If your golf experience demands beverage carts, GPS systems, 5 hour rounds & golfers with cell phones and I-pods on every tee, skip Belvedere.
For the rest of you who enjoy the game of golf, its history and traditions - a stop at Belvedere Golf Club is a Northern Michigan must play. This Willie Watson (Olympic Club, Interlachen C.C., Olypmia Fields, Harding Park, Minikahda Club etc.) designed club opened in 1927. Watson (from St. Andrews, Scotland) designed many great clubs from Michigan to California. Belvedere is a parkland type course with flowing and challenging par 4's and reachable and fun par 5's. The view from the 9th tee over looking the front nine is breathtaking. Belvedere is the type of club you would love to play everyday and also one of the few courses that you can still walk - with or without a caddy.
The small devilish creek that runs through the front nine is just one of the subtle design characteristics that Watson utilized to create this marvelous experience. Watson was a minimalist designer who created his designs without destroying the natural existing topography. The back nine is highlighted by the par 4 11th hole - the par 4 16th - and the ever difficult finishing 18th hole. Tom Watson calls Belvedere his 3rd favorite course in the U.S. He is also an honorary member.
Belvedere has hosted a who's - who of golfing greats. Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Tommy Armour, Sam Snead, Tom Watson, Horton Smith, Denny Shute, Ken Venturi etc. have all competed and enjoyed Belvedere.
Service at Belvedere is very accomodating and friendly. I felt like a member here and my wife and I really hated to leave. The young golf pro and his staff went above and beyond the call of duty. Where else does the home pro loan a total stranger his personal clubs, recommend and make you dinner reservations & also get you preferred seating. My wife and I can't wait to get back to Belvedere and also the lovely town of Charlevoix. Six more months Belvedere - can't wait!!!