Just south of downtown Frankenmuth, one of Michigan’s premiere destination towns, The Fortress Golf Club offers a great golfing experience.

 The course encompasses 6,800 yards of formidable play on an 18-hole, par-72 course.

 The Fortress was designed in 1992 by golf architect Dick Nugent.  Director of Golf Nick Shelton said prior to opening the golf course was named Frankenmuth Golf and Country Club and was a 9-hole facility.  It wasn’t until 1990 when Zehnders of Frankenmuth purchased the course that the name was changed. The Fortress opened fully to the public on July 4, 1992.

 Shelton said the staff at the course truly believes The Fortress is one of the best conditioned courses in the Great Lakes Bay Region and state of Michigan.

 “Not only is the course always in championship condition but our attentive and friendly staff make sure each customer feels like royalty for the day,” he said.

 The Fortress reflects characteristics of golf's early Scottish origins with fescue-covered mounds revealing well-guarded, sectioned greens. Bent-grass tees, greens and fairways surround 75 challenging bunkers. And each of the huge greens average 7,500 square feet.

 “The Par 3 hole #17 is a guest favorite,” Shelton said. “A combination of aesthetics and challenge leave many players in awe on the tee box and in relief or despair on the green, depending on their outcome!”

 The Fortress is geared towards a combination of all golfers and they encourage golfers of all skillsets to go and experience the course.

 “Oversized greens and rolling terrain makes the course an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels,” Shelton said. “With over 6800 yards for the championship golfer and many challenging holes like the feared hole No. 13 with water running parallel to both sides of the fairway, The Fortress can be a challenge for the scratch golfer.”

 The forward tee distance comes in at approximately 4900 yards, so the course also allows even the beginning golfer an opportunity to enjoy themselves on the course.

 The Fortress has been recognized by Golf Digest and Golfweek magazine as one of Michigan’s top twenty-five golf courses.

 “We truly feel that we stack up in course conditions, playability and design not only in the Great Lakes Bay area but in the state of Michigan, which has in our opinion some of the best golf in the country,” Shelton said.

 The Fortress hosts various events throughout the season, ranging from a Par 3 Challenge series to a Club Championship in August. One of the most popular events is the Cigar Open golf outing in October which is an 18-hole scramble event that includes 4 premium cigars and a special "Gauchos Churrascaria" dinner to complete the evening. All of The Fortress golf events are posted on the website at www.zehnders.com.

 “We hang our hat on customer service and The Fortress is the place to be if you are looking to host an outing,” Shelton said. “The Fortress offers a wide variety of options for your next golf outing. Menu options for any and all events form carving stations, pig roasts, barbecues or theme events to make your next golf outing extra special.”

 The Fortress Clubhouse feature’s a full-service bar and deli sandwiches, dining room for groups under 50 and an outdoor pavilion for cookouts up to 250 guests. The Fortress offers a wide variety of amenities and services for golf outings from 20 to 144 players. Your group can enjoy a great conditioned course, where they treat you, according to Golf Digest, like a king (or a queen).

 The Fortress also has a fully stocked pro shop with apparel, golf clubs and balls, golf accessories and more. There is a full time PGA golf professional on staff. PGA professional Kyle Martin offers lessons and club fittings year-round.

 The golf course is located just 435 yards from the front porch of the famous Zehnders restaurant in Frankenmuth. Many guests take advantage of the popular “Eat and Play” package, which for an additional $20 per person guests can enjoy a round of golf and Zehnders World Famous Family Style Chicken Dinner.

 To book your next tee time at The Fortress Golf Club, visit

 http://www.zehnders.com/fortress-golf-course-frankenmuth/ or call 844-207-7309.

-Sal LaFata, member services associate