LochenHeath

The Traverse City area of northern Michigan has long held a reputation for its cherry harvest, and the past half-century has naturally brought rapid growth of golf to the region as well. LochenHeath accomplishes a combination of the two, offering a 7,200-yard course built on a former cherry orchard.

Perhaps even more appealing to players, from a geographical standpoint, is its positioning above the shore of Grand Traverse Bay. The name of the club also suggests its aim to recreate the links experience of Scotland: The lake is self-explanatory, and fescue has been planted (growing heath in the region was unlikely).

The round itself, however, will be distinctly American. Architect Steve Smyers offers many bunkers, ranging in size from significant fairway hazards to troublesome greenside tenants (but no pure pots). Many greens are sloped inward to collect the approaches of casual vacationers, but the continuing slopes within the putting surfaces will make finding a red number much more difficult.