By Leonard Finkel
It’s been over 20 years since world renowned golf course designer Tom Doak designed a course in his home state of Michigan. This summer brings his much-anticipated return with a design concept that challenges conventional golf course architecture. The Loop, an 18-hole reversible design, the first of its kind in the U.S., will open at Forest Dunes in Northern Michigan on June 27.
Golf Channel travel expert Matt Ginella toured the layout last fall with Doak and sat down with him and owner Lew Thompson to discuss the concept. If you missed the seven-minute segment, click to view it here: How and Why? Reversible Course at Forest Dunes.
One of the goals in creating this golf course was to make Forest Dunes a golf destination where golfers from around the country would want to come and stay multiple nights and have a unique golf experience versus just passing through. The Loop is in basically three golf courses and a golf package will allow golfers to stay for two-nights to play all three courses. Doak hopes the first reaction to The Loop is that the golf course is fun, regardless of which direction it’s played.
Doak said, “The second reaction; we want them to be curious. We want them to wonder how could it be just as good playing it backwards.” The hope is, people are fascinated to play it more so they can understand how it all fits together.
The Loop, with its revolutionary reversible design concept, will be a walking only experience featuring the option of professional caddies. The two layouts will alternate directions on a daily basis allowing golfers to experience a unique 54-hole golf vacation package unlike any other.
For more visit www.forestdunesgolf.com
Leonard Finkel is the author of The Secrets to the Game of Golf & Life and former editor in chief of Golf Journeys Magazine. His work has been featured in almost 200 publications including Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips and Player Magazine. He has written more than a dozen cover stories for Golf Today Magazine. He has written extensively about golf and travel and has added poker to his writing repertoire. Finkel also works as a marketing and public relations consultant. His specialty niche is writing advertorial copy. Prior to his career in golf, Finkel owned a chain of retail stores and a consulting and import company based in Asia. He attended the University of Utah.