Lakewood Shores celebrates three decade anniversary of award-winning course
Oscoda boasts lakeside lodging, unique retailers and a vast trail system for hiking, biking and winter sports — but did you know Oscoda is also home to one of the nation’s most impressive golf resorts?
Lakewood Shores is celebrating an important anniversary in 2022. Three decades ago, the resort launched its Scotland-inspired course: The Gailes. The course recreates the look and feel of famous seaside courses with large double greens, meandering berms, sod-faced pot bunkers and long fescue grasses.
“The Gailes was rated Best New Resort Course in 1993 by Golf Digest,” said Craig Peters, general manager and director of golf at Lakewood Shores. “It’s one of only two courses in Michigan to ever rank as Best New Course. It’s a very different style than what most U.S. golfers are used to seeing and playing on.”
But there are two more courses at Lakewood, as well — The Blackshire and The Serradella. The Blackshire recreates the look and feel of the famous Pine Valley Country Club, with hardwoods, large sand waste areas and undulating greens. Traditional golfers will appreciate The Serradella, which has a classic parkland design with minimal hazards, wide fairways and large greens.
“It’s three courses, but three totally different styles of golf to play,” Peters said.
Lakewood Shores has been around for decades. It was purchased by current ownership 36 years ago.
“At that time, it was just a golf course,” Peters said. “There wasn’t any lodging, or anything like that. We built our first lodging in July 1991 and opened up The Gailes. Then we added more lodging and a third golf course in 2001. The original course was a little ahead of its time for this location. The Gailes is what really put us on the map.”
When it comes to lodging, Lakewood Shores has visitors covered with 152 options, ranging from hotel units to spacious one and two-bedroom suites. That’s in addition to an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner — plus a couple of pro shops.
There’s also the Wee Links, an unlimited complimentary course for all guests. The course features short pitch and putt holes ranging from 50-105 yards with small greens, bunkers and a few water hazards. The course is perfect for junior golfers and families.
Ready to tee-up? Golf season begins in May and runs through mid-to-late October.
“Each month and time of the year have their own unique things that make them special,” Peters said. “And being so close to downtown Oscoda, we’re just five minutes from the beach on Lake Huron and shops. It’s going to be an exciting year.”
Learn more at lakewoodshores.com.