Hemlock Golf Club in Ludington: Discover northern Michigan's hidden gem

LUDINGTON, Mich. -- Michigan-based architect Ray Hearn has built some fine courses in this state. Hemlock Golf Club, a 6965-yard layout that opened in 2002, might be his most unique.

Hearn unearthed several dune-like waves of sand in a corner of the property to create interesting features on holes 3, 4 and 12. The green of the 302-yard third hole is surrounded by sand. It's probably wise to lay up, but the temptation to go for it is so strong. The sandy waste area of the fourth hole is definitely more subtle, hidden from view off the tee. The mammoth dune on the quirky par-5 12th hole -- called "Dune Beast" -- blocks a green hidden on the other side. A giant tree dissects the split fairway, forcing players to pick which side to attack. It's a tricky challenge that some love; others aren't so sure.

Of the more traditional tree-lined holes, none looks better than "Northern Beauty," the par-3 13th hole that drops off an elevated tee.

The infrastructure isn't there yet -- missing are a full-service clubhouse and other courses and golf resorts to attract more stay-and-plays -- but as a stand-alone course, few are as interesting as Hemlock.

In his review, Golf Advisor szczechowski indicated his round "immediately vaulted it into my top 5 in the state." He added: "The course definitely has the 'up north' feel, but with a distinctly 'southern coast' influence. There are quite a few holes that, if you dropped someone off that didn't know where they were, would immediately think they were playing a course in the coastal Carolinas or Georgia.