View from Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort
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Rating Index Rating
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4.5
135 Reviews (135)
5 Stars
84
4 Stars
34
3 Stars
12
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.2
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.0
86.3%
Recommend this course
120 out of 135 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
2 Reviews (2)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
5.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
2 out of 2 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
21 Reviews (21)
5 Stars
14
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.3
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.1
StaffFriendliness
4.8
81.0%
Recommend this course
17 out of 21 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Style Links
Par 71
Length 6667 yards
Slope N/A
Rating N/A
Book a Tee Time at
Stoatin Brae - Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort
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Course Details

Year Built 2016
Architect Renaissance Golf Design (2016)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Teaching Pro Yes

Policies

Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Snacks

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Top Courses in Michigan (2020 #24) (2019 #23)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Most Improved U.S. Golf Courses (2018 #10)

Reviews

4.5
135 Reviews (135)
Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 104
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

One of Michigan's Best Golf Courses

Gull Lake View Resort on the outskirts of Kalamazoo in Augusta, Michigan is recognized by many as the premier stay-and-play golf resort in the Midwest. There as six golf courses, none of which will beat you up too badly. Each golf course has earned at least 4.5 stars from Golf Digest. In 2017, the Scott family unveiled their latest creation Stoatin Brae, a course unlike any other on the property. Actually, saying it is unlike any other golf course in the state would be more apropos. On a recent visit to the area, I was able to play two of my favorite courses: Stoatin Brae and Stonehedge North.

Except for Bedford Valley in Battle Creek, all of the golf courses at Gull Lake View Resort were designed by members of the Scott family. In creating Stoatin Brae, Gull Lake View partnered with Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design and created a course where every golfer, regardless of ability, can find an appropriate tee box to play from and have a memorable golf experience. Stoatin Brae was named both Michigan and National Golf Course of the Year in 2021.

Stoatin Brae sits at one of the highest elevation points in Kalamazoo County with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. As you turn into the driveway and make the 200-foot climb up to the top, you’ll find the clubhouse and first tee overlooking the Kalamazoo River Valley. Look to the east and you may catch a glimpse of downtown Battle Creek in the distance.

Years ago, the property was an apple orchard. An investment group bought the property and removed all of the apple trees, with the hope of creating a new residential development. When those plans fell through, they sold the land to the Scott family who planted a wide variety of native grasses and wildflowers. A golfer could play Stoatin Brae once a month and see a different course each time because of the color changes throughout the grass and flower-growing seasons.

Unlike the other courses at Gull Lake View, the fairways are wide open, firm, and fast. Because of its elevation, Stoatin Brae has no water hazards, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging. The green complexes and strategically placed bunkers require golfers to think their way around the golf course. Quite often, your best tee shot is not down the middle. The way many of the par 4s are set up you’ll have a better angle into the green from one side of the fairway or the other. Other than the long, wispy grasses you may encounter when you are well off the fairway, it’s hard to lose a golf ball.

And let’s not forget the wind. At Stoatin Brae there are many constants, and the wind is one of them! When the wind is blowing, Stoatin Brae becomes a different course. If you’re a good player you will be challenged in windy conditions. If you’re a not-so-good weekend warrior, you’ll be able to find your ball and hit it again.

One of my favorite holes is the 10th. At 315 yards from the Black Tees, it’s a short par 4, but as you stand on the tee, you can’t help but wonder where the best place is to hit your tee shot. As it turns out, a long drive down the left side and over the hill provides the best angle into the green. If you can see your tee shot when it lands, you’ll probably have a tougher approach shot. Several rugged bunkers guard the green which angles away from the fairway.

Even though they offer some of the best golf in the area, Gull Lake View Resort is always looking to improve its offerings off the golf course. For those needing lodging, Gull Lake View Resort offers spacious, comfortable, and affordable accommodations. And best of all, they are on-site, giving you more time to sleep for those early morning tee times! They can accommodate just about any size group with one of their three lodging options: villa suites, deluxe villas, and luxury cottages. All three feature a centralized living space with a big-screen TV, full kitchens, 2 bedrooms with 2 full beds in each, 2 bathrooms, and Free Wi-Fi. Luxury cottages also have TVs in each bedroom, fireplaces, and queen beds.

