The Loop

The Loop is Best New Course of 2016

No Doubt About It!!!

By Len Ziehm

The Loop, Tom Doak's 18-hole reversible course in Roscommon, Mich., isn't just something new. It's also been declared something very good.

Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, the golf industry's two leading publications, both honored The Loop with its top awards. Golf Digest named The Loop as the Best New Public Course of 2016 and GOLF Magazine named it the Best New U.S. Course You Can Play.'

Forest Dunes owner Lew Thompson wanted "something industry changing' when he decided to add a second 18 holes to his facility and he got it with The Loop.

"Tom Doak delivered by providing us some of his best work, and the feedback by our guests has been tremendous,' said Thompson. "The genius of the concept is how it looks and plays completely different when you play in the other direction.'"

Doak, who operates out of Traverse City, Mich., had long considered the reversible concept and was able to create the course while working close to home.

The Loop is a walking-only experience, with caddies an available option. The two different layouts alternate directions on a daily basis.

Revised: 01/13/2017 - Article Viewed 13,068 Times - View Course Profile

About: Len Ziehm

My 41-year career on the Chicago Sun-Times sports staff ended with my retirement on June 30, 2010. During that stint I covered a wide variety of sports, but golf was a constant. I was the paper's golf writer for 40 years, during which time I covered 27 U.S. Opens, 10 Masters, 17 PGA Championships, four U.S. Women's Opens and the last 34 Western Opens in addition to a heavy load of Chicago area events.

For 20 years I was a columnist for Chicagoland Golf, a newspaper that suspended publication following the death of founder and good friend Phil Kosin in 2009. (This is not to be confused with the publication of the same name which was introduced in 2013 after being known as Chicago Area Golf for three years). I also contributed a chapter to a history book on the Solheim Cup and have been a member of the selection committee for the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

As a player I remain just an avid hacker with a handicap that never has dipped below 16.