Tullymore Golf Resort sits in the rolling hills of northern Michigan, offering a distinctive experience for golfers who want championship-level course design paired with scenic Northwoods beauty. You’ll find two 18-hole courses here, each carved through forests and wetlands south of Petoskey and Traverse City.
This guide explains what makes Tullymore worth considering for a golf trip, how the courses differ, what you’ll need to plan your visit, and how to combine your round with other northern Michigan experiences.
What Is Tullymore Golf and Why Do Golfers Visit?
Tullymore Golf Resort features two championship courses designed by Jim Engh in the Canadian Lakes area near Stanwood, Michigan. Golfers visit for the dramatic elevation changes, strategic water features, and forested settings that set these layouts apart from typical Midwest courses while remaining playable for a range of skill levels.
The Two Courses at Tullymore
Tullymore operates two distinct 18-hole courses that share the same property but offer different design philosophies and challenge levels. Understanding the differences helps you choose which course or courses to book.
Tullymore Golf Club
The original Tullymore course opened in 2001 and quickly earned recognition in national golf publications for its bold design and natural integration. You’ll play through dense hardwood forests, across wetlands, and over rolling terrain that uses the site’s natural contours.
The course stretches over 7,200 yards from the championship tees, though multiple tee boxes let you choose a distance that matches your game. Expect significant elevation changes, forced carries over water and wetlands, and greens protected by deep bunkers and natural hazards.
Signature holes include the par-3 13th, which plays downhill to an island green, and the par-5 18th, which requires strategic placement to avoid water on the approach. The layout rewards accurate shot-making more than raw distance, though longer hitters gain advantages on several holes.
St. Ives Golf Club
St. Ives, the second course at the resort, debuted in 2007 with a slightly more forgiving design while maintaining the visual drama that defines Jim Engh’s work. This course measures just over 7,000 yards from the tips and features wider fairways and larger landing areas than its sister course.
You’ll still encounter water hazards, elevation changes, and heavily bunkered greens, but the angles are less severe and the penalties for wayward shots tend to be less punishing. Mid- to high-handicap golfers often find St. Ives more enjoyable, while experienced players appreciate the opportunity to score when they execute well.
Planning Your Visit to Tullymore
Tullymore operates as a semi-private resort, meaning tee times are available to the public but may be limited during peak periods. Advance booking is essential during summer weekends and fall color season.
When to Play
The golf season at Tullymore typically runs from late April through October, weather permitting. Conditions and exact opening and closing dates vary each year based on snowmelt, spring weather, and fall frost, so confirm the current schedule with the resort before making travel plans.
June through August offers the most reliable weather and longest daylight hours, but these months also bring peak rates and the heaviest tee sheet. September and early October provide excellent playing conditions with lower green fees, spectacular fall foliage, and fewer crowds, though you’ll need to prepare for cooler temperatures and shorter days.
May and late October represent shoulder season opportunities with the lowest rates, but course conditions may be less consistent and weather more unpredictable. Morning frost delays are common in these months.
Green Fees and What They Include
Green fees at Tullymore vary significantly by season, day of week, and time of day. Rates change annually and even within the season, so check the resort’s official website or call directly for current pricing.
Your green fee typically includes cart rental, practice balls, and access to the practice facilities. Walking is generally not permitted due to the course length and pace of play management, though policies may vary.
Twilight rates often provide significant savings if you’re comfortable finishing your round with less daylight. Replay rates let you play a second 18 holes the same day at a reduced cost, which makes sense if you’re staying nearby and want to experience both courses.
What to Bring and Wear
Standard golf attire applies at Tullymore: collared shirts, golf shoes with soft spikes or spikeless designs, and appropriate bottoms. The resort maintains a dress code that prohibits denim, cargo shorts, and overly casual clothing.
Northern Michigan weather can change quickly, even in summer. Pack a rain jacket, an extra layer for morning or evening rounds, and sunscreen for midday play.
Bring more golf balls than you typically use, especially if you’re playing Tullymore Golf Club for the first time. The water hazards and natural areas claim their share of errant shots, and ball retrieval is often impractical or unsafe.
Getting to Tullymore
Tullymore Golf Resort sits approximately 20 miles south of Big Rapids and about 50 miles north of Grand Rapids in central Michigan. The nearest major airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, roughly an hour’s drive south.
You’ll need a rental car to reach Tullymore and explore the surrounding area, as public transportation doesn’t serve this rural region. From Grand Rapids, take US-131 north to the Stanwood exit, then follow local roads to the resort.
If you’re driving from Detroit, expect a journey of about three hours. From Chicago, plan for approximately four and a half hours.
Where to Stay
Tullymore offers limited on-site lodging in the form of cottages and vacation homes that can be rented by the night or week. These accommodations provide the convenience of staying steps from the first tee, though availability and rates vary throughout the season and should be confirmed well in advance.
Big Rapids, about 20 miles north, offers chain hotels and motels at various price points. Staying here gives you access to more dining options and services while keeping you within a reasonable drive of the course.
Serious golf travelers sometimes combine Tullymore with other northern Michigan courses by staying in Traverse City or the Petoskey area, both roughly an hour away. This strategy works if you’re planning a multi-day golf trip and want to experience several courses in the region.
