
Cedar River Golf Club
A premier golf destination in Northern Michigan, Cedar River Golf Club offers stunning views and a challenging, well-maintained course.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace

Cedar River Golf Club
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier golf destination in Northern Michigan, Cedar River Golf Club offers stunning views and a challenging, well-maintained course.
"The course itself was beautiful. The greens were perfect. Top 5 in my book."

🎯 Book Ahead for Tee Times
Popular course, especially in season. Book tee times in advance to guarantee your spot.
⏳ Be Prepared for Pace
Pace of play can be slow. Weekday mornings are often best for a quicker round.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Northern Michigan Views
Throughout the course
Rolling hills and beautiful vistas make every hole a picturesque experience. A true gem in Northern Michigan.

Challenging Yet Rewarding Layout
Entire course
A well-designed course that tests your skills while offering a fun and enjoyable round for golfers of all levels.

Impeccable Course Conditions
Greens and fairways
Praised for its well-maintained greens and fairways, ensuring a high-quality golfing experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tee Times in Advance
Pace of Play Can Vary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Tee Times
Popular course, especially in season. Book tee times in advance to guarantee your spot.
⏳ Be Prepared for Pace
Pace of play can be slow. Weekday mornings are often best for a quicker round.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning! Don't forget your phone for photos between holes.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Beverage carts are not always available. Stay hydrated by bringing your own water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Tee Times
Popular course, especially in season. Book tee times in advance to guarantee your spot.
⏳ Be Prepared for Pace
Pace of play can be slow. Weekday mornings are often best for a quicker round.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning! Don't forget your phone for photos between holes.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Beverage carts are not always available. Stay hydrated by bringing your own water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cedar River Golf Club offers a visually stunning and well-maintained golfing experience, praised for its challenging layout and beautiful Northern Michigan scenery. However, some visitors have reported significant issues with rude staff interactions and slow pace of play, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable round.
"One of the worst golf trip experiences I have ever had. From the arrival, cart guy was extremely rude and lazy. The blonde lady in the pro shop was also rude, short and overly aggressive about our grouping. Starter was on old guy who was also overly rude about our grouping. Pace of play was atrocious. Every hole from #1 had a group on the green,fairway and tee. Not a ranger in sight to regulate, even though starter was assuring us that slow play would not be tolerated and would be patrolling course(never saw one ranger.) Playing partners cart almost died on the last hole, and upon finishing, same cart guy was rude and lazy again. Made a smart comment about the last foursome being done for 20 minutes.(4 some ahead of the 2 some we were waiting on had an open fairway/green every-time we saw them, which slowed the twosome down who was in front of us, of course it took us a while, an extra hour to be exact.) Would not recommend this course. Hawks eye was a great experience, everyone was nice and courteous and very welcoming. Only reason this gets 2 stars is the course was great and set up beautifully."
Trey Harlow
"Would have given zero stars if possible. Staff is rude and act like they don’t want to be there. We had a group of 16 people and they acted like we were an inconvenience instead of guest! The price for Hawks Eye was $165 for a replay rate was a joke. At Cedar Creek we waited every hole and we got talked too like children by Ranger Dan for playing under pace. We waited and we scrambled, not sure what else we could do. We played a 7 hour round there two years ago and the rangers never did anything about the slow groups and we play fast and get scolded. Prices are expensive rarely seen a beer cart person and the staff means we’re not coming back. I’m sure they don’t care but this place was great up until about three years ago!! Hopefully things change but I’ll try other resorts before coming back!!"
Ramey Elden
"The golf course starter was the biggest jerk I have ever met on a golf course. We played on September 27th at around 10am. The way we were treated was so unbelievable that for the first few minutes we thought he had to be joking. We tried multiple times to cool things down and be friendly with him. He was condescending way past the point of insult. After the round I called and asked to speak to the manager. Apparently they were busy so I left my name and phone number. I never received a call back. I will never come back to this golf course and do my best to make sure no one else does, either."
Jackson Shader
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cedar River Golf Club is located at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan. It's accessible by car, and the resort is situated in the heart of Northern Michigan's Chain of Lakes Region.
Yes, Shanty Creek Resort is a well-known destination in Bellaire, MI. GPS navigation should easily guide you to the resort and its golf courses.
Many visitors drive to the region. The nearest major airports are Traverse City (TVC) and Pellston (PLN), offering regional access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tee times can be booked directly through the Shanty Creek Resort website or via platforms like GolfNow. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Green fees vary depending on the season and time of day. It's best to check the Shanty Creek Resort website or GolfNow for current pricing and any available specials.
Shanty Creek Resort often offers golf packages and specials, especially for multi-round bookings or during the fall season. Keep an eye on their website for deals.
Typically, golf attire is required. Collared shirts and golf shorts or pants are standard. Check with the pro shop for specific guidelines.
Yes, golf club rentals are usually available at the pro shop. It's advisable to inquire about availability and pricing when booking your tee time.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Pace of play can vary. Some visitors report slow rounds, especially during peak times. Weekday mornings are often recommended for a faster experience.
Yes, golf carts are available for rent. However, some reviews mention issues with cart maintenance.
The clubhouse typically offers a pro shop and dining options. Food offerings can be limited, with a focus on casual fare like burgers and hot dogs.
While not explicitly detailed in all content, most golf resorts of this caliber offer practice facilities. It's best to confirm with the resort directly.
Many holes offer beautiful views of the Northern Michigan landscape. The course is known for its picturesque setting throughout.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are available at the clubhouse, often featuring casual fare like burgers and hot dogs. Some visitors have noted limited fresh options.
Beverage cart service can be inconsistent. It's recommended to bring your own water and drinks to ensure you stay hydrated.
The Lakeview Hotel at Shanty Creek Resort offers a breakfast buffet, which can be a good option before an early tee time.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire course offers stunning natural beauty. Look for elevated tees and scenic overlooks for memorable shots.
Yes, taking photos is generally encouraged to capture the beautiful scenery. Just be mindful of pace of play.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for activities beyond golf, the resort's location in Northern Michigan provides opportunities for other outdoor recreation. During summer, the Chain of Lakes Region is ideal for water activities. In winter, Shanty Creek transforms into a ski resort. While the golf course itself might not be directly engaging for young children, the resort's overall atmosphere and surrounding natural beauty can make for a pleasant family getaway.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons like early spring or late fall when rates might be lower and crowds thinner. While food and beverage options on the course can be pricey and limited, bringing your own snacks and drinks can help cut down on expenses. Exploring nearby towns for dining can also offer more affordable alternatives to resort restaurants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Shanty Creek Resort
When planning your visit, consider that Shanty Creek Resort is a popular destination year-round, offering winter activities like skiing in addition to golf. This can influence crowd levels and availability, so booking accommodations and tee times well in advance is always a good strategy, particularly for peak golf seasons or holiday weekends.
Understanding the Golfer Experience
Several reviewers highlight negative interactions with staff, including cart attendants, pro shop personnel, and starters, describing them as rude, condescending, or unhelpful. The pace of play is another recurring concern, with some rounds taking excessively long due to a lack of course marshals to manage slow groups. Despite these criticisms, the course itself is often lauded for its beauty and playability, with some golfers considering it a top-tier course.
For those planning a visit, it's advisable to manage expectations regarding service and pace. Consider playing during off-peak hours or weekdays to potentially mitigate slow play. If you encounter issues, seeking out management might be an option, though some reviews suggest a lack of follow-up.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit