Published February 3, 2026

90 Holes of Excellence: A Comprehensive Look at Bellaire’s Championship Golf Communities

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Written by Zackary Jones

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Shanty Creek Resort

In Northern Michigan, real estate is defined by lifestyle, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the glacial-carved ridges of Bellaire. This region offers a landscape that defies "cookie-cutter" comparisons, where the value of a property is intrinsically tied to the world-class fairways and the four-season recreation surrounding it.

The Championship Lineup: Six Distinct Courses 

Perfect Up North golf, this area offers a diverse and stunning selection of championship tracks.

  • Cedar River Golf Club (Shanty Creek): A Tom Weiskopf masterpiece carved through hardwoods and wetlands, frequently cited as one of the top 100 resort courses in the country.

  • The Legend (Shanty Creek): An Arnold Palmer signature course featuring sweeping views of Lake Bellaire and the dramatic elevation that defined Northern Michigan’s national golf reputation.

  • Hawk’s Eye Golf Club: A John Robinson design offering high-drama vistas and challenging greens, consistently ranked among the best layouts in the Midwest.

  • Schuss Mountain Golf Club: A Warner Bowen design that presents two distinct nine-hole experiences, winding through dense pine forests and rolling glacial hills.

  • Summit Golf Club: The original William Diddel gem, focusing on traditional shot-making and strategic play on the resort's historic ridges.

  • The Chief Golf Course: Known as the “Spirit of the North,” this John Robinson design is a premier 18-hole championship course. It is celebrated for its dramatic elevation changes, strategic water hazards, and carefully sculpted mounding that demands precision from every player.

The Distinct Neighborhoods of the Bellaire Corridor

Each enclave in this corridor provides a specific atmosphere, from refined modern estates to mountain-chalet retreats.

The Chief Area & Surrounding Estates Properties here offer a more independent, serene lifestyle while remaining minutes from resort amenities.

  • Valley View: Featuring premier executive homes located just across from the course entrance.

  • The Roost & Course Cottages: Distinctive cabin-style lodging and custom cottages situated along the 5th and 18th fairways.

  • Stover Road & Stoney Lane: Areas offering larger acreage and custom builds with exceptional privacy.

Cedar River Village The most modern and upscale neighborhood, offering refined living steps from the Weiskopf course.

  • Neighborhoods: Troon South, Forest Trail, Willow Bend, and Spyglass Hill Court.

Summit Village The historic heart of the region, known for panoramic views and established community ties.

  • Neighborhoods: The Lakeview area and Villa Monte, featuring mature landscaping and proximity to Lake Bellaire.

Schuss Village A Bavarian-inspired enclave perfect for the avid skier and golfer alike.

  • Neighborhoods: Swiss Village, Matterhorn Lane, Obervalden Drive, and the Schuss Mountain Drive corridor.

Hawk’s Eye Village A growing community centered on high-elevation views and newer home designs.

  • Neighborhoods: Hawk’s Eye Drive and Hawk’s Spur.

Premier Amenities and Lifestyle Activities

Living in this corridor provides access to a lifestyle of universal excellence.

  • Dining: Enjoy the Pelican’s Nest Restaurant at The Chief for a classic sports bar atmosphere, or the refined River Bistro and Lakeview Restaurant at Shanty Creek.

  • Water Access: Access to the private Shanty Creek Beach Club on Lake Bellaire and the legendary 75-mile Chain of Lakes.

  • Winter Recreation: 53 ski runs across Schuss and Summit Mountains, plus miles of groomed Nordic and fat-tire biking trails.

  • Outdoor Adventure: Minutes from the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area, offering over 30 miles of premier hiking and mountain biking trails.

  • Practice Facilities: The Chief offers a grass range, putting greens, and sand practice areas for those seeking to refine their game.

Excellence at Every Price Point

CLICK THIS LINK IF YOU ARE READY TO DISCOVER YOUR DISTINCT NORTHERN MICHIGAN RETREAT!

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