Dining at Tullymore
The resort’s clubhouse includes a restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the golf season. The menu covers standard American fare with an emphasis on Michigan ingredients when available.
The turn between the front and back nine offers a snack bar where you can grab a quick bite, though many golfers prefer to maintain their pace of play and eat after their round. If you’re staying in the area for multiple days, explore dining options in Big Rapids or Stanwood for variety beyond the clubhouse menu.
Practice Facilities
Tullymore maintains a practice range, putting green, and short game area where you can warm up before your round. Access is typically included with your green fee, though specific hours and availability should be confirmed when you book.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your tee time to check in, warm up, and get a feel for the green speeds. The elevation changes and undulating greens at both courses reward players who spend time on the practice putting surface.
Who Should Play Tullymore
Tullymore suits golfers who appreciate strategic, visually striking course design and don’t mind a challenge. If you’re a beginner or struggle with accuracy, St. Ives offers a more forgiving introduction to the property’s style.
The courses demand thoughtful club selection and course management rather than pure power. Mid-handicappers who play smart golf often score better here than longer hitters who take aggressive lines without considering the hazards.
Non-golfers in your group will find limited activities at the resort itself, so Tullymore works best as a destination for dedicated golfers or as part of a larger northern Michigan vacation where others can explore nearby attractions while you play.
Combining Tullymore with Other Northern Michigan Experiences
Northern Michigan offers numerous outdoor activities and attractions within an hour or two of Tullymore. The region’s inland lakes provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming during warm months.
Traverse City, about 60 miles northwest, features wineries, breweries, beaches along Grand Traverse Bay, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This makes it possible to plan a trip that balances golf at Tullymore with beach time, wine tasting, and scenic drives for non-golfers or rest days between rounds.
The area around Petoskey and Harbor Springs, also about an hour away, offers additional championship golf courses, charming downtown districts, and Lake Michigan shoreline access. If you’re planning a dedicated golf trip, you might combine Tullymore with courses like Bay Harbor or Arcadia Bluffs to experience different design styles and settings.
Course Difficulty and Pace of Play
Both courses at Tullymore present above-average difficulty compared to typical public courses, particularly from the back tees. The slope and course ratings reflect this challenge, so choose tee boxes honestly based on your driving distance and skill level to keep pace and maximize enjoyment.
A round typically takes four to four and a half hours with a full foursome, though this can stretch during busy periods or if groups ahead struggle with the course’s challenges. The resort enforces pace of play policies to keep rounds moving.
If you’re unfamiliar with target golf or courses with significant forced carries, consider starting with St. Ives before tackling the original Tullymore course. This progression helps you understand the design philosophy without becoming frustrated by lost balls and high scores.
Weather Considerations
Northern Michigan’s weather varies considerably by season and can change quickly within a single day. Summer temperatures typically range from the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (21-28°C), but mornings can be cool and afternoons occasionally hot.
Thunderstorms develop with little warning during summer afternoons, and the courses have weather warning systems and shelters. Follow all staff instructions during weather delays and seek shelter immediately when sirens sound.
Spring and fall bring the risk of frost delays, rain, and temperatures that may require multiple layers. Check the detailed forecast before your trip and pack accordingly, remembering that conditions on exposed holes can feel significantly different than in forested areas.
Booking Your Tee Time
Tee times at Tullymore can be reserved online through the resort’s website or by phone. Book as early as possible for summer weekends and fall color season, as prime times fill quickly, especially for multiple foursomes.
Cancellation policies vary, so review the terms when booking and understand any fees or deadlines that apply. Weather-related cancellations are handled according to resort policy, which may differ from your expectations.
If you’re planning to play both courses over two days, book both rounds when making your initial reservation to secure preferred times and potentially qualify for multi-round discounts.
What Makes Tullymore Stand Out
Jim Engh’s design at Tullymore brings a bold, Western-style approach to the Midwest golf landscape. The dramatic bunkering, elevation changes, and integration of natural features create a memorable experience that differs from traditional parkland courses.
The resort’s commitment to course conditioning and environmental management has earned recognition beyond the golf community. The layout preserves wetlands and natural habitats while providing strategic challenge, demonstrating that championship golf and environmental stewardship can coexist.
Practical Tips for Your Round
- Study the course guide or app before your round to understand hole layouts and hazard locations
- Take advantage of forward tees if your driver distance is under 200 yards to avoid excessive forced carries
- Carry extra golf balls and accept that you’ll likely lose a few to water and natural areas
- Use the practice green to gauge speed, as Tullymore’s greens often run faster than typical public courses
- Keep pace with the group ahead and be ready to play when it’s your turn
- Bring cash or card for beverage cart service if you want drinks during your round
Making the Most of Your Tullymore Visit
Tullymore Golf Resort delivers a distinctive northern Michigan golf experience that combines visual drama, strategic challenge, and natural beauty. The two courses offer enough variety to justify multiple rounds while accommodating different skill levels and playing styles.
Start by confirming current rates, tee time availability, and any special packages on the resort’s official website. Book early for peak season, choose tees appropriate to your game, and allow time to explore the broader northern Michigan region if your schedule permits.
For more golf destination ideas, explore our guide to Quintero Golf Club, or discover northern Michigan’s scenic beauty along Going to the Sun Road and other compelling travel destinations in our expanding collection of tourist guides.