Amber Waves of Grain

November 22, 2013

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a three-part series detailing several unique GolfNow courses that offer scenic views.

While many of the most-revered golf courses are located in coastal regions like Monterrey, Myrtle Beach and the Coastal Northwest, we at GolfNow want to pay homage to the heartland by highlighting four fantastic golf courses located in the breadbasket of America, the Midwest.

We begin with a trip to Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon, Mich. Ranked 20th in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Golf Courses, not only is Forest Dunes known for its carefully-manicured upkeep, but also for its natural sand dunes and its lush pine forests that create an unforgettable trek through the Michigan countryside. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, is a diverse and unique “where-Pine-Valley-meets-Augusta,” bucket-list must.

 

Longaberger Golf Club in Nashport, Ohio is defined by its simplicity. Rated as Ohio’s top golf course in 2010 by Golfweek Magazine, Longaberger’s rolling hills and magnificent playing conditions allow for golfers to enjoy their round without the gimmicks that are used by so many courses today. The Arthur Hills design is often compared to his legendary tracks Oakmont Country Club, Oakland Hills and Inverness Golf Club, home to some of golf’s most legendary tournaments and moments.

 

Pushing southward, Branson Creek Golf Club in Hollister, Mo., is a course in the “Show Me State” that pleads for you to play it. Rated a Top-10 course in Missouri by Golf Digest, Branson Creek allows you to embark on a scenic journey near the majestic Ozark mountains. The beautiful par-71, 7,000 yard Tom Fazio design incorporates Branson Creek and surrounding forests into the design, adding the perfect element of challenge into each round. With Troon Golf as its managing partner, you can expect nothing but a first-class experience at Branson Creek.

 

Located just north of Wichita in Newton, Kansas, Sand Creek Station Golf Club is home to the 2014 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and pays homage to traditional Scotland golf in the Jayhawk State. This unique, Jeffrey Brauer design includes many interesting features, including the telling of the history of the railroad and its influence on golf. The green on the signature 16th hole emulates the famous “road hole” at St. Andrews in Scotland while the 12th hole closely resembles the 4th at the National Golf Links of America. With its strong winds and constant water features, Sand Creek Station uses its natural surroundings to create a fantastic, affordable golf experience for everyone.