U.P. golf creates tourism green

Hunting, camping and fishing are justifiably atop the list of outdoor activities tourists consider when looking at the Upper Peninsula for a relaxing getaway. But, increasingly, outstanding golf creates a significant chunk of tourism revenue.

With 55 courses listed in the Upper Peninsula Golf Association, it is little wonder that golfers look to the U.P. to play their favorite game. The entire state of Michigan is home to more than 865 golf courses and 86 golf resorts, and golf among the apple blossoms and white pines is much more than a recreational pastime. It is a key industry contributing to the vitality of Michigan's economy.

As an example of how big golf is in Michigan, compare the overall money it generates to other industries in the state. According to a recent survey conducted by SRI International for the World Golf Foundation, the size of Michigan's direct annual golf economy is approximately $2.2 billion. This is comparable to revenues generated by important manufacturing industries in the state, such as motor vehicle steering and suspension components ($2.8 billion), medical equipment and supplies ($1.6 billion), and breakfast cereal manufacturing ($1.3 billion).

Now, back to tourism, one of golf's strongest forces as far as making an economic impact. As the tourism dollar becomes more difficult to come by in Michigan, golf remains a strong piece of the puzzle. The SRI study estimates annual golf-related tourism spending in Michigan at $632.4 million.

Clearly, golf brings visitors to Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula--with its wonderful places to play--is no exception. The cream of the crop is Greywalls in Marquette, and Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain and The Rock on Drummond Island are also U.P. gems. Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club is another quality facility, and Tanglewood Marsh Golf Course is a Sault Ste. Marie bargain. Of course, with more than 50 UPGA courses from which to choose, there are many more than the listed facilities worth a visit, but if you tackle the ones listed, you won't be sorry.

"There are so many courses so close together that people who want to come up and stay for either a couple of days or a week can pack in as much golf as they want to," says Jamie Davison, the general manager at Sault Marie Golf Club. "The prices are another reason to come up. Almost every course is $40 including a cart. They can't touch our prices below the bridge."

The range of U.P courses includes everything from quaint nine-holers that weave through national forests, to magnificent championship designs of immeasurable beauty. Quality, affordability, and attention to detail are what you will experience when traveling for golf in U.P., along with small- town hospitality.

Of course, golf is a draw that brings with it spending in many other facets of the economy.

"We tell people about the great golf in the area when we are convincing them to come to the area for a convention," says Linda Hoath, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We set up tee times, we let them know that it's a great thing to do when the meetings are over.

"I also know of one group of guys who rented a motor coach and spent four days going from Sault Ste. Marie to Bay Mills to Drummond Island to play golf. We have some gems up here," she says.

Hoath points out conventioneers don't spend all their time in meetings. Conversely, golfers don't spend 24 hours a day on the fairways and greens. When they're not on the course, they are hunting, fishing, visiting casinos, touring a historic hydroelectric plant, eating at local restaurants, shopping at area retail outlets and perhaps even enjoying a cold beverage or two at a popular nightspot.

"Tourism is huge in our area," says Davison. "We've got the Soo Locks, which is unique. You can be standing on the 17th hole and see a huge freighter go by. Some of the golfers stay in the hotels, but some of them camp. It's really a unique atmosphere and one you won't find anywhere else. When people make the trip, they usually come back."

Obviously, tourists can spend money off golf course grounds, but they don't necessarily have to leave the facility itself to create tax dollars for the state. Pro shops at Upper Peninsula golf courses offer golf equipment, attire and other retail items; dining options are the norm at virtually every course in the area; and golf lessons also generate revenue.

It is clear that golf is a moneymaker in the Upper Peninsula. People love the game, and, as a result, many of them find out just how much they enjoy the Upper Peninsula.

Jeff Barr is the author of "Golf's Best Kept Secrets " and "1001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die." He is a freelance writer who has lived in Michigan for 45 years. You can reach Jeff via email.