Grand Garland

Lewiston, MI--The James E. Vos Memorial Invitational reconnaissance team spent two and a half days in northern MI last week conducting a site audit of Garland Lodge and Resort as well as other area courses. They found Garland glowing, its courses in superb shape and more the ready for the tournament's twenty-eight participants.

Of some concern had been the lodging arrangements. The 2011 tournament lodging facilities will be Garland's villas, just off the main lodge. These stand alone complexes feature two bedrooms, each with two double beds and a common room. While a tad outdated, the reconnaissance team found the villas clean and very comfortable.

While the villas do not house kitchens (like the cabins), the common room is spacious and features a gas fireplace, TV, coffeemaker, two sofas, and a small refrigerator. Built of the familiar Garland knotty pine logs, the villas also carry the legendary Garland charm.

Pleasantly surprising were the villa's spacious outdoor decks complete with brand new gas grills.

And located right next to the lodge, they will provide an easy walk to breakfast each morning.

The team's tour of Swampfire and a few holes on Reflections showed the courses are in terrific shape, having opened just two weeks ago--the latest they have ever opened. The spectacular morning trip through the Swampfire course only heightened the team's anticipation for what would occur just two short weeks later, and showed the "old girl" still had some bite. There are low scores waiting to be had on Swampfire if one carefully navigates its twelve holes with forced carries and its treacherous greens, most of which are Ross-like inverted bowls.

New to the property is a 9-hole grass putting course complete with doglegs and sand traps. There is rumor of a putting contest, possibly held on the new putting course.

Swampfire #9

Early Dawn on Swampfire #1

Swampfire #6

Early Dawn on Swampfire #2, 3rd shot

Finally, food-wise, the Garland breakfast buffet, included in our package, is quick, yummy, and loaded with most every hot or cold breakfast goodie one could want. Lunch on the patio with the Cowboy burger and an Oberon doesn't get much better.

There are also multiple dinner options in addition to the fine dinner dining at Herman's on property. A short drive into Lewiston is Tally's Log Cabin Bar featuring the best $4 burger in the Norther Lower and Amber Boch on tap.

The trip report was received by the executive committee with thanks and appreciation for a job well-done.