[COURSE CLOSED IN 2019]
6500 Nicklaus Drive, Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Office
+1 (231) 585 7090Pro shop
+1 (231) 585 7090The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined parkland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Woodland.
Designer:
Wilderness Valley course designed by Al Watrous (1971). Black Forest course designed by Tom Doak (1991).
Above distances are for the Black Forest course. Starting from the same clubhouse is the 18-hole Wilderness Valley course (par-71, 6397 yds from back tees, designer Al Watrous, opened 1971).
44.867009
-84.805689
15 mi SW of Gaylord.
Black Forest, MI
Black Forest Golf Course at Wilderness Valley: COURSES PERMANENTLY CLOSED IN 2019.
[Original Where2Golf description]: Starting out from the same clubhouse, and located in a housing-free and roads-free natural environment, the Black Forest and Wilderness Valley golf courses are both well-rated and always popular places to play. These tree-lined parkland layouts are imbued with many attractive features and several excellent holes to enjoy.
The Black Forest layout (at one time known as the "New" course) was one of Tom Doak's earliest examples of minimalist golf course architecture. Each hole is carved through a canvas of pine, oak, and maple trees. The dramatic bunkering on Black Forest contrasts with the verdant forest backdrop.
The gentler but equally scenic Wilderness Valley layout (known for a time as the "Old" course) also presents an enjoyable golfing challenge for golfers of all abilities. Definitely a golf club to include on your play list if you are in the area.
Course permanently closed in 2019.
Walking permitted on the Wilderness Valley course; golf cart compulsory on Black Forest. The Black Forest course starts o.5 mi from the clubhouse, with the 18th green located 1 mi from the clubhouse, in between is a 7.5 mi journey around this roaming woodland course.
Limited
Black Forest's designer and Michigan resident Tom Doak, originally studied his craft under legendary course architect Pete Dye. Doak was also strongly influenced by the design philosophies and work of Dr Alister MacKenzie. Among an impressive portfolio of projects, Pacific Dunes in Oregon, Ballyneal in Colorado, Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania and Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand are perhaps his best known designs.
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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