Eldorado sits on a gorgeous plot of land filled with wetlands, woods and open vistas offering a great mix of challenging golf, views and wildlife. The course is incredibly laidback and fits the ‘Up North’ vibe very well. Eldo also plays off an interesting aesthetic you don’t see often: old automobiles. Every hole is nicknamed after a car feature including: ‘V-8’, ‘Cadillac Style’ and ‘Drop Top’, to name a few. Even the tee markers pay homage with names like Steel, Power, Chrome, Ride and Comfort. I’m always a fan of courses that do things a little bit different. It adds character and uniqueness that is not easily replicated. The cherry on top? Sitting in the middle of the clubhouse is none other than an old (yet mint) red Cadillac Eldorado.

The loop itself is no clunker, with several challenging holes, risk/reward shots, hazard carries, tough Par 3’s and great course conditioning throughout. Eldo will certainly keep you on your toes during the round.
The best part? The price tag. The value at Eldorado is incredible. It’s about a 1/4 of the price of most Northern Michigan ‘resort courses’ yet doesn’t lag in course value or challenge. Eldo is beyond fairly-priced (tipping out at $89 w/ a cart in Summer), which feels like an anomaly in the state of golf and our economy today. From the opening tee shot Eldo will challenge you, yet offer plenty of scoring opportunities, which usually makes for an incredibly fun round. Mix in some great views and value and you’re looking at an absolute hidden gem and a must-play when in the area.

Deer, turkey and bears, oh my! You never know what you’ll see out at Eldorado, especially as you venture through the back nine into the woods. There’s been plenty of Black Bear sighting over the years, something I have yet to see with my own eyes, and I’m not sure I want to change that.

Stop in after your round for a few drinks on the patio that overlooks some of the course. The food is Up North bar food, but with their own unique flair. Have a drink and a bite to eat while watching golfers make their way through the loop.
Don, The GM, is one of our favorite people in the golf industry. Stop in after your round and let him know how you like the course before you head out.