Loop - Red Course
Roscommon, MI, USA
The Loop at Forest Dunes, a revolutionary concept in Roscommon, Michigan, is a testament to reversible golf, offering two distinct 18-hole experiences on the same routing. Designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2016, The Loop flips daily between the Red and Black routings, challenging golfers to consider angles and approaches from entirely different perspectives. The terrain at Forest Dunes is characterized by sandy soil and rolling hills, lending itself perfectly to the links-style feel of The Loop. Playing the Red Loop requires navigating firm, fast fairways and strategic bunkering, favoring a ground game and creative shot-making. While not host to major championships, the course has garnered attention for its innovative design and the unique mental challenge it presents. The Loop at Forest Dunes isn't vying for the mantle of a national icon, but it carves out a distinct identity for itself within the golf landscape. Its reversible nature is a talking point in the golf world, and it also fosters a sense of camaraderie among those who appreciate a departure from the traditional golfing experience. The club is known for its relaxed atmosphere, where golfers often gather after their rounds to debate the merits of each day's routing, often over a local craft beer and the club's popular "Michigan Dog".
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #263
Best in USA
Public: #154
Best in MI
Public: #14
Golfers say The Loop delivers a unique architectural experience, with most praising Tom Doak's reversible design that reveals strategic purpose from both directions. Reviewers consistently note the firm, fast conditions—cement-like fairways and greens running around 15 on the stimpmeter—that demand precision around the greens while remaining fair off the tee. Most appreciate the wide fairways that make lost balls rare and highlight the dramatic contrast with Forest Dunes' main course in grass type and overall character. Some find it a fun novelty worth playing back-to-back days, though a few don't feel compelled to return, while others consider it a mind-blowing must-play experience.
8.2
97 players
Cool idea. Fun for a back to back day but I don’t feel the need to go back. My god the plays plays hard and fast though. Cement fairways and 15 stimped greens!
The Loop is an architectural marvel by Tom Doak. I've noticed others aren't as obsessed with the Loop as I am, I thought it was one of the most mind blowing golf experiences I've had. Playing the course one direction you wonder why a bunker is in a certain spot, then you play it in the opposite direction the next day and it makes sense. The fairways are wide and firm with very firm greens. It's almost impossible to lose a ball, which I love. The contrast between The Loop and the main Forest Dunes course makes you feel like you are in a different state or even country. Different grass, different trees, everything is different! It's a must play, in my opinion!
Love this course. Firm and fast even after absolutely pouring rain before our tee time. Fair off the tee and you have to be on your game around the greens.
Public courses closest to Loop - Red at Forest Dunes Golf Club.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Loop - Red at Forest Dunes Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 52 explicit golfer ratings.
Loop - Red was designed by Tom Doak.
Yes. Loop - Red at Forest Dunes Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Loop - Red is 70.
Loop - Red plays 6,805 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Loop - Red is 128.
