The Loop: A Transformative Golf Experience in Michigan

The Loop in Michigan remains one of architect Tom Doak’s most impressive feats. (Credit: GOLF)

Embracing Change: A Journey Through Golf

One of the profound life lessons often associated with adulthood is the realization that perspective shapes our experiences. A saying my father once shared resonates deeply with me: "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." This wisdom became particularly evident during a recent golf trip that served as a lens through which I confronted not only the game but my own reflections on growing older.

Discovering Perspective on the Fairways

On the evening following my 28th birthday, I found myself driving through the verdant woods of Northern Michigan. As I navigated the twists and turns, I felt an unfamiliar wave of sentimentality wash over me. While I didn’t feel old, I realized I was now a decade removed from my college graduation—surprisingly close to a new generation of graduates. Feeling "ancient" and grappling with the notion of lost potential weighed heavily on my mind.

This trip with college friends was meant to invoke nostalgia and rekindle our bonds through golf, yet instead of reveling in fond memories, I was struck by an overwhelming sense of urgency regarding my future. Learning from our pasts is often a slow process, but I was determined to find a silver lining even amidst my melancholic feelings.

A Morning at Forest Dunes Resort

Our first morning at Forest Dunes Resort began with the sun blazing over the horizon. We were eager to experience what many had hailed as the highlight of our trip: The Loop, an innovative reversible design by renowned architect Tom Doak. The course played in opposite directions each day, offering a dynamic golfing experience.

Having visited The Loop previously as a wide-eyed 22-year-old, I remembered it as a transformative experience that deepened my love for golf. However, after our first round, my friends and I left with lukewarm enthusiasm. The big fairways were forgiving, but the novelty of the course did little to inspire.

Finding Joy in a New Course Direction

Returning the next day for a second round, the course revealed its true character. The strategically designed mounds and bunkers conspired to elevate our shots and challenge our strategy. With every swing, I observed how The Loop’s multifaceted layout encouraged creative play. We found ourselves in playful discussions, sharing laughs over beers amidst stunning views, and celebrating newfound birdies.

Our collective reaction transformed from indifference to elation. As my friends shared their newfound appreciation, it became clear that our altered perspective had unlocked the course’s true potential.

“That was totally insane!” one friend remarked.

“Okay, that was incredible,” said another.

The course had flourished in our minds as the pressure of expectations faded away, reminding me of my father’s wisdom about perspective.

Reflections on Aging and Experience

While I wish I could say that The Loop taught me to easily embrace aging or that life’s true joys reside at the intersection of wisdom and experience, the reality is more complex. What I discovered on that iconic course was something different: It’s perfectly okay to feel uncertain and to embrace the unexpected.

The Power of Perspective

In closing, my time at The Loop taught me that if we seek out fresh perspectives, we can uncover profoundly different experiences. This lesson serves as a reminder that life’s adventures are often best seen from different angles, and with this mindset shift, we may discover new joys along the way.

For golf enthusiasts seeking a unique experience, The Loop in Michigan stands out not only for its engaging design but also as a reminder of the beauty of change in both golf and life.

If you wish to connect with the author, reach out at james.colgan@golf.com.