The Summit at Shanty Creek Golf Club

The Summit at Shanty Creek Golf Club opened in 1968 and was designed by Bill Diddel, a Michigan-based architect who created several courses across the Great Lakes region during the mid-twentieth century. Located in Bellaire in the northern Lower Peninsula, the course sits within a resort property that has evolved to include multiple layouts over the decades. The Summit was the first course built at Shanty Creek and established the property as a northern Michigan golf destination.

The routing takes advantage of rolling terrain characteristic of this part of Michigan, with elevation changes that provide variety throughout the round. The course moves through a mix of wooded areas and more open sections, with hardwoods framing many holes. Several holes feature downhill tee shots that showcase views of the surrounding landscape, while others require uphill approaches that test club selection and course management. The design reflects the strategic sensibilities of its era, with fairway bunkering and green complexes that reward accurate play.

Shanty Creek operates as a resort facility, and The Summit serves as one component of a larger golf offering that attracts visitors to the region during the northern Michigan golf season. The course provides a traditional parkland experience in an area known for its concentration of golf properties and seasonal tourism. The layout remains largely true to Diddel's original design, offering a straightforward test that emphasizes shot placement over length.