The Ridge Golf Course is part of The Loon Golf Resort’s trio of courses in Gaylord, Michigan, alongside The Lakes and The Loon. Originally known as “Marsh Ridge,” it owes its design to Mike Husby, who also crafted The Loon and Wild Bluff courses.
Typical of a northern Michigan resort layout, The Ridge features forest-lined fairways, impressive elevation changes, and plenty of water and marsh obstacles. It boasts not one but two sharply downhill par threes—an expected hallmark of the region.
The course takes full advantage of the ridge it’s named after. It kicks off on the ridge with the first hole and quickly descends into the valley on the second. Holes three and four play on flatland and then climb back up to the fifth, where you’re faced with a downhill tee shot. The ups and downs continue through the sixth and beyond, making for interesting terrain.
Despite its strong foundation, The Ridge could use some maintenance. When I played, it felt overgrown, with tree branches and underbrush encroaching on the fairways, making an already challenging course feel suffocating at times.
The ninth hole, a par-five 458-yard hole, stands out as a favorite. After targeting an uphill tee shot through a narrow opening, the fairway bends right and broadens into a dynamic, curving stretch. Big hitters can gamble on reaching the green in two, though a pond cutting in from the left won’t make it easy. The right side offers a safer fairway, yet it keeps golfers from a two-shot reach to the green.
The challenging eighteenth mirrors the ninth but involves a daunting carry. In contrast, the fun of the downhill 172-yard par-three tenth comes from its straightforward excitement.
From the back tees, The Ridge stretches to 6,231 yards, rated at 71.2 with a slope of 132. However, its hilly terrain, numerous carries, and prolific overgrowth make it play tougher than its rating might suggest.
During my round, course conditions were less than ideal. Fairways were suffering, and standing water was prevalent. Overhanging trees and brush tightened the fairways, restricting play lines. What’s needed is a bit of chainsaw magic—trimming back trees and brush could open up play, allowing sunlight to nourish the sparse fairways and greens.
I’d consider revisiting The Ridge if it went through some necessary pruning. Otherwise, I’d stick with playing The Loon and The Lakes when staying at the resort.
This review originally appeared on March 8, 2025, based on my notes and the photos from a round in the 2024 season. For more Michigan golf course reviews, check out the GolfBlogger’s site.
Below, take a visual tour of The Ridge:
