Newaygo County in Michigan may be best known for its natural resources and outdoor activities, but you may not be aware of all the great and challenging golf courses the county has to offer. Here’s what I put together as a sample itinerary.On the first day of any golf excursion, you never want to bite off more than you can chew so I suggest starting with something easy - OK, easier. The Summer Breeze Golf Course on Warner Ave in Fremont, MI is a par 3 course featuring 9 holes that range in length from the 75-yard 2nd hole to the 180-yard seventh. It is easily walkable, and you don’t need more than an 8 and 9 iron, a couple of wedges, a putter, and whatever you hit 180 yards. Considering it’s a par 3 course – meaning you should hit the green from the tee box every time – there’s no need to pay a lot of detail to the turf between tee and green. The green complexes are well-maintained and the greens themselves are firm and fast with subtle undulations that will make you want to play the course again. If you’re not using a tee, it’s a great way to practice approach shots and, with the greens being smaller than what you’ll encounter the rest of the week, it helps with accuracy. Summer Breeze is also a great place for beginners to learn and play the game.After your first nine, head inside to Brew Works www.fremontbrewworks.com, where they have arguably the best steaks in the State. Their steaks are locally sourced and dry-aged for 21 days before they are hand-cut, and served with mashed potatoes and gravy, a side salad, and a roll. Brew Works offers several local beers on tap as well as a full-service bar. Neither the golf course nor the food will disappoint you. I suggest playing nine in the morning, grabbing a bite to eat at Brew Works, and playing nine more in the afternoon.
