LOCATION: 5 miles north of downtown Harbor Springs ADDRESS: 2500 True North Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 ARCHITECT: James Engh, Golf Digest’s 2003 Architect of the Year YEAR OPENED: Summer 2004 PHONE: (800) TRUENORTH WEB SITE: www.truenorthgolf.com

The amenities True North Golf Club in Harbor Springs has added the past several years have transformed Jim Engh’s magical design into a fantastic golf destination that can last a round, a weekend or a lifetime. Golf Digest regards True North as the eighth best course in Michigan, and the # 4 course in the state allowing public play (April 2009). Rankings aside, True North, set in the idyllic community of Harbor Springs, is a must-play for any golfer.

If you’re looking for a permanent place to hang your hat, memberships and home lots in the 320-acre gated community are still available.

Engh carved the 7,027-yard course from the northern woods with an eye toward the rolling natural terrain. The course begins and ends with a stout par 5 of more than 549 yards. Both showcase Engh’s unique design style. The first green is guarded by a typical Engh bunker, a skinny dangerous hazard with little knobs extending in all directions. The finishing hole features a risk-reward tee shot with a split fairway.

The dramatically uphill eighth hole, another par 5, was named one of the Midwest’s toughest three-shot holes by a panel of experts hired by John Deere. The drivable par-4 15th, with its narrow green perched on a hillside, is another highlight.

Engh’s creative style earned him Golf Digest’s 2003 architect of the year award. You’ll never hear any golfer complaining after completing their round at True North. It’s just a seamless, scenic place to tee it up.

“The land here is of exceptional quality and the topography and sandy soils are reminiscent of the sites where golf was first played,” Engh said. “Add to that, the dense Michigan forest and we had the opportunity to create something spectacular.”

After a round, golfers never have to leave the property now.

The spectacular 6,000-square-foot clubhouse, with a soaring timber-framed ceiling, overlooks the 18th green. The Compass Room restaurant and bar inside serves up a varied menu in a relaxed, yet refined, atmosphere. Steak, whitefish, lobster tail, swordfish and lamb are among the many dinner favorites.

A grand house for rent provides views of holes No. 12 and 13. This 4,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-story home features a soaring ceiling, plasma TV and upscale kitchen. Construction on an additional rental home is scheduled for 2010, as well as some unique golf cottages.

Whether it’s a round on the golf course or a meal in the Compass Room, True North will satisfy your hunger for the good things in life. Once you discover the real True North experience, everything else will seem secondary.