Golfers who regularly play the courses of the Traverse City area agree that this course is one of the most scenic and lush layouts in the region Laid out through a mature forest of large mixed hardwoods and white pines the course challenges the weekend golfer and low handicapper alike with strategically placed bunkers water hazards and tight fairways that make the course a club selector s delight Precision shotmaking and good course management are at a premium here A mature course the velvet greens and lush fairways of Interlochen are immaculately groomed so that the challenge is always fair Golfers are also treated to the natural abundance of Northern Michigan wildlife It is not uncommon to see white tail deer wild turkeys and a gathering of wild Canadian geese A peaceful tributary of the Betsie River winds throughout the course adding its own watery touch of beauty and charm The back to back holes on 12 and 13 are the toughest on the course Hole 12 a 530 yard par 5 has water located on the right side of the fairway and in front of the green There s also a heavy swamp area in the back of the green Hole 13 is the No.1 handicap hole It s a 455 yard par 4 which calls for a 260 yard tee shot to set up a good approach shot to the green It s heavily wooded on the right side so a golfer must stay left to have a chance at par