Carlsmith Back for Another Season with Pelz at The Homestead

Posted on May 15, 2012 by manitou

There are some great golf instructors in northern Michigan but perhaps none as friendly and knowledgeable as Stefan Carlsmith, the head of the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School at The Homestead.  Carlsmith has worked for Pelz Golf since 1999 and at The Homestead since 2005.  Carlsmith, who grew up on the big island of Hawaii and played golf at the University of Denver, loves what he calls “the infectious buzz” during summer in the Leelanau Peninsula.  “When summer hits, people are dying to get outside.  That atmosphere is catchy,” he said.  Carlsmith’s always-positive personality helps take the edge off trying to master this difficult game. 

The first three-day session is June 8-10.  They run most summer weekends either Thursday through Saturday or Friday through Sunday until August 23-25.  Day clinics begin June 12 and run Tuesday or Wednesday until August 28.  Two two-day schools (July 6-7 and August 26-27) are available.  For more information, visit Dave Pelz Scoring Game School.

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Manitou Cup Brings Tournament Golf to Manitou Passage

Posted on May 14, 2012 by manitou

The revitalized Manitou Passage Golf Club is ready for the next step in its rebirth: Hosting a tournament.  The first Manitou Cup is set for May 31-June 3. The two-man event, featuring a net best-ball format, will be limited to just 24 teams.  Spouses are invited to attend, so it should be a fun, action-packed weekend of golf and camaraderie on and off the course.  All events are resort casual with no jacket or tie required.

“We figured with all the hard work we’ve put into Manitou Passage, it was time to showcase the course and all the new facilities with a tournament,” said Jamie Jewell, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.  Nobody delivers a better combination of vacation living and great golf than The Homestead and Manitou Passage. 

After registration Thursday, May 31st, teams will warm up their game on Mountain Flowers, a scenic par-3 course at the resort.  An opening reception, putting tournament and dinner will follow.  Friday and Saturday will feature tournament rounds with shuttles provided to Manitou Passage, where breakfast will be served in the clubhouse.  Following tee times, there will be some down time before a reception on Bay Mountain overlooking Lake Michigan and dinner each night at the Mountain Flowers Lodge.

Check-out day on Sunday doesn’t have to be just a boring travel day.  A complimentary pass to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will allow guests to experience the “Most Beautiful Place in America,” as chosen by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America.  For more information, visit Manitou Passage Golf Club. 

 

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The Beauty Was Always There

Posted on April 24, 2012 by manitou

Like an old prom dress hanging in the closet, the former King’s Challenge Golf Club just needed a good cleansing.  Today, the newly named Manitou Passage Golf Club sparkles in the way original designer Arnold Palmer intended when he opened his signature King’s Challenge design in 1998.  The effort to revive the 6,668-yard course since The Homestead took over the property in 2009 has been nothing short of spectacular.  The commitment of the maintenance staff the past three years has Manitou Passage primed for its best season yet in 2012.

Extensive modifications by the Wadworth Construction Co. have improved playability while enhancing the course’s charming setting.  The elevated tees with soaring views of the Leelanau Peninsula and the beautiful tree-lined fairways void of houses still elicit goose bumps for those experiencing them for the first time.  It was during these changes – the repositioning of tees and tree clearing – that opened up the view of Lake Michigan from the eighth tee box that gave the course its name.  The Manitou Passage is an underwater preserve filled with ship wrecks.

The completely remodeled clubhouse allows players the ultimate comforts before or after a round.  Early birds can revel in fresh baked muffins and steaming hot coffee free of charge.  The decor – the fireplaces, art and table games – of the Great Room create an inviting atmosphere.  The Grill serves excellent fare inside or out on the patio overlooking the 18th green.  Welcome to Northen Michigan golf at its finest.

Manitou Passage Golf Club opens for the 2012 season Friday, April 27.  For tee times, call 231.228.6000.

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