Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire has five 18-hole courses, 90 holes in all, which makes it one of the biggest golf destinations in northern Michigan. The courses are spread over the resort's hills, with designs by Tom Weiskopf, Arnold Palmer and others, and views over Lake Bellaire and the Chain of Lakes.
The five courses at a glance
| Course | Designer | Opened | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar River | Tom Weiskopf | 1999 | The resort's flagship, through glacial terrain and along the Cedar River valley |
| The Legend | Arnold Palmer | 1986 | Big elevation changes, doglegs and Lake Bellaire views |
| Hawk's Eye | John Robinson | 2004 | Wide vistas, with water in play on 9 of 18 holes |
| Schuss Mountain | Warner Bowen | 1972 | Plays like two different nines through pines, wetlands and hills |
| Summit | William Diddel | 1965 | The original course: shorter, with fast greens and a premium on the short game |
Cedar River
Tom Weiskopf's Cedar River is the course most golfers come to Shanty Creek to play. It's laid out over glacier-carved terrain and has earned national recognition, including spots on Golfweek's list of America's top resort courses and Golf Magazine's list of Michigan's top public courses. From the back tees it plays close to 7,000 yards.
The Legend
Arnold Palmer's Legend is the most dramatic course on the property, with big elevation changes, doglegs, water and bunkers, and views of Lake Bellaire. Golf Magazine has named it among the top resort courses in the country.
Hawk's Eye
Hawk's Eye opened in 2004 and is known for its views and for water, which comes into play on half the holes. Its greens are some of the toughest at the resort. It plays a little over 7,000 yards from the tips.
Schuss Mountain
The Schuss Mountain course, next to the ski hill, plays like two separate nines: one through pine forest, one across wetlands and rolling hills. At about 7,000 yards from the back, it's longer than it looks.
Summit
Summit is the resort's original course, opened in 1965. It's shorter than the others, so the challenge is in precise approach shots and fast greens. Every hole has a par-3 tee box, which makes it the best course at the resort for juniors and beginners.
Which course should you play?
- One round on a short trip: Cedar River.
- Best views: The Legend.
- Most challenging: Hawk's Eye or Cedar River from the back tees.
- Mixed-ability groups and kids: Summit, using the par-3 tees.
- Playing several days: play them all. Each course has a different character.
Tee times and practical tips
- Book tee times through Shanty Creek's website, and book early for summer weekends.
- Check which days each course is open. Courses take turns closing midweek. Cedar River, Hawk's Eye and Schuss are closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and The Legend and Summit are closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Ask about stay-and-play packages and specials, which the resort runs through the season.
- Practice and lessons: the resort has a golf academy, women's and junior programs, foot golf, and an indoor Full Swing golf suite for rainy days.
Rates and schedules change by season, so check Shanty Creek's golf page before you plan.
Where to stay for a golf trip
Our homes near Schuss Mountain are minutes from all five courses. Overlook Bellaire sleeps 16 and has a heated two-car garage for clubs and carts, and Alm Haus sleeps 12. See how to plan a golf trip to Bellaire.
Overlook Bellaire
A 2021 modern home on 10 private acres above Bellaire, looking out over Intermediate Lake. Sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and a game room.
Check dates and book direct →
Alm Haus
A renovated Northwoods chalet 5 minutes from Schuss Mountain, with a hot tub under the pines, triple-queen bunk room, game room and stargazing dome.
Check dates and book direct →
Northwoods Treehaus
A 1960s A-frame in the pines at Schuss Mountain Resort, with three kings, a stone fireplace, a bunk room with arcade and a treetop hot tub.
Check dates and book direct →Frequently asked questions
How many golf courses does Shanty Creek have?
Five 18-hole courses, 90 holes in total: Cedar River, The Legend, Hawk's Eye, Schuss Mountain and Summit.
Which is the best course at Shanty Creek?
Cedar River, designed by Tom Weiskopf, is the flagship, and The Legend by Arnold Palmer is a close second for many golfers.
Who designed The Legend at Shanty Creek?
Arnold Palmer.
Is Shanty Creek good for beginners?
Yes. The Summit course is shorter, and every hole has a par-3 tee box, which is ideal for juniors and beginners.
Sources
Course details from Shanty Creek Resorts, with yardages from published course guides. Checked October 2026.