Roughly 45 minutes away from Grand Rapids, the small town of Stanwood, Michigan, features a standout resort, known as Tullymore Golf Resort.
Providing two world-class championship golf courses—Tullymore and St. Ives—that have been highly ranked by publications like Golf Digest, the resort has a Northern Michigan feel. Yet, since it’s not truly “Up North,” it is easily accessible.
Golfers from all over the country are steadily discovering the resort. And, once they do, they’re consistently visiting, over and over again.
“Tullymore is currently rated number 70 on the Golf Digest ‘Best Public Courses in America’ list,” says Gary Lewandowski, director of golf. “Meanwhile, St. Ives has been voted ‘five stars’ by Golf Digest and is a top-rated course in Michigan, too.”
Opened in 1995, the par-72 St. Ives was designed by Jerry Matthews, a course architect renowned for his wide array of designs in The Great Lakes State. Featuring highlands, wetlands and woodlands, the course is as naturally beautiful as it is challenging.
“It’s very well known for its elevation changes from start to finish,” Lewandowski says. “A traditional design, St. Ives has five tee choices for all golfers to enjoy, whether they’re beginners or seasoned players.”
Likewise, Tullymore was also created with all golfers in mind. A par-72 as well, the Jim Engh design has been testing golfers of all skill levels since its opening in 2001.
“Encompassing 800 acres of land, Tullymore maneuvers through the woods and swampland,” Lewandowski says. “As golfers play the course, they’ll likely lose themselves in the sheer beauty of nature.”
Interestingly, Tullymore has five par-5s and five par-3s, leading to its uniqueness, when compared to most other courses. Offering six sets of tees, the course ranges in length from 4,668 to 7,250 yards.
“As a result of Tullymore’s multiple sets of tees, every player will be able to enjoy golf at its finest,” Lewandowski stresses.
Hospitality and amenities for everyone
As Lewandowski and the rest of the Tullymore Golf Resort staff prepare for the future, they’re focused on ensuring everything continues to look like it did from the beginning. In order to maintain both course designers’ original visions, trees have recently been removed at St. Ives, resulting in enhanced turf conditions. Additionally, Tullymore’s bunkers have been reworked and improved.
“I wouldn’t consider what we’ve done as renovations, but more as constant care to retain each course’s beauty,” Lewandowski emphasizes. “We are constantly keeping our customers in mind.”
Whether golfers decide to drive or fly to Stanwood (via Grand Rapids’ Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which is located roughly 50 miles away), they’re welcomed to stay at one of two on-property hotels: The Inn at St. Ives or The Hideaway.
Furthermore, they can stay at various condominiums and cottages, including The Lodge at Tullymore, The Residence Club and Tullymore Custom Cottages.
“Our management team is always updating each of these facilities to ensure they remain fresh and unique,” Lewandowski says. “Every golf group and golf trip are different, so we strive to provide a hospitality option to everyone.”
Aside from its two championship courses, Tullymore Golf Resort has other amenities for golfers to relish too, including a tennis court and two new pickleball courts. But, above all else, they’ll appreciate the resort’s natural, pristine and awe-inspiring beauty.
“The sheer beauty and seclusion of Tullymore are free of charge,” Lewandowski says. “Golfers will be able to completely decompress here.”
The bottom line? Whether a group of friends decide to travel together or couples are looking to get away for a weekend, Tullymore “was created for everyone,” according to Lewandowski.
He adds, “Our goal is to ensure each of our guests are ready to come back every year.”