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

I had heard great things about Lost Dunes and was excited to play here. It more than lived up to the hype.

For starters, it's not easy. I played well the day prior on an earlier track and this place ate my lunch. It plays long and the greens can be tricky so it's a must to play the proper tees. If you're torn between two then take the one at a shorter yardage. Trust me.

A couple greens I did not care for and thought there were a bit much, but I loved everything else. It's a beautiful setting, and a couple members and the owner were some of the best people you'd ever want to meet.

Expensive private club. Really a pleasure & parts quite challenging.U hv to hire a caddy, but they're so helpful. U hv to know or b member to play. Saw deer there which was a nice touch.