Michigan resort to open 7-hole short course, putting complex inspired by St. Andrews

PLYMOUTH, MI – A popular Michigan resort will soon offer expanded golf opportunities that will appeal to players of all ages and skill levels.

In addition to the championship golf course, The Cardinal, opening June 22, Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth is also opening The Little Cardinal, a 7-hole par-3 course, and The Cardinal Putting Course, on July 1.

The 200-acre resort is also debuting Doyles, its latest dining concept, and the Monarch Ballroom as part of a $50-million resort transformation that began in 2021 by the non-profit Pulte Family Charitable Foundation.

“The short course is awesome,” said Stan Witko, Executive Director of Golf. “It’s a trend for the right reasons. A lot or resorts are doing this and this is right up there with the best of them. “It’s good for someone who wants to play for 45 minutes to an hour, but it’s also challenging enough. On the other hand, you don’t have to be a great golfer to play it so there’s something for everyone.”

Like its larger predecessor, the Little Cardinal was designed by Michigan-based architect Ray Hearn. Set among 7.5 acres of rolling hills in a beautiful parkland setting, the holes range from 44 yards to 112 yards. Rounds are available for between $15 and $25.

The short course features greens that run with speeds like the big course, but with complexes modeled after those seen at iconic courses around the world.

Examples include the punchbowl, redan, reverse redan, Sahara, volcano, postage, which will be seen when the Open comes to Royal Troon next month, and Biarritz. The course has also incorporated innovative synthetic turf tee boxes with a shock-absorbing rubber foundation replicating natural grass tees and providing a more surface to hit shots.

The putting course, “the cherry on top,” Witko said, features a digital scoreboard for friendly competitions and several different options for pin placements across the 18 greens spread across two acres. It is inspired by the famous Himalayan Putting Course at St. Andrