Black Lake Golf Club

You don’t have to be a member of the United Auto Workers union to play the UAW-owned gem in today’s feature: $44 for 18 Holes with Cart, Logo Ball, Hot Dog and a FREE Round on the Par-3 'Little Course' at Black Lake Golf Club in Onaway ($94 Value. Expires October 1, 2016!)

Many in Michigan have ties to the UAW, either personally or through family and friends, and Michiganders tend to know more about it than those in other states. But there is one surprising fact about the UAW that not many — even in Michigan — know about: The UAW owns and operates one of the best public golf courses in the United States designed by one of the most highly regarded course architects in the world.

Black Lake Golf Club is, simply put, extraordinary. Designed by Rees Jones, formerly named “Architect of the Year” by Golf Word in 1995, Black Lake puts the beauty you’d expect from a top-tier country club in a publicly accessible venue. The design implemented by Rees embraced nature right from the start.

"The holes were here," he says. "We just had to find them. We strive for holes blending with the natural terrain."

Complementing the championship course is The Little Course, a nine-hole par 3 meant to introduce young people to the game as well as sharpen veteran players' short games. In addition, Black Lake also presents an unrivaled practice area with a 350-yard double sided bentgrass tee range, four practice bunkers and four chipping and putting greens, a clubhouse with dining room and lounge.

Furthering its credibility as a world-class golf course with a keen eye always towards environmental responsibility, Black Lake has received certification by Audubon International, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System and the Michigan State Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program. These achievements mean that Black Lake an ideal home for wildlife of all varieties, and it wouldn’t be unusual to spot some while out on the course.