They’ve got you covered when you get hungry, too. Charles and Darl’s is located in the main clubhouse and serves three meals a day, starting at 6 a.m. and serving food until 10 p.m. seven days a week. Each meal is cooked to order with lunch and dinner leaning toward the BBQ side. If you’re looking to feed a large group of people, they offer a bulk pick-up menu. No matter what you order or when you won’t leave disappointed…or hungry!

No matter which course you play at Gull Lake View the goal is to have a fun, memorable experience. Choose the set of tees that best suits your game at any course and that’s almost a guarantee.

Gull Lake View Resort is ideally situated between Chicago and Detroit, the resort draws well from these two markets as well as Columbus, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Toronto. There’s no reason to travel north of Traverse City to find golf courses that will amaze and captivate any golfer. If you’re close to any of these cities, Gull Lake View Resort is worthy of consideration for your next golf trip.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 104
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

One of Michigan's Most Challenging Public Golf Courses

Gull Lake View Resort on the outskirts of Kalamazoo in Augusta, Michigan is recognized by many as the premier stay-and-play golf resort in the Midwest. There as six golf courses, none of which will beat you up too badly. Each golf course has earned at least 4.5 stars from Golf Digest. In 2017, the Scott family unveiled their latest creation Stoatin Brae, a course unlike any other on the property. Actually, saying it is unlike any other golf course in the state would be more apropos. On a recent visit to the area, I was able to play two of my favorite courses: Stoatin Brae and Stonehedge North.

Except for Bedford Valley in Battle Creek, all of the golf courses at Gull Lake View Resort were designed by members of the Scott family. In creating Stoatin Brae, Gull Lake View partnered with Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design and created a course where every golfer, regardless of ability, can find an appropriate tee box to play from and have a memorable golf experience. Stoatin Brae was named both Michigan and National Golf Course of the Year in 2021.

Stoatin Brae sits at one of the highest elevation points in Kalamazoo County with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. As you turn into the driveway and make the 200-foot climb up to the top, you’ll find the clubhouse and first tee overlooking the Kalamazoo River Valley. Look to the east and you may catch a glimpse of downtown Battle Creek in the distance.

Years ago, the property was an apple orchard. An investment group bought the property and removed all of the apple trees, with the hope of creating a new residential development. When those plans fell through, they sold the land to the Scott family who planted a wide variety of native grasses and wildflowers. A golfer could play Stoatin Brae once a month and see a different course each time because of the color changes throughout the grass and flower-growing seasons.

Unlike the other courses at Gull Lake View, the fairways are wide open, firm, and fast. Because of its elevation, Stoatin Brae has no water hazards, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging. The green complexes and strategically placed bunkers require golfers to think their way around the golf course. Quite often, your best tee shot is not down the middle. The way many of the par 4s are set up you’ll have a better angle into the green from one side of the fairway or the other. Other than the long, wispy grasses you may encounter when you are well off the fairway, it’s hard to lose a golf ball.

And let’s not forget the wind. At Stoatin Brae there are many constants, and the wind is one of them! When the wind is blowing, Stoatin Brae becomes a different course. If you’re a good player you will be challenged in windy conditions. If you’re a not-so-good weekend warrior, you’ll be able to find your ball and hit it again.

One of my favorite holes is the 10th. At 315 yards from the Black Tees, it’s a short par 4, but as you stand on the tee, you can’t help but wonder where the best place is to hit your tee shot. As it turns out, a long drive down the left side and over the hill provides the best angle into the green. If you can see your tee shot when it lands, you’ll probably have a tougher approach shot. Several rugged bunkers guard the green which angles away from the fairway.

Even though they offer some of the best golf in the area, Gull Lake View Resort is always looking to improve its offerings off the golf course. For those needing lodging, Gull Lake View Resort offers spacious, comfortable, and affordable accommodations. And best of all, they are on-site, giving you more time to sleep for those early morning tee times! They can accommodate just about any size group with one of their three lodging options: villa suites, deluxe villas, and luxury cottages. All three feature a centralized living space with a big-screen TV, full kitchens, 2 bedrooms with 2 full beds in each, 2 bathrooms, and Free Wi-Fi. Luxury cottages also have TVs in each bedroom, fireplaces, and queen beds.

