Gaylord Golf Mecca Offers the Perfect Vacation Experience– and Great Golf, Too!

It’s called the Gaylord Golf Mecca for a reason. The area promises a valued Mecca pilgrimage to those who love golf, but also to anybody who enjoys being outdoors on perfect, extra-long summer days.

For 36 years the unrivaled top golf courses in the Gaylord, Michigan, area have marketed together as the Mecca and built a reputation as America’s summer golf destination. The Mecca offers an elite combination of quantity and quality golf in the heart of Michigan’s beautiful land of lakes and trees.

“I’ve lived and worked in other parts of the state, but in the summer, this is Michigan’s best place for golf, for really everything you might want to do outside,” says Corey Crowell, the general manager at Indian River Golf Club. A classic and historic member of the Mecca, Indian River is celebrating its 100th year as a golf club this summer.

There are courses, from classical to modern design for all levels of golfers in multiple places. Garland Lodge and Golf Resort, Treetops Resort, Otsego Resort, The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort, Lakes of the North Golf Course, The Pines at Michaywe’, Black Lake Golf Club, Gaylord Golf Club and of course, Indian River Golf Club, together provide 17 courses. It takes more than one trip to play them all, but each visit can be customized with the perfect lodging, fabulous dining experience and perhaps a hike, boat ride or great spot to watch a beautiful sunset at the perfect price point.

The Mecca has 21 lodging partners, who together count almost 1,400 rooms. Visitors can have anything they want or desire, from luxurious to rustic, from traditional to modern, from campfire to a fireplace that starts with the flip of a switch. Our resorts offer wonderfully appointed options and amenities. Prefer hotel experiences? The most trusted brands are here and more. For those of you seeking something completely different we have partners who will find you a condo, vacation home or cabin.

As for dining, in the handy Northern Michigan Golfer magazine you can request or access for free at gaylordgolfmecca.com, there are about 40 restaurants in the dining section. The Mecca has it all, and our official publication includes dining options at the golf courses and the extra-large selection of downtown and communitywide dining destinations.

If you desire water, as in swimming, fishing rafting, kayaking, jet skiing and more, you should note that Michigan is the Great Lakes State. Gaylord holds up its end of the bargain with over 90 inland lakes and the headwaters of 5 major rivers. Otsego Lake County Park and Otsego Lake State Park are sweet places to check out, especially for boaters and anglers.

If hiking is more your speed, there are exciting rustic trails in the Pigeon River Country State Forest or manicured paved pathways in Aspen Park. Gaylord also has a diverse cycling scene, with their crown jewel of trails, the North Central State Trail, running 73 miles from Waters to the Mackinac Bridge.

Finally, there are extra-long days for being outdoors, as in playing golf or enjoying nature in the area until almost 10 p.m. during the peak of the summer. Gaylord is located in the heart of Northern Lower Michigan and in the Eastern Time zone where Daylight Savings makes you wait just a little longer for a beautiful sunset over our lakes, ponds and courses.

Sunrise to sunset, you can experience the best vacation, buddy trip, family reunion, class reunion, any type of gathering in Gaylord. It’s truly a Mecca for golf and more.

Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, but after one year moved to Louisville, Kentucky to be closer to family. I have lived in Louisville ever since.

What do you do for a living?

I am the Foundation Coordinator for Golf House Kentucky. I work with different programs under our Foundation including PGA HOPE, Drive Chip and Putt, PGA Junior League, and donations.

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation?

I love to spend time with my family and friends. I love going out and doing activities with them, but I also love staying in and watching movies together.

\What golf apparel do you like to wear?

My favorite golf apparel I like to wear is either Nike or Lululemon because I think it is so comfortable and it is high quality.

Steak, chicken, or seafood?

I prefer seafood the most. Whenever we go out for a nice dinner, I am always choosing seafood, especially on vacation.

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course?

When people are slow! I love playing a fast-paced round, and when people play super slow, it throws me off of my game.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy?

I would choose love because there is no better feeling than surrounding yourself with the people who love you.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome?

The three people I would love to play with are Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and my dad.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?

It depends on the kind of mood I am in, but now I would choose an evening at home, but surrounded with friends.

Favorite television channel?

I do not have a channel I watch a lot, but my favorite TV Show is Friends.

Favorite charity to support?

My favorite program I support is PGA HOPE. I work with it every single day, and I think helping our local Veterans by playing golf is something that is so special to me.