Relief from the heat, great golf in Northern Michigan

As I went though security this afternoon at the Traverse City, Mich., airport, the TSA agent checking my driver’s license said, “Can you send us some of your heat?”

What she was referring to was the fact that my hometown in Texas has been in triple digits for weeks and northern Michigan has had a cool summer. Tomorrow’s high here is only supposed to be in the 60s.

“About 30 degrees ought to do it,” she said with a laugh.

Of course she was exaggerating. But for most of us, 65 degrees in July is heaven, and it’s especially nice when playing golf.

This week, I got to sample more of the great golf Northern Michigan has to offer. We started with Crystal Mountain, worked our way to Shanty Creek’s Legend Course, played the spectacular Bay Harbor and stayed at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and played two courses there.

It’s pretty hard to go wrong here. Many of these resorts have renovated and modernized. Crystal Mountain, Shanty Creek and Grand Traverse Resort are great examples of resorts that haven’t stayed pat.

Grand Traverse is the only one that doesn’t double as a ski resort. It’s really a little city unto itself – shops, restaurants and a few bars. There’s indoor swimming and water slides, spa treatments and access to a nearby casino. They even have the “Dog House” to kennel your pets.

High above, on the 16th floor, is the Aerie Restaurant and Lounge, where you can get premium steaks and seafood, wine, micro brews and terrific desserts. You’ve also got great views of the resort’s three golf courses – The Bear, The Wolverine and Spruce Run. You could spend a week at Grand Traverse Resort and never get bored, although it’s hard to pass up the other golf offerings in Northern Michigan.

All in all, there are few places better in the summertime, especially if you live south of the Mason-Dixon line. I could spend a whole summer here.