Forest Dunes Golf Club in Northern Michigan is set to expand with the addition of SkyFall, a new private course designed by the renowned duo Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Unlike the club’s existing three courses, SkyFall will operate as a private club with limited resort guest play, adding an exclusive new dimension to the resort’s offerings.
A New Chapter for Forest Dunes
SkyFall joins an already impressive lineup at Forest Dunes, which includes:
The original Forest Dunes course – Designed by Tom Weiskopf
The Loop – A unique reversible course designed by Tom Doak
Bootlegger – A fun 10-hole short course
The resort has long been recognized as a premier golf destination, with The Loop ranked No. 30 and Forest Dunes ranked No. 64 in GOLF.com’s 2024-25 list of the Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.
Gil Hanse’s First Original Design in Michigan
This marks the first original Hanse-Wagner-designed course in Michigan, though Hanse has worked on restoration projects in the state before. Hanse, whose work includes Streamsong Black, Pinehurst No. 4, and the Olympic Course in Rio, emphasized the site’s natural landforms in his design approach.
“When you look at some of the great old courses by Tillinghast or Ross, there tends to be a landform they go away from and return to. That’s also the case at SkyFall, and it is those features that are the key to creating a truly compelling design,” Hanse said.
What to Expect from SkyFall
Elevation changes up to 70 feet, adding dynamic shot-making opportunities
300 acres of pristine forest land, blending seamlessly into the existing property
Classic architectural principles, inspired by the golden age of golf course design
Forest Dunes owner Rich Mack, who also owns Streamsong Resort in Florida, is thrilled to collaborate with Hanse and Wagner again:
“The opportunity to have Gil and Jim craft their first original design in Michigan on what is the most compelling property at Forest Dunes is really exciting,” Mack said.
When Will SkyFall Open?
Construction is set to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with more details expected in the coming months.
For Metro Detroit Golfers, this is yet another exciting development in Michigan’s ever-expanding golf scene, further solidifying the state as a premier golf destination.
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