Iron Mountain, Michigan
TimberStone delivers a mountain-forest challenge with some of Michigan’s most dramatic elevation changes and vistas. It’s a tough but fair test that rewards thoughtful play and offers serious resort atmosphere. The setting and stellar holes make it one of the Upper Peninsula’s true must-plays.
Look for the secluded bench and panoramic view behind the 18th green—a perfect spot to celebrate your round and catch your breath after the Mountain Finale.
Jerry Matthews’s routing emphatically embraces the grandeur of Pine Mountain, leveraging elevation, dense forest corridors, and bold green sites to create a course that is equal parts adventure and precision test. Players face a rare mix of scenic drama and strategic demand, with risk-reward par fives and devilish long par threes embedded within deep northwoods silence. Recovery shots matter nearly as much as pinpoint tee balls, and each loop delivers fresh perspectives on the mountain and its wooded ridges.
Matthews is renowned for routing courses naturally around their environments, and TimberStone is a showcase of this approach, letting Pine Mountain provide both the drama and the challenge.
This dogleg par 4 caps the front nine with length, requiring a muscular tee shot followed by a long, nervy approach into a green framed by woods and subtle slopes. It sets the tone for the back as a mental and ball-striking test.
A controlled drive right-center helps open up the best angle to a tightly-protected green; over-boldness risks blocked approaches or bogey territory.
Stray tee balls may find dense trees or rough, and long iron approaches put a premium on distance control and nerve.
Expect strong summer conditioning, fast bentgrass greens, and tightly mown run-offs where a sharp recovery game is essential.
Public pace: 4.5 to 5 hours is typical, especially on busy days given the dramatic elevation and resort crowds.
A welcoming, relaxed Upper Peninsula resort vibe—respectful but not stuffy, with staff used to hosting avid golf travelers.
Standard golf attire recommended; polos, slacks or tailored shorts required.
Bring comfortable shoes and be ready for plenty of walking up and down Pine Mountain’s slopes—even with a cart.
Upper Peninsula weather can change quickly—keep a light rain shell and an extra layer handy in your bag.
Morning rounds often mean brisk air, stunning sunlight through the pines, and a quicker pace.
Onsite lodging gives you flexibility for both golf and the mountain’s other outdoor activities.
Course opens, designed by Jerry Matthews
Ranked No. 3 Best New Upscale Public Course in North America by Golf Digest
Ranked 8th in Michigan by Golf Digest Best In State
TimberStone grabbed the golf world’s attention by earning Golf Digest’s No. 3 Best New Upscale Public Course ranking the year it opened. This early validation brought traveling players north to test themselves among Pine Mountain’s dramatic slopes.
The 18th is more than just a long par 5—it’s a genuine mountain-forest adventure, snaking through timber and demanding disciplined shot planning on every swing. Many call it one of the Upper Midwest’s best closers.
Despite fierce Michigan competition, TimberStone’s mix of natural beauty and testy shot values keeps it in the conversation year after year for the state’s best public-access courses. Its signature blend is distinctly 'U.P.' and proud of it.
The 18th hole stretches a daunting 625 yards from the back tees, one of the longest finishers in the region.
TimberStone is cut directly into the thick pine and hardwood forests of Pine Mountain—wildlife sightings are common during a round.
No two holes run parallel on the course—each fairway feels carved into its own private stretch of mountain woods.
A 1997 opening-year ranking placed TimberStone #3 on Golf Digest’s list of Best New Upscale Public Courses in North America.
The course’s terrain and trees provide a true escape—cell reception is spotty in places, so enjoy the unplugged experience!
Premium modern routing with casino resort amenities and standout green complexes.
A rugged, newer Upper Peninsula challenge—dramatic hills and bold design.
A fun, player-friendly round with classic Midwest vibes.
Regionally famous for severe elevation and jaw-dropping fun—one of Michigan’s wildest public courses.
Iron Mountain / Pine Mountain Resort—central for golf, food, and Upper Peninsula activity.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Jug Mountain Ranch is a natural next stop after TimberStone Golf Course: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: If TimberStone Golf Course is your kind of course, Wild Bluff Golf Course is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Rising Sun at Mountain Sky is a natural next stop after TimberStone Golf Course: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?