By David Theoret
St. Ives Golf Club, a sister course to Tullymore, was designed by legendary Michigan golf course architect Jerry Matthews, who has had over 40 years of experience and designed over 80 courses.
Golf World, Golf Magazine, Golf for Women and Golf Digest have all lauded Tullymore/St. Ives with numerous awards including Michigan’s # 1 Golf Resort and Top 50 Golf Resorts in the U.S, a 5 star rating, “Places to Play” and Top 10 Golf Facilities for Women in North America. 
St. Ives maxes out at 6,702 yards from the tips with a course rating of 73.1 and a challenging 146 slope rating. Less masochistic golfers will choose the Blue tees (6,247/70.8/139), while most seniors will prefer the White tees at 5,707 yards (68.9/127). Ladies will be challenged from either the Gold or Red tees.
St. Ives Golf Club combines woodlands, rugged highlands and sprawling wetlands to produce a golf facility that is every bit as spectacular a property as its sister course, with elevation changes of up to 80 feet. Several holes feature elevated tees that play downhill to fairways nestled between hardwood forests with raised greens. The last five holes play around lakes and natural wetlands teaming with wildlife and offering sweeping views.
Water figures into the equation on 11 holes and spectacular homes dot the landscape. St. Ives features outstanding conditioning from tee to green with lush fairways and tee boxes, and large undulating putting surfaces are quick and true. Four sets of tees provide challenging distances for every level of golfer, ensuring a good time for one and all.
Most Memorable Hole: Number 14, Par 4, 402 yards. The most exciting hole on this incredible layout is also one of the most beautiful. And it’s ranked the toughest on the inward nine. You’ll need a straight drive of no more than 230 yards (Blue tees), which will leave you just short of the wetlands. From there, you’ll have another lengthy carry over wetlands into an elevated green. Consider taking an extra club. If you’re going to miss the green, miss it right. Then all you’ll have to deal with are a couple of bunkers!
St. Ives’ clubhouse features a beautiful restaurant/lounge with outdoor patio and can accommodate banquets and conference size outings. The pro shop is staffed with knowledgeable golf professionals, as well as, stocked with memorable keepsakes.
Take a few minutes to warm up on St. Ives spacious grass driving range. It can accommodate up to 15 golfers and has separate areas for chipping and putting.
St. Ives features tall pines and deciduous trees, wide, forgiving fairways and significant elevation changes, that add a sense of isolation on nearly every hole. Most holes are relatively straight and the difficulty is enhanced by the elevation changes.
St. Ives is a course you can play time and time again without ever getting bored. For more information on either St. Ives Golf Club or the Tullymore Golf Resort, visit their website at www.tullymoregolf.com.
