Gaylord Golf Mecca to Open With Free Golf

The Gaylord Golf Mecca will open its 2006 golf season with a free golf weekend. Slated for April 28-30, the golf weekend is a celebration of spring and a "thank you" to the many Midwest golfers who frequent the region.

Visitors who book an overnight stay at one of the participating hotels will be able to play a free round of golf at one of the participating courses. To comply, call one of the hotels to book a room and mention the free golf weekend. The hotel will make the tee-time and present a golf certificate upon check-in. The certificate can be presented to the course before the round.

For more information and to view the participating hotels and golf courses, visit www.freegolfgaylord.com            

More News

The Gaylord Golf Mecca is entering its 19th year of promoting the destination. The 2005 season ended with a 4% increase in rounds-played – a positive sign considering the recent economic challenges in the golf-tourism industry. Below is more news from the Gaylord area.

Treetops Resort-ING Par 3 Shootout Tickets Available

Tickets to the popular ING Par-3 Shootout are on sale. For the eighth straight year, Treetops Resort will host the event. This year’s lineup features defending champion Andy North, Fred Couples, Masters champion Phil Mickelson and Craig Stadler who will compete on the Threetops Course.

Priced at $50 for the two days or $30 for each day, tickets may be purchased online at www.treetops.com or by calling 989/732-6711, ext. 2499. The event, which has sold out four of the last five years, is limited to 1,500 spectators a day.

The ING Par-3 Shootout will air same-day tape-delayed on ESPN2 on Monday, June 26 and Tuesday, June 27.    

Marsh Ridge Resort Adds Real Estate Development

Marsh Ridge Resort, a popular Gaylord golf and dining retreat, has announced a new real estate development. The project involves refurbishing and remodeling the existing hotel rooms, lodge rooms, and condominiums.

Marsh Ridge also offers the log-style, four-bedroom Scandinavian Lodge for overnight stays. The lodge, which can accommodate up to 12 guests, is furnished with a fireplace, two baths, and a full kitchen. The condominiums feature two bedrooms, two baths, a fireplace and kitchen. The hotel suites feature Jacuzzis.

For details or reservations, visit www.marshridge.com.     

New Ownership at Black Bear Resort

Black Bear golf course is under new ownership and looking forward to the upcoming season. The owners have purchased a new fleet of golf carts and maintenance equipment, and completed several capital projects that have upgraded the condition of the course. For a tee time, visit http://www.golfblackbear.net