Forest Dunes: The Loop Red Course (counterclockwise)

Roscommon, MI • Public

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Evan Schiller

Overview

The Red Course is the counterclockwise routing of The Loop, and as the name suggests, both it and the Black Course play out to ninth holes at a far corner of the property, then back in. What’s most impressive in playing the Red (and the Black, for that matter), is that there is never the sensation of playing a hole backwards. The topography, bunkering and green entrances are all so compelling that it’s barely noticeable that each serves two purposes. The Loop is part of the Forest Dunes resort, which also contains Forest Dunes (No. 33 on 100 Greatest Public), a fine Tom Weiskopf design.

About

Holes 18

Price $200

Facility Type Public

Designer Tom Doak

Awards

100 Greatest Public: Ranked 47th, 2019-'20. Ranked 78th, 2021-'22.

Best in State: Ranked 10th, 2019-'20. Ranked 15th, 2021-'22.

Panelists

Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists

4.1

100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES

Shot Options

7.0542

Character

7.2675

Challenge

6.9884

Layout Variety

7.1091

Fun

7.2831

Aesthetics

6.7633

Conditioning

7.112

Reviews

1 / 5

Review

“A unique layout that can be played backward or forward. Fescue fairways and tee boxes as well as the style of bunkering let you know that you are in for a links day on the course. Greens were firm and fast requiring approach shots to be judged appropriately for some release. Poorly struck approach shots would not hold. Little elevation change on the course. Subtle slopes in the greens make putting a challenge. A very links type feel to the layout makes the course enjoyable and adds to the character and ambiance. Plenty of options to run your ball up to green as well as how to play short game shots around the greens."

2021

2 / 5

Review

“True links style golf away from the sea. Very firm and fast conditions. The reversibility of the course is truly a wonder of golf design. Very fun course that can be played many different ways."

2021

3 / 5

Review

“The course has wide firm fairways and the ball rolls forever but even if hit down the center, your ball may end up in trouble. The greens are huge but difficult to get close to the flag because of double, even triple breaks! The fescue has not filled in on the fairways but the greens are nice. It is a true links course and requires special skills to score well."

2021

4 / 5

Review

“The course is really defined by the greens, which are very firm, large, multi-tiered and fast. A scratch golfer will find the fairway easily and will take advantage of some of the shorter holes while not struggling on the longer ones as there are plenty of areas to miss the green and still easily get up and down."

2021

5 / 5

Review

“High marks for shot options throughout the round. Most holes offer numerous ways to play off the tee to set up proper angles into the greens, and while some tee shots appear narrow, there is surprising width available. Few green side bunkers or elevated greens allow for bouncing / ground game options into nearly every hole. Primary challenge is on and around the greens, which can sometime be a bit unplayable for recovery shots. Less design variety vs. the Black routing but still a strong mix of holes. Firm and fast as intended."

2020