By Len Ziehm
There was never a doubt that Forest Dunes had one of the very best golf courses in Michigan, if not the entire United States. Tom Weiskopf designed it in 2002 and Golf Digest named it ‘Best New Course’ in the country.
No other golf resort can keep up with the expansion Forest Dunes’ owner Lew Thompson, an Arkansas trucking magnate, has engineered over the past five years. 
The Weiskopf design brought serious players to this small town, but not enough of them. Additional lodging was needed to keep them there. Now between the lodge, comfortable four-bedroom villas, as well as, nine homes available for rent, the resort offers 130 beds on the 1,300-acre site.
Thompson’s answer to get golfers to stay longer was to hire Michigan architect Tom Doak to create The Loop, arguably the most unique golf course in the country. It plays clockwise (Black Course) one day and counter-clockwise (Red Course) the next. The Loop opened in 2016 as a walking-only layout, but now allows the use of carts and rounds have increased accordingly.
Thompson still wasn’t satisfied.
“We’ve seen, as a destination facility, that stays are getting extended a night or two,’’ said Don Helinski, Forest Dunes’ director of operations. “But people aren’t interested in golfing themselves to death by playing 36 holes a day. They also want to get together with the people they’re with and hang out.’’
HYPERLINK “http://lenziehmongolf.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_20200818_143027-scaled.jpg”So, more building was necessary. At the beginning of August, the new 10-hole Short Course opened.
“We’re a pure golf facility,’’ said Helinski. “We have no pool, no spa, no nightlife. That’s why we keep providing new golf opportunities to keep our people entertained.’’
Forest Dunes’ Short Course starts and finishes near an outdoor bar, that has become the focal point of golfers, which adds to the atmosphere and camaraderie.
“These courses throw out the stuffiness and standardness of golf,’’ said Helinski. “Who says a course has to have nine or 18 holes? Who says you have to measure yourself against par? Just go out and have fun. That’s why we’re calling it a Short Course rather than a par-3 course. It’s not about a cumulative score. It’s all about the games you can play.’’
Helinski says the average time for a round is 1 hour 15 minutes. Groups of up to eight can play together with the fee per adult at $39. Children 15 and under play free, if accompanied by an adult.
Come as you are, wear flip-flops, or play barefoot. Take just three clubs, or your full bag and ride in a cart. Regardless of how you play, the Short Course provides an enjoyable interlude of golf and a great introduction to golf for golfers of all ages.
Having the Short Course up and running also brought more attention to the adjacent 18-hole Hill Top Putting Course. The natural undulation spiced up with native grasses make this a must play, as it meanders through the pine trees.
Amazingly, Thompson most likely isn’t done building yet.
“We have enough property north of the current courses to expand the property and develop another course,’’ said Helinski. “Several top architects have said the land for it is the best on the property, but that would also mean an investment for more lodging and other facilities.’’
Given the aggressive approach Thompson has taken to development, don’t be surprised if the next course at Forest Dunes isn’t too far off.
