Marsh Ridge Golf Course and Resort

Like any worthy vacation, the last thing you want to worry about on a golf trip is where you're going to eat. The only things you should think about on this trip is what to wear and which way the ball is going to curve off the first tee. With today's feature, you have range balls to warm up with, holes to play on, food to eat and even a drink to cap off the day. Mix in your favorite playing partners and you have what we call a worry-free trip into the heart of Michigan golf: $99 for One Night’s Lodging, 36 Holes with Cart and a Bucket of Range Balls PLUS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and One Drink Ticket at Marsh Ridge Golf Resort in Gaylord ($310 Value. Good Any Day, Any Time! Expires October 30, 2011.)

The Natural bears a four-star rating from Golf Digest in its nineteenth season since its opening in 1992. The Natural came about as a design from the legendary mind of golf course architect Jerry Matthews, and to this day remains one of Northern Michigan’s most admired courses. This par-71 course measures up to 6,330 yards from the tips, with a course/slope rating of 69.2/128. With three different sets of tees, The Natural will be both playable and challenging to weekend golfers and scratch golfers alike. With its rolling hills and scenic wetlands, this course truly makes use of the natural – no pun intended! – flowing landscape of Northern Michigan. You’ll find water on 7 of its 18, along with challenging bunker placements that will force you to perform with every approach shot.

Starting with the par-5 No. 1, you’ll quickly become acclimated with the woods-and-water style of hole common to Northern Michigan golf. A strong tee shot will put you in position to clear some beautiful wetlands that divide this hole’s fairway in two, leading into another dogleg-left before the green. The par-4 No. 4 is the “calendar hole” of The Natural. With woods, water, sand and elevation changes, this hole has it all. A significant tee shot will put you in place for an approach shot to a green guarded by free-form pond and bunkers framed by hardwood trees.

Not to be out-done by its younger brother, Marsh Ridge boasts one of Northern Michigan’s more challenging, yet highly playable layouts. Marsh Ridge is a Mike Husby-designed par-71 championship course meandering around pristine marsh areas, with wonderful changes in elevation to add both scenic panoramas as well as character to each hole. With three sets of tee boxes, you’ll have the ability to challenge your play with up to 6,231 yards of length and still enjoy a relaxing round.

Many holes offer a spectacular look at the greens from elevated tees, but vision can only do so much – you’ll need solid ball-striking in order to go low. You’ll get no farther than the par-3 No. 2 before you get a taste: Featuring a 60-foot drop in elevation to a green guarded by woods and water, be sure to club down to compensate.

Be sure to warm up your clubs at the range prior to hitting the first tee. Given all of the elevation changes, water and unforgiving-yet-beautiful wooded landscape framing both of these courses, you’ll want to have a good feel for your clubs. Furthermore, if you’re convinced that "it’s not you, it’s your equipment," head into the pro shop for all the biggest and best names in golf at competitive rates.

Tally up the day’s scores at Jac’s Place over some food and drinks. Offering everything from hot dogs to filet mignon, there’s something for everyone at Jac’s Place. Open from 4PM to close, make this the place to enjoy a great meal with a drink and talk over the shots that were great, and those that could have been.

Experience a worry-free trip to two of the best stops in Northern Michigan’s beautiful Gaylord Golf Mecca with with today’s feature for Marsh Ridge Golf Resort and The Natual — all you have to do is bring your game and your clubs!