The land that is now Bahle Farms Golf Course was once a plot of land full of cherry farms and rolling hills.
The Bahle (pronounced like Bailey) family has had roots in the Suttons Bay area since the 1800’s, including their signature Bahle’s Department Store located in Downtown Suttons Bay since 1876. It wasn’t until the 1920’s that this land, mostly farmland, was purchased by the family. In fact, the land that makes up the back of the course was purchased sight unseen by Owen Bahle during WWII.
The idea of a golf course came to life in the 1990’s when the next generation of Bahle’s were evaluating what to do with the property that would sustainable and economical. Stu Hollander, a friend, corporate counsel, and avid golfer, became a partner.
In 1997, local golf course architect Gary Pulsipher was brought onto the project. Pulsipher’s other work includes Matheson Greens (Closed in 2001), Manistee National, The Crown, and Bay Meadows.
Official construction began in April 1998, starting with 18 tee. While the main work was tree clearing and land balancing, Pulsipher noted there was not much earth moved. His goal was to play into the natural curves and contours of the land as best as possible.
The course opened for its first season in August 1999. It successfully ran under Bahle ownership for its first 22 years, and was officially sold to new ownership in 2021.
