As the 2025 golf season has drawn to a close we have made a major decision to continue to be a niche outdoor activities destination. The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge golf course is moving towards being a “hickory only” and “walking only” golf course. This means individuals will be able to play the golf course using only hickory sticks, and walking the course. This is in line with being a historic wilderness golf course and with getting people closer to nature, which is why we exist.
This transition will take place over a 3 year period, with the transition being completed by the 2028 golf season.
For the 2026 and 2027 golf seasons, if one is playing with hickory sticks, they will be allowed to play an unlimited number of rounds for free during their stay in a cabin. If one is playing with modern day golf equipment, each registered cabin guests will be limited to playing one 9 hole round a day. Individuals will still be able to use a golf cart if they choose. For those walking, we do provide pull carts if wanted.
For the 2028, and going forward, only hickory sticks will be allowed to be used on the golf course, and all golfers must walk the golf course.
Playing with hickory sticks motivates golfers to think more strategically about one’s shots. Golf at the Lodge is not about muscle, but about accuracy and course management — while enjoying the natural surroundings, walking the golf course. Experience golf the way it was meant to be played with hickory sticks (e.g. Louisville Golf, St Andrews Golf Company, Tad Moore Hickory Classics).
There might be specific days where there will be exceptions, with those days being announced in advance.
This schedule is subject to change, based upon different factors.
As a reminder, since we are a lodging establishment, one must be a cabin guest to play the golf course.
FlingGolf will still be available to be played on the golf course.
[ Society of Hickory Golfers | The Walking Golfers Society ]
A Closing Note on this Announcement: We fully understand that this decision will not appeal to everyone. We are fine with that, as the Lodge (a lodging establishment, which includes a golf course) is a unique place focused on a niche market, and thus will not appeal to everyone. By focusing on a niche market, we are able to better get people closer to nature — which is why we exist. So for those individuals that disagree with this decision and those individuals that feel entitled to the Lodge, there are other golf courses one can play in the Keweenaw and many other courses around that cater to the masses. You will enjoy those golf courses fully. And for us, we will continue to focus on being a unique place focused on nature at the top of the Keweenaw.