Shanty Creek Resort - Summit Village — Hotel in Kearney Township

We just wrapped up an 8-man guys’ golf trip at Shanty Creek Resort in the heart of northern Michigan, and let me tell you—it delivered in every way. We came for the fall weather, three straight days of golf, and a little escape, and we left more than impressed.

The Golf Our itinerary: 18 holes on day one, followed by back-to-back 36-hole marathons. We played every course on the property—The Legend, Hawk’s Eye, Cedar River, and Schuss Mountain—and somehow each round felt like it topped the last.

Schuss Mountain is the resort’s hidden gem. Don’t let it fool you—it’s beyond tranquil, framed with mountain views, and home to a par 3 that feels like teeing off inside a pine-tree colosseum. Easily the most undervalued track of the bunch.

The Legend, Hawk’s Eye, and Cedar River are exactly what you’d expect from a premier northern Michigan golf destination—scenic, challenging, and pristine.

Summit is in good shape but plays like something you’ve seen at home. Compared to the others, it can be skipped without guilt.

Every single course was in exceptional shape. The greens? Some of the best you’ll ever roll a putt on—true, fast, and consistent.

Lodging & Amenities The common areas and restaurants feel updated and modern, while the rooms themselves are slightly dated—but honestly more than good enough for the value. Beds were comfortable, everything was clean, and that’s what matters. I read some complaints about the small TVs, but if you’re doing your trip right, you won’t be in your room long enough to care. What you will care about after two days of 36 holes is the fitness center, hot tub, and sauna, which are absolute lifesavers.

The shuttle system is another perk—call for a pickup, and you’re on your way in under 10 minutes. No driving required, which keeps things easy and safe for groups.

Food & Drink I’d read a review before our trip saying the food was “just okay.” That person couldn’t be more wrong. Every meal our group had was excellent and fairly priced for resort dining. My personal recommendation: the beer-battered chicken tenders (tendies). Absolute must.

Final Take Shanty Creek gave us exactly the trip we were hoping for—great golf, good food, easy logistics, and plenty of laughs along the way. If you go, make time for all the big courses, don’t sleep on Schuss, and whatever you do, order...

The views from this hotel are absolutely stunning! However if you happen to be a person/family of color be aware.. the hotel was not fully booked and we chose this resort due to a referral of the views from the balcony of the rooms. We booked a three bedroom suite but upon entry noticed we had a view of the parking lot. When we asked the front desk about a change she said she assumed we would prefer the rooms based on them being a cheaper price.... (Not sure what gave her the assumption that we couldn't afford the other but decided not to read to deep into the comment) so we again asked to have a room with a view , she then let us know that they only had one housekeeper for the whole resort and could move us into an handicap accessible the first night then to an appropriate one with a view the following morning. As none of us are handicapped and didn't want to continue to room hop we said we would wait til the appropriate one was available. She agreed and then asked if we had friends that would like a job cleaning rooms..( excuse me?? Sigh...) So the next day there is a different lady at the front and when we inquired if the room was ready she says " oooh I got the scoop on you, we are fully booked and have a list of others waiting to have those rooms sorry." WOW! Coming from the west coast I suppose you forget that people and business still carry on like this in 2021. So unfortunate.

Now as for the property it is on the older side so mostly everything in the hotel is dated but we'll kept. Our suite had 3 restrooms none of the showers ran hot water. 2 were cold and 1 got warm. And I will say with them only having that one housekeeper working to the bones she did do a good job rooms seemed clean. If it were for our treatment by the staff I would rate the resort a solid 3 it's not Waldorf Astoria by far but it would have been a decent family...

We went to the Bar on Christmas Eve excited about the happy hour since it was posted on the TVs in the lobby. Upon arrival we were told it wasn’t at all. The bartender was kinda confused but asked I would assume her manager or supervisor. The supervisor kinda glanced at me and my party and said, “Keep the happy hour under wraps. Don’t solicit it. I don’t need everyone here going crazy with shots.” This highly offended me because only me and my two other guests were people of color or of a different race of the usual clientele. I don’t know if she assumed because three dark pigmented men in the bar that we were going to get blacked out drunk or something. We were the only people at the bar at the time so it definitely makes sense that she was referring to us. That definitely was not the case. No one in my party ever had more than three drinks at that sitting. It’s definitely annoying because we come to celebrate my In-Laws anniversary here and then we get this treatment because we looked different. I’m sorry if Mexicans and Black people aren’t allowed at Shanty Creek Resort. I should have done my research. I definitely see why it’s not busy during Christmas. I see why everyone goes to Boyne. They probably are more progressive in their treatment of their guests. We even had the dinner buffet and the breakfast buffet the next day. We definitely aren’t the “cheap & ghetto” guests the dinging room manager assumed we were. Maybe she lacks in customer service and she isn’t partial or maybe she is. Whatever her problem is, it definitely needs to be addressed. I also will be putting this review on every platform as well to inform others to...