Emerald Vale Golf Club

Whether you're planning a trip to the National Cherry Festival or just looking to explore all the top half of the state has to offer, don't head north this season without your clubs and a chance to play today's feature: $25 for 18 Holes with Cart, Range Balls and Lunch at Emerald Vale Golf Club in Manton near Cadillac ($55 Value. Good Any Day, Any Time until November 1, 2016!)

Designed by the venerable Bruce Matthews III, Emerald Vale Golf Club derives its name from the perfect little vale in which it is located. This "gem of the north" is home to slow-rolling fairways, sparkling ponds and undulating greens, all protected by the tall pines which line its 6,800-yard length.

Carved out of some of the most scenic land in the area, Emerald Vale Golf Club is a satisfying course that will challenge even the most skilled player while still maintaining playability for the novice. Some holes feature wide-open fairways with large spacious greens which lie unprotected in the distance; others play to the opposite, with tighter fairways and smaller greens heavily protected by bunkers and calm ponds.

Emerald Vale will challenge you to make use of a variety of skills in order to find success on the scorecard. With over 120 feet of elevation changes throughout its 18 holes, determining the correct club can prove tricky — don't hesitate to play it safe with an extra club to elevated greens. Power will prevail on the long par-5s, and the greens on the par-3s reward accuracy, because any putts over 15 feet can be touchy. These little challenges add up to a moderately difficult course/slope rating of 72.6/130 from the tips, with three additional sets of tees to choose from.

Perhaps the most memorable hole of the round is No. 18. Perched on top of a little hill, you can look out over the land you just traveled and enjoy the panoramic view from the perfect place by which to remember your round at Emerald Vale Golf Club.