Augusta, Michigan
Stoatin Brae isn’t just a bucket list stop in the Midwest—it’s a destination-worthy blend of strategic golf, panoramic views, and genuine links flavor. Come for Doak’s philosophy, stay for bold shotmaking options and a windswept, playable challenge you’ll crave again.
Stoatin Brae is a bold, modern take on links-inspired golf built by Renaissance Golf Design atop high, rolling farmland. The course ditches forced carries in favor of generous width, angles, and decisions shaped by ever-present wind and fast-running turf. Expansive fairways settle into natural ridges, while undulating greens, contour-driven surrounds, and artful bunkering reward savvy ground-game approaches and creativity. It's a thinking golfer’s layout: holes bend and cants optimize approach strategy, and the openness keeps shot values changing with daily conditions, echoing the traditions of the British Isles without being a true links.
Renaissance Golf Design crafted Stoatin Brae as a pure, modern links-style challenge inspired by Doak's philosophy, prioritizing broad tactics and shot-making over manufactured drama.
A daunting par 3 early, this hole stretches to 219 yards with an exposed tee shot fully at the mercy of the prevailing wind. The green is wide but tough to hold, shrugging off off-line shots and challenging players to thread a long iron or hybrid to safety.
Control your launch height and favor the side offering the best recovery—missing short leaves a manageable pitch, but missing long spells trouble.
Any miss right finds trouble in thick rough and unforgiving slopes; the wind can rapidly turn safe shots into scrambling nightmares.
Firm, fast fairways and well-kept, undulating greens; premium presentation for a public course.
Generally brisk but can slow in peak resort times; walkable, with minimal delays away from prime hours.
Laid-back, welcoming Midwest resort vibe with a golfer-first atmosphere—no stuffy formality.
Standard resort golf attire—collared shirts and no denim, but relaxed overall enforcement.
Practice low-running chips and long irons; the firm turf rewards creative shot-making and strategic bounces.
Wind is always a factor—pack for exposed conditions and be ready to adjust club selection.
Take advantage of the walkable routing and the fresh air—walking adds to the links experience.
The course isn’t punishing with water, but thick rough and tumbleweed fescues can eat up errant shots on breezy days.
Construction begins by Renaissance Golf Design
Full 18 holes of Stoatin Brae open to play
Debuts in Golfweek’s Top 100 US public courses
Named Michigan Golf Course of the Year
Wins National Golf Course of the Year from NGCOA
Ranks #34 in Golf Digest Best in State (MI)
Ranks #39 in Golf Digest Best in State (MI)
The Renaissance Golf Design team transformed a sprawling, windswept piece of land on some of Michigan's highest ground into a strategic, minimalist course with broad views and ever-present breezes. The build process was widely followed and anticipation was high before opening.
The name, reflecting the course’s Scottish inspiration, means 'grand hill'—a nod to its dramatic setting and the rolling links contours that define the experience. This branding set the tone for an American interpretation of classic links golf.
The course’s half-underground snack bar, The Bunker, cleverly serves players at the 3rd, 9th, and 13th greens, making it a unique pit stop and a fan favorite for hungry walkers and resort guests.
Though Stoatin Brae hasn’t hosted PGA-level events, its array of honors—including National Golf Course of the Year—underline its acclaim among public-access courses. It’s architecture, not tournaments, that draws golfers here.
The Bunker snack bar is half-underground—accessible on three separate holes.
The course name is Scottish for 'grand hill', matching its elevation.
Nearly all holes play exposed to breezes from all directions.
Stoatin Brae was named 2021 National Golf Course of the Year—without ever hosting a pro event.
Every green features naturalistic Doak-esque contouring, rewarding both artful putters and creative chippers.
Classic resort layout with elevation and trees
Panoramic views and player-friendly challenge
Modern design, gentle movement, and excellent conditioning
Local favorite championship test 35 minutes south
Kalamazoo’s best muni and a pleasant value
Kalamazoo or Gull Lake/Augusta for full resort access and minimal drive times
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Sand Hills Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Gull Lake View Golf Resort - Stoatin Brae.
Why it matches: National Golf Links of America is a natural next stop after Gull Lake View Golf Resort - Stoatin Brae: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: If Gull Lake View Golf Resort - Stoatin Brae is your kind of course, The Misquamicut Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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