The Four-Course Golf Mecca: Everything You Need To Know About Forest Dunes Golf Club And The New SkyFall Course
Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon, Michigan, has firmly cemented its status as one of the elite golf destinations in North America, a reputation that is only growing stronger with major, fresh developments announced for the near future. As of December 2025, this secluded Northern Michigan retreat is no longer just a three-course facility; it is expanding into an unprecedented four-course mega-resort, promising an unmatched depth of play for the discerning golf traveler.
The biggest news update for the resort is the addition of a fourth course named SkyFall, a monumental project designed by world-renowned architect Gil Hanse and his partner Jim Wagner. This exciting development, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2025, highlights Forest Dunes' commitment to becoming a premier, must-visit destination, building upon the critical acclaim already received by its existing, highly-ranked courses, including the original Tom Weiskopf design and the revolutionary reversible course, The Loop.
The Complete Forest Dunes Golf Course Profile and 2024 Accolades
Forest Dunes Golf Club is unique in that it offers three distinct and highly-praised golf experiences, soon to be four, all within a compact, easily walkable resort setting. The current collection has consistently earned high marks in major golf publications, securing its spot among the country’s best public-access courses. The facility is a true destination resort where golf is the primary focus, with all accommodations mere yards from the first tees.
The Original Masterpiece: Forest Dunes (Tom Weiskopf)
The original Forest Dunes course, a Tom Weiskopf design, is the classic parkland-style layout that put the resort on the map. Weiskopf, a former Open Champion and celebrated architect, utilized the stunning natural landscape of towering pines and sand dunes to create a challenging yet fair experience. The course is known for its immaculate conditioning and strategic bunkering, and it continues to be recognized, ranking among *GOLF's* Top 100 Courses You Can Play for the 2024-2025 period.
- Designer: Tom Weiskopf
- Style: Parkland/Woodland, featuring dramatic transitions between pine forests and open sand dunes.
- Accolade: Ranked among *GOLF's* Top 100 Courses You Can Play (2024-2025).
The Architectural Marvel: The Loop (Tom Doak)
The Loop is arguably the most talked-about course at Forest Dunes, designed by acclaimed Michigan native Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design. It is a revolutionary concept: a completely reversible course featuring 18 distinct fairways and greens that can be played in two entirely different routings.
The two routings, known as the Red Routing (played counter-clockwise) and the Black Routing (played clockwise), alternate daily, offering a 36-hole experience on a single piece of land. The Loop’s minimalist, walking-only design evokes the spirit of classic links golf. This innovative layout continues to rack up high honors, including being ranked #30 on *Golf Magazine’s* Best You Can Play list for 2024.
- Designer: Tom Doak
- Concept: 36-hole reversible course (Red and Black Routings).
- Accolade: Ranked #30 in *Golf Magazine’s* Best You Can Play (2024).
SkyFall: The Private Gil Hanse Course Set for 2025 Construction
The future of Forest Dunes is centered on the ambitious SkyFall project, which will transition the resort from a three-course destination to an elite four-course complex. Announced in late 2024, SkyFall will be a private golf club designed by the highly sought-after team of Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Hanse is celebrated for his work on major championship venues and minimalist designs, making this a highly anticipated addition to the Michigan golf landscape.
SkyFall will be built on a dramatic piece of forested land adjacent to the current public courses. The design is set to capitalize on 100-foot elevation changes, weaving through approximately 300 acres of pristine forest. The routing is described as linear, promising a unique journey through the Northern Michigan terrain that will be distinct from the other courses on the property. Early-stage construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, marking a new era for the resort.
While SkyFall will primarily operate as a private club, it is expected to allow limited access for resort members and guests, ensuring the destination remains a premier golf getaway. The name itself hints at the dramatic views and natural splendor that Hanse and Wagner are poised to reveal.
The Fun Factor: The Bootlegger Short Course
Rounding out the current offerings is The Bootlegger, a highly enjoyable 10-hole short course that focuses purely on fun and camaraderie rather than score. This par-3 course is a perfect warm-up or cool-down round, designed to be played quickly and casually, often with just a few clubs.
The course features wide fairways bordered by towering pines and strategically placed bunkers, built on a beautiful canvas of landscape. The name, The Bootlegger, is an amusing nod to the local legend of alcohol smuggling by Detroit gangsters in the area during the Prohibition era, adding a touch of local history and lore to the experience. It is a highly recommended addition to any stay-and-play package at Forest Dunes.
Stay and Play: Accommodations and Experience
To truly experience the golf mecca that is Forest Dunes, a Stay & Play package is essential. The resort is designed for the destination golfer, with all accommodations situated within walking distance of the clubhouse, practice facilities, and the first tees of the Forest Dunes and The Loop courses.
The resort offers a variety of lodging options to suit groups of any size:
- Lake AuSable Lodge: Located just steps from the clubhouse, this is the main lodge offering comfortable standard double queen and course-view king rooms.
- Cottages: Ideal for smaller groups seeking privacy and a home-away-from-home feel.
- Villas: Perfect for larger golf groups, offering spacious layouts and multiple bedrooms.
The on-site dining options at the clubhouse provide a perfect environment to relax and discuss the day's rounds. The entire resort atmosphere is centered around golf, making it an immersive and unforgettable trip for anyone seeking a pure, multi-course golf vacation. With the addition of the new SkyFall course by Gil Hanse, Forest Dunes is solidifying its claim as one of the most dynamic and essential golf destinations in the United States for 2025 and beyond.
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