Gaylord Golf Mecca, a collection of 17 golf courses and 21 lodging facilities in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, experienced a banner year in 2021. While the popularity of golf has surged across the country, Gaylord Golf Mecca has experienced exceptionally robust growth of 10.5 percent. People sought outdoor recreation during the pandemic, and they discovered the psychological benefits of an active game of golf, notes Executive Director Paul Beachnau, adding that The Mecca’s amenities and inclusivity have proved particularly appealing.
“If you are that new player or player coming back we have courses and service to fit you, and if you are that serious player or just part of a big group that wants a great golf trip, we have offerings for that, too,” he says. “And we have this beautiful destination, a great downtown with many options for dining, lakes and hiking trails, all within a few minutes.”
The addition of more air travel to northern Michigan through Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City has made a significant difference in attracting golfers, especially during the summer when temperatures soar in warmer climes, adds JT Aude, Mecca’s chairperson and head professional at Gaylord Golf Club.
