Forest Dunes, a popular stay-and-play destination in Roscommon, Michigan, has announced plans to add a fourth course to its portfolio. SkyFall will be designed by the renowned architectural duo of Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, marking their first original project in the state. The new course will join Forest Dunes and the Loop, two existing Top 100 Courses You Can Play, as well as a 10-hole short course called the Bootlegger. Unlike its siblings, SkyFall will operate as a private club with limited tee times available for resort guests.
Rich Mack, the owner of Forest Dunes, expressed his excitement about having Hanse and Wagner design SkyFall on what he described as the most compelling property at the resort. The new course will span 300 acres of forested terrain adjacent to the existing courses and will feature up to 70 feet of elevation changes. Hanse and Wagner are known for their high-profile renovations and restorations of courses like Los Angeles Country Club and the Olympic Club, as well as acclaimed original designs such as Ohoopee Match Club and Les Bordes. SkyFall will draw inspiration from these projects, incorporating elements like sandy wastes and rustic expanses from Ohoopee and rolling, tree-fringed grounds from Les Bordes.
Construction on SkyFall is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, bringing Hanse and Wagner’s signature design aesthetic to Forest Dunes in Michigan. The new course is poised to offer a unique golfing experience for members and resort guests, with a focus on natural features and challenging terrain. Hanse and Wagner’s reputation for creating visually striking and strategically engaging courses suggests that SkyFall will be a standout addition to the already impressive lineup at Forest Dunes.
With two Top 100 public courses already under its belt, Forest Dunes is poised to solidify its reputation as a premier golf destination with the addition of SkyFall. The private club model for the new course will offer a heightened level of exclusivity for members while still allowing resort guests to experience the exceptional design and gameplay that Hanse and Wagner are known for. The diverse portfolio of courses at Forest Dunes, including the reversible design of the Loop and the unique short course of the Bootlegger, showcases the resort’s commitment to providing a range of golfing experiences for players of all skill levels.
SkyFall’s location within the forested terrain of Forest Dunes will provide a picturesque backdrop for golfers looking to test their skills on a challenging course. The expansive property offers Hanse and Wagner ample space to create a layout that takes full advantage of the natural landscape, with strategic bunkering, undulating fairways, and scenic vistas. The elevation changes and wooded surroundings at SkyFall will offer a different golfing experience from the existing courses at Forest Dunes, further enhancing the appeal of the resort as a must-visit destination for avid golfers.
As one of the most sought-after architectural teams in the golf industry, Hanse and Wagner bring a wealth of experience and design expertise to the project at Forest Dunes. Their ability to blend traditional design elements with modern innovations has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated following of golf enthusiasts. By introducing their first original course in Michigan, the duo will have the opportunity to leave their mark on a new region while adding to their impressive portfolio of courses around the world. Golfers can look forward to experiencing the distinctive style and strategic challenges that Hanse and Wagner are known for when SkyFall opens its doors at Forest Dunes.