They’ve got you covered when you get hungry, too. Charles and Darl’s is located in the main clubhouse and serves three meals a day, starting at 6 a.m. and serving food until 10 p.m. seven days a week. Each meal is cooked to order with lunch and dinner leaning toward the BBQ side. If you’re looking to feed a large group of people, they offer a bulk pick-up menu. No matter what you order or when you won’t leave disappointed…or hungry!

No matter which course you play at Gull Lake View the goal is to have a fun, memorable experience. Choose the set of tees that best suits your game at any course and that’s almost a guarantee.

Gull Lake View Resort is ideally situated between Chicago and Detroit, the resort draws well from these two markets as well as Columbus, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Toronto. There’s no reason to travel north of Traverse City to find golf courses that will amaze and captivate any golfer. If you’re close to any of these cities, Gull Lake View Resort is worthy of consideration for your next golf trip.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 25
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

Hidden Gem

Our group was looking to golf a course with an "up north" feel, but the weather was bad in northern Michigan. In searching for an alternate course I found good reviews of Gull Lake View. Chose Stoation Brae because of the elevation. The views are great, the staff was friendly and the course was in great shape. The pace of play was great - although it may have been slow because there was some light rain in the area. The course is a links style with a layout that played well for our intermediate group. We took advantage of "The Bunker", which is a unique half-way facility with food drinks and restrooms. I highly recommend this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Value for the money paid is not there

The course is a nice course but when you consider the price, there are other courses just as nice for half the money.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 10
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 10
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Used cart

Links Golf

Have never been a fan of Links Golf.
My round at Stoatin Brae did not change that.
Played the course out of curiosity because of the awards and high rating it has received.
Lot of blind shots and bland appearance made it less appealing.
Glad I played it because it affirmed my disdain for links golf.
I will not play it again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 74
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 500 Contributor
First Time Playing

Great staff, great shape

I’m struggling to think of a time when the staff was as friendly and helpful as the pro shop, starter and halfway house staff. The course was in great shape and it’s a nice layout. Given the price and the reputation, I expected a more interesting and challenging course. With no water and few actual hazards, it was almost a little boring. If you’ve never played links golf, I recommend this as a good example but I wouldn’t put it among the top 10 in the state.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 21
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent layout and great views, especially on holes 10-14. Tiny practice green and a pretty funky range. I played on a discounted rate. Definitely would not pay the full rate to play there. I know it’s prime time of the year, pace of play was pretty bad.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 184
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Good course!

Good course! Was a great day to play. Was disappointed half-way house was closed after 9 as we were told it would be open when we teed off. It was a hot day and we were counting on getting more beverages at the turn. Course did have a water cooler out from which we were able to get water.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Worth the drive!

We drove from the Chicago suburbs 2.5 hours for a day of golf. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. The facilities are spectacular. Gorgeous links style golf. Prices are quite low for the quality of the course. We will return!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 168
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Golf Channel
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Amazing Golf in Southwest Michigan

This round was truly an amazing experience. Playing in late April you never know what you are going to get with how a course winters. I was blown away with the course conditions. Undulating greens can make it a tough day if you don't put the ball in the right spots. Enjoyed the mix of long par 3's with short par 3's as well. The course also has a few blind tee shots as well. Can't wait to come back in the summer and see it with the Heather fully grown. Highly recommend!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
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SW Michigan Golf Around Package

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Destination Kohler - Champions' Trail Golf Package

FROM $617 (USD)
KOHLER, WI | Enjoy 2 nights’ accommodations at The American Club or the Inn at Woodlake and 3 rounds of golf at Blackwolf Run (River or Meadow Valleys Course) and Whistling Straits (Straits or Irish Course)

Destination Kohler - To Dye Four Golf Package

FROM $557 (USD)
KOHLER, WI | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at The American Club or the Inn on Woodlake and 4 rounds of golf at Blackwolf Run (River & Meadow Valley Courses) and Whistling Straits (Straits & Irish Courses).

SentryWorld Stay & Play Package

FROM $347 (USD)
STEVENS POINT, WI | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at The Inn at SentryWorld and 2 rounds of golf at SentryWorld Golf Course (site of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open).
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