Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Tullymore Golf Club

81

Stanwood, Michigan

Established
2001
Architect
Jim Engh
Access
Resort
Par
Par 72
Length
5,043 – 7,250 yds
The verdict

Engh’s Midwestern Masterwork

Tullymore is the rare Midwest public-access course that mixes national-level design intrigue with resort-play appeal. Laced with Engh’s wild bunkering, position-demanding wetlands, and five par 5s and par 3s, it rewards shot commitment and course knowledge. It’s a regionally top-tier detour for golf travelers—and simply a blast to tackle with friends.

Course DNA
Difficulty
82
Scenery
80
Conditioning
82
Shot Variety
89
Walkability
65
Green Complexity
78
Wow Factor
80
Design Quality
84
Don't miss

Walk out after your round to the dramatic view behind the clubhouse terrace—at sunset, it frames the closing holes over water for unforgettable photos and post-round drinks.

At a glance

Quick facts

Architect
Jim Engh
Distinctive Bunkers
Snaking, trench-like white-sand bunkers
Wetlands Holes
Many holes shaped around native wetlands
Bent Grass
Bent grass fairways and greens
Par Mix
Five par 3s and five par 5s
Award-Winning Clubhouse
6-million-dollar signature facility honored in 2009
Original Opening
2001 as a key feature of Tullymore Golf Resort
First Tullymore Cup
Hosted inaugural Ryder Cup-style amateur event in 2024
The design

The architecture

Tullymore is a masterclass in wetland integration and modern strategic shaping, with Jim Engh’s hand evident in every bold feature. The routing nimbly carves through pines and marshes, using natural corridors and water’s edge to present blind shots, thrilling carries, and daunting visual deception. White-sand bunkers snake and sprawl across landing zones while bowled greens collect or repel shots, turning precision and angle into the currency of the round.

Jim Engh’s vision at Tullymore focused on making nature a design partner—his signature bunkers and striking green surrounds turn each hole into an event, not just a number.

Defining features
  • Muscular, trench-like white-sand bunkers
  • Bowled, contoured greens
  • Routing through native wetlands and pines
  • Five par 3s and five par 5s
  • Blind shots and dramatic visual framing
  • Risk-reward tee and approach angles
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 4

Wetland Peninsula Gauntlet

PAR
5
YARDAGE
577 yds

This lengthy par 5 demands a nervy drive to a peninsula fairway bordered on both sides by wetlands, then dares the bold with a forced-carry second. The approach is framed by dramatic Engh bunkering and a subtly bowled green.

Play it smart

Keep your tee shot center-left to avoid wetlands intruding on both sides and set up a playable layup; firm, smart placement favors a scoring approach.

Where it bites

An overcooked drive or overly aggressive second risks lost balls in the wetlands and a crippling bogey (or worse) before you ever see the green.

Course management

Shots to think about

Driving into a narrow peninsula fairway early in the round
Favor placement over distance—take less than driver if needed to keep your tee ball dry and safely in play.
Facing a forced carry to a wetland-protected green
Play boldly but pick a target with bailouts in mind; short is better than long with water lurking everywhere.
Approach into a bowled or raised green with tricky slopes
Land your approach on the high side or funnel-friendly edge to let slopes guide the ball, not repel it.
Tee shot on a visually blind par 3 with crosswind
Trust your yardage book, ignore the visual tricks, and swing confidently with the committed club.
Second shot risk-reward on a par 5 with water lurking right
Lay up short and left unless the number is truly in your wheelhouse—going for it brings big numbers into play.
Bunker shot from a deep trench hazard
Take enough loft, open the face, and swing decisively—escaping with one shot is the goal, not heroics.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Resort-level bent grass with generally excellent tee-to-green maintenance.

Pace

Expect a moderately paced resort round; busy weekends may occasionally slow as groups tackle the tough holes.

Vibe

Energetic, photogenic, and welcoming—signature Engh boldness mixes with relaxed Michigan hospitality.

Dress code

Standard golf resort attire; collared shirts and soft spikes recommended.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Bring Extra Balls

Wetlands and penalty areas mean there’s no shame in packing a few more than usual.

02

Preview the Greens

Spend time on the practice green to get a feel for bowled run-offs and Engh’s sneaky contours.

03

Play the Angles

Brush up on your layup and navigation skills—blind shots and positioned layups are a regular test.

04

Decide Carts vs. Walking

While walkable in parts, spread routing and some long transitions mean carts are popular, especially for first-timers.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 2001

    Tullymore Golf Club opens, designed by Jim Engh

  2. 2002

    Named Best New Public Upscale Course by Golfweek

  3. 2003

    Debuts at No. 14 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses

  4. 2009

    New $6 million clubhouse wins national course facility honors

  5. 2024

    Site of the first Tullymore Cup, amateur Ryder Cup-style event

Stories & legends

What makes it special

architecture

Engh’s Vision Unleashed

Jim Engh crafted Tullymore to hug the land’s natural wetlands and mature pines, letting the terrain dictate his boldest design moves. The result: ribbons of white-sand bunkers and risk-reward shots that force players to commit at every turn.

layout

Five-Par Finesse

With an unusually adventurous mix of five par 3s and five par 5s, Tullymore’s layout breaks from the standard formula and keeps the shot variety unpredictable—perfect for match play and group showdowns.

competition

Ryder Cup Spirit

In 2024, the resort brought Michigan and Chicago amateur golfers together for its inaugural Tullymore Cup, creating a Midwest tradition of team competition over Engh’s visually charged fairways.

amenity

Clubhouse Crown Jewel

Not just a golf course, Tullymore made headlines with its $6 million clubhouse, winning national facility honors and adding a sense of occasion to every visit before you even step on the first tee.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Tullymore debuted as high as 14th on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public list just two years after opening.

2

The course’s $6M clubhouse won national facility honors in 2009, making it a centerpiece for events.

3

The unique mix of five par 3s and five par 5s is a rarity in American championship routings.

4

Tullymore's design features Engh’s 'muscle bunkers,' a hallmark of his signature style.

5

Hosted the LPGA Symetra Tour’s Tullymore Classic from 2015–2017, drawing national women’s golf attention.

Build the trip

If you’re planning a Michigan golf trip around Tullymore

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
St. Ives Golf Course
Resort

Resort sister course—contrasting Jerry Matthews design and easy on-site pairing.

Pilgrims Run Golf Club
Public

Regionally acclaimed, classic inland course with strong value and a pure golf vibe.

Canadian Lakes Country Club
Public

Additional public-access golf just minutes away, ideal for maximizing trip variety.

Cedar River at Shanty Creek
Resort

Further afield but worth a drive for high-profile resort golf.

Arcadia Bluffs
Resort

True Michigan bucket-list course if you’re willing to add a longer drive.

Stanwood or on-property at Tullymore/St. Ives for most convenient access

Course DNA

If You Like Tullymore Golf Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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