Set on the grounds of an old Air Force base, Red Fox Run Golf Course in Gwinn, Michigan offers an inviting 18-hole public layout with rolling hills, smooth greens, and tee options for all skill levels. With a friendly atmosphere and a course design that balances challenge and accessibility, it stands out as a practical yet engaging choice in the Upper Peninsula.
Red Fox Run Golf Course offers a refreshing blend of challenge and accessibility in the heart of Gwinn, Michigan. This 18-hole public layout stretches across terrain shaped by an old Air Force base, which lends the course a distinctive character marked by open fairways and rolling hills. The landscape reveals subtle elevation changes and natural contours that reward thoughtful shot-making, while occasional blind shots demand focus and course management. The mix of straightforward and more complex holes shapes a dynamic round that adapts well to different skill levels.
Players will find the course approachable for beginners, thanks to tee boxes situated forward on many holes to shorten distances, while low handicappers can test their mettle from the longer tees. The presence of the "Big Cup" alongside standard cups on greens accelerates pace of play and enhances the experience for golfers seeking a brisk yet enjoyable round. Sand traps are strategically placed around the greens to offer risk-reward opportunities without overwhelming less experienced golfers.
The greens themselves stand out as a key feature, receiving consistent praise for their smoothness and responsiveness. Their subtle breaks call for attentiveness but remain fair. The surrounding fairways and rough share similar turf conditions, offering a uniform playing surface that balances challenge with playability.
The clubhouse, while modest, provides a welcoming space to unwind post-round with well-prepared food and a friendly staff known for personal service. Though lacking some modern amenities such as locker rooms or extensive beverage options, the atmosphere fosters a community feeling that suits casual golfers and regulars alike.
Red Fox Run maintains a steady pace of play and encourages walking, which complements the course’s natural setting and open layout. Practical policies that limit group sizes and cart availability reflect a focus on an enjoyable experience for all.
Ideal for golfers looking for a reasonable challenge without sacrificing comfort, Red Fox Run stands as a quietly rewarding destination where the land shapes the game and every hole invites reflection on strategy and skill.
The course’s routing takes advantage of natural elevation for vistas rarely seen in the Upper Peninsula, blending open fairways with challenging greens. Its signature nod comes from a small but demanding par-3 green that tests precision amid undulations. The inclusion of forward tees and larger cup options enhances accessibility, while well-maintained sand traps add strategic depth without undue penalty.
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217 5th St, Gwinn, MI 49841, USA
Main clubhouse featuring casual dining and pro shop
Walking encouraged and supported on this open, hilly course; appropriate footwear recommended due to elevation changes.
Open to the public; no advanced tee times required but recommended on weekends.