Golf is changing. Fast. You've probably noticed that the days of grinding out five-hour rounds on 7,500-yard monster courses are losing their appeal for a lot of people. Enter the Doon Brae short course. It's part of the massive Forest Dunes Resort in Roscommon, Michigan—a place already famous for the reversible Loop and the original Weiskopf course. But Doon Brae is different. It’s not a "mini-golf" course, and it’s definitely not a throwaway pitch-and-putt. Honestly, it might be the most fun you can have with a wedge and a putter in your hand.
Most people think of short courses as an afterthought. They’re usually just some flat land left over after the "real" course is built. Not here.
What Exactly Is the Doon Brae Short Course?
Doon Brae is a 10-hole par-3 course designed by Chris Lutzke. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he worked closely with Pete Dye for decades. You can see that influence everywhere. The course sits right near the clubhouse, tucked between the Hilltop putting course and the Forest Dunes course. It’s built on sand. That’s the secret sauce. Because it’s on sand, the turf is firm and fast, allowing for the kind of "ground game" shots you usually only see in Scotland or at Bandon Dunes.
It’s short. Really short.
The holes range from about 55 yards to maybe 125 yards if the wind is up and the pin is tucked. You don't even need a full bag. Most guys just grab a 54-degree wedge, a pitching wedge, and a putter. Maybe an 8-iron if they want to get fancy with some bump-and-runs. It's meant to be played fast, played in flip-flops, or played with a drink in your hand. It's golf stripped of all the pretension.
The Design Philosophy
Lutzke didn't just dig some holes in the dirt. He used the natural "brae"—which is just a fancy Scottish word for a hillside or slope—to create some pretty wild green complexes.
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The greens are the star of the show.
They are massive, undulating, and sometimes a little bit mean. You’ll see "thumbprints," "swales," and "backboards" that would make Pete Dye smile. On one hole, you might aim 20 feet away from the pin, using a massive slope to feed the ball down to the hole. On another, if you miss by two feet, your ball might catch a ridge and roll 40 yards away. It’s basically legal gambling with a golf ball.
Why People Are Obsessed With Short Courses Right Now
There's a reason Bandon Dunes has the Preserve, Pinehurst has the Cradle, and Sand Valley has the Sandbox.
Golf is intimidating. It's expensive. It takes forever.
The Doon Brae short course fixes all of that. You can play 10 holes in 45 minutes. You can play with your kids, your spouse who doesn't really golf, or your buddies who just want to bet $5 on every green. It lowers the barrier to entry. But the weird thing? Scratch golfers love it just as much as beginners. Why? Because the short game is where the soul of golf lives. Hitting a 300-yard drive is cool, but hitting a nipped 60-yard wedge that checks up two feet from the hole? That's the drug that keeps people coming back.
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Navigating the 10 Holes
The routing is clever. It starts right near the patio, so you usually have a "gallery" of people eating burgers and watching your first tee shot. No pressure, right?
- Hole 1: A gentle start, but the green is deceptively slanted.
- The Middle Stretch: This is where the elevation changes kick in. You’re playing up and over ridges. The wind at Forest Dunes can be tricky because the trees block it in some spots and funnel it in others.
- The Finishing Holes: They bring you right back to the social hub of the resort.
There isn't a single water hazard. Not one. Instead, the "hazards" are the bunkers and the slopes. Sand is everywhere. It’s messy, it’s rugged, and it looks beautiful against the pine trees of Northern Michigan.
Comparisons to The Cradle and The Sandbox
People naturally want to compare Doon Brae to the other famous short courses. The Cradle at Pinehurst is probably the gold standard for "golf party" vibes, often featuring music pumping from speakers hidden in the trees. The Sandbox at Sand Valley is more about pure links-style architecture.
Doon Brae feels a bit more intimate.
It’s rugged. It’s Michigan golf at its core. While the Pinehurst sand is white and soft, the Michigan sand feels a bit grittier. The pines are thicker. It feels like a secret clubhouse.
The Logistics: What You Need to Know
If you're planning to head up to Roscommon, don't just show up and expect a tee time. Since the Doon Brae short course opened, it’s become a massive hit for the resort's guests.
- Cost: It’s significantly cheaper than a round on The Loop or the Weiskopf course. Usually, it's around $50-$75, but prices vary by season.
- Replays: Often, the resort allows you to play as much as you want for the day if it’s not too crowded.
- Equipment: You don't need a cart. This is a walking-only experience. Most people use "Sunday bags" or just carry three clubs in their hand.
- The "Hilltop" Bonus: Right next to Doon Brae is the Hilltop Putting Course. It’s two acres of pure putting chaos. Basically, it’s a massive Himalayas-style green. If you do Doon Brae, you have to do Hilltop.
Realities and Limitations
Let’s be honest: if you’re a "par-72 or bust" kind of golfer, you might find this silly. It’s not a test of your power. You won't use your driver. For some people, that’s a dealbreaker.
Also, the greens can be polarizing.
If the greens committee has them running at a 12 on the stimpmeter, some of the pin positions become borderline impossible. You might hit a great shot that catches a slope and ends up in a bunker. That’s "rub of the green" golf. If you're the type of person who gets angry when a good shot isn't rewarded with a birdie putt, you might need to adjust your expectations. This is about creativity and fun, not fair-and-square scoring.
Expert Tips for Playing Doon Brae
- Leave the 60-degree in the bag. Seriously. The ground is firm. If you try to flop everything, you’re going to blade one into the clubhouse. Use the slopes.
- Putter is your friend. You can often putt from 10 yards off the green. The grass is kept that short.
- Watch the group ahead. Since the greens are so wild, watching how their balls react to the slopes is the best "scouting" you can do.
- Late Afternoon is Magic. The shadows across the "braes" make for incredible photos, and the vibe on the patio is at its peak.
The Verdict on the Doon Brae Short Course
Is it worth the drive to Northern Michigan? Absolutely.
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Forest Dunes was already a top-tier destination, but adding this short course turned it into a complete "golf ecosystem." You play your serious round in the morning, grab lunch, and then settle bets on Doon Brae in the afternoon. It’s the perfect "emergency nine" (well, ten).
Golf doesn't always have to be a struggle against nature. Sometimes, it can just be a walk in the woods with a wedge and your friends. That’s what Doon Brae is. It’s a reminder that the game is supposed to be fun.
Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're heading to Forest Dunes, book your Doon Brae tee time at least 30 days in advance, especially for weekend trips. Pack a dedicated Sunday bag to make walking easier. Focus on your wedge game in practice—specifically those 40-to-70 yard "half shots"—as those make up the bulk of the challenge. Finally, make sure to check the resort's calendar for "Glow Golf" events, where they sometimes light up the short course at night for a completely different experience.