Literally in the middle of nowhere is located one of the best public courses in America, Perennially ranked in America’s top 25. Forest Dunes gets its name from being built half in a dense Pine forest and half on rugged sand dunes of northern Michigan.

Once you get there, being out in the middle of nowhere has its benefits. Perhaps the most quiet golf course I have played, on a cold late April morning there were only a couple groups on the whole course. The only noise that I recall hearing was from errant shots, I recall vividly the sound of balls hitting one of the many majestic pines lining the front nine, the sound was incredibly loud and would echo and be heard for several holes.

The back nine heavily features the rugged sand dunes And has some very memorable holes. My favorite hole, and perhaps the best hole at Forest Dunes, is the drivable par 4 17th, where I came very close to making an eagle but was happy to settle for a tap in birdie.

They also have great amenities, we stayed on site at the guest cottages and enjoyed a pretty incredible dinner at the Lodge. The Dunes Burger, made of trimmings from tenderloin, ribeye and brisket, is hands down the best hamburger I’ve ever had.