Red Hawk Golf Club - Tawas, Michigan
First time playing Red Hawk Golf Course in Tawas, Michigan disappointed me more than I could imagine. Not the course itself, or the experience, or the layout - no, it was all amazing. What was disappointing was the fact that I have been going up to the Tawas area for the better part of 35 years to my grandparents cottage and had never played the Arthur Hills design that was 17 minutes away.
From the second I pulled into the course I was impressed. Hills lays the course out in his signature style of risk-reward aesthetics. Every hole has a unique feel and provides something to catch your eye. From the tee you are constantly asking yourself should I play it safe for go for it. The holes present challenges that if you are to take them on you can be rewarded, but there are double bogeys around every corner if you fail to pull off the shot - doubles are fine right? Elevation changes and the layout force precision shots. You cannot just grip it and rip it at Red Hawk, each hole requires thought on the tee.
The greens roll true, but tend to challenge - slick and undulating they can turn a GIR into a big number quickly. That being said missing a green can create a host of other problems, especially misses to the right. Green complexes are guarded by deep hillside bunkering and drop-offs straight in the tree line.
Overall, it is a visually appealing and extremely fun course that can be stout battle for a wide range of players. It is reasonably priced, even in the summer - I paid $45 for a weekday rate. If you find yourself on the east side of Northern Michigan make sure to seek out Red Hawk, as it is a must play.
Pros: Fantastic Layout; Visually appealing from the tees; Well maintained; Playable for all handicaps, but has teeth for the low handicappers; Friendly staff; Good vibes from other players on the course.
Cons: Go for the golf, not for the shopping as the pro-shop lacks inventory.
Favorite Hole: #3 a downhill, no-place to miss par 3.
Similar courses: Shepard’s Hollow (Oxford, Mi); Arthur Hills Course at Boyne Highlands;
Price range: $39-69 depending on season
Short par 4 #2 - 289 from the tips - Dont miss right
All carry downhill par 3 #3; 211 from the tips; Lionsmouth bunker makes the shot all that much tougher.