
Sugar Loaf The Old Course
Sugar Loaf The Old Course offers a diverse 18-hole golfing journey, combining rolling terrain with tight back-nine challenges. Located in Cedar, Michigan, it provides an inviting setting for players seeking a well-maintained layout that balances approachability with strategic depth.
Course Overview
Sugar Loaf The Old Course presents an engaging 18-hole layout that offers both challenge and enjoyment within a setting that has evolved thoughtfully from a former ski resort back to nature. Located in Cedar, Michigan, this course delivers a varied experience framed by the natural contours of the land, where elevation changes shape many holes and demand strategic club selection from players of all skill levels. The front nine opens with relatively forgiving fairways and approachable targets, inviting players to get comfortable and build confidence. Yet, as golfers progress to the back nine, the course tightens and winds through narrower corridors lined with mature trees, testing precision and shot creativity.
The course’s maintenance reflects a dedication to quality. Fairways remain well-trimmed, and greens hold true with subtle breaks that reward careful reading and touch. Given the terrain originally carved by winter slopes, undulations influence shots on both approach and around the putting surfaces, making every hole feel unique. This setting doesn’t lean on dramatic coastal or desert themes but finds character in its mixed terrain and woodland framing.
Playability at Sugar Loaf The Old Course suits a wide audience. Beginners will find holes that invite patient positioning, while more experienced players encounter enough variety and challenge to remain engaged. Regular walkers praise the course for offering a solid walking experience, with smooth pathways and manageable elevation that keeps fatigue at bay.
Affordability and hospitality enhance the appeal, with visitors appreciating the friendly staff and accommodating atmosphere, especially for families. The course encourages walking but provides carts at fair rates, allowing golfers to tailor their experience. Its proximity to natural attractions such as Sleeping Bear Dunes and local wineries makes this a practical choice for those seeking golf alongside broader regional exploration.
Sugar Loaf The Old Course holds steady as a well-maintained, thoughtfully laid-out course that blends natural beauty with approachable complexity. It rewards players who bring careful strategy to each shot amid a landscape that wears its history quietly, allowing the pure game to shine.
Course Highlights
Carved from a former ski resort, the course’s unique elevation shifts and varied hole designs distinguish it in the region. The back nine’s tighter fairways among mature trees contrast the wider front nine, creating an engaging balance. Greens require thoughtful approach shots, influenced by gentle slopes and subtle breaks. Friendly staff and affordable rates add to the overall welcoming environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Don Sherman
I enjoy the Old Course even more now that the once abandoned a d blighted ski resort has been torn down and taken back to its natural state. Now you arrive at the course and it's about the course. If you make the trip your 15 minutes from Glen Arbor, 10 minutes from Leeland Fish Town and 20 minutes from Traverse City. Your surrounded by natural beauty, beaches, wineries and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline. We love it so much that we live in the course now! See you on green #3!
Matt Ulaszek
Overall course in great shape. Some tee boxes could’ve used some love but rate to play was a steal. Would play again hands down. Pace was solid and loved the course set up. Brought every shot into play. Would recommend to all level of players.
Andre Castelbuono
A great deal at $28 for 18 with a cart (October rates). Staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating as I had my 5 year old son who wanted to ride along. They even offered some clubs for him to use. Back nine is tight and tough. Front is a little more open. Definitely a course that would be easier the more you play it. Hopefully I will again next time I’m in town.
Brad Elliott
Nice course, challenging and fun to play. Well maintained with very affordable rates to play.
Paul H
Full disclosure, we live basically next to the course. We play it at least a few times a week. I like to walk and it is a great walking course. This course is not the easiest, there are some narrow fairways. The fairways and course are kept up nicely. Top shape! The greens are excellent! You kind of get a taste of everything here, there are uphill shots, downhill shots, some short, easy, reachable in two holes, and monster long holes. It is an excellent course and the staff are super nice!
N Goodenouch
Kandice Ruvalcaba
Beautiful course
Sandi Spencer
Loved this course, just beautiful!
Frank Sellgren
No pars great weather, nice partner
Russell Grahl
Nice course. Hilly , but that’s the area. If you want to talk golf and have a drink Sudsy is your man. 4 stars for golf. 6 stars for Sudsy. Average’s out to 5
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Course Details
Access & Location
4512 S Town Line Rd, Cedar, MI 49621, USA
Sugar Loaf Golf Clubhouse - pro shop and snack bar available
Walking is encouraged and well supported with maintained paths; comfortable shoes advised due to moderate elevation changes.
Open to the public year-round weather permitting; tee times recommended during peak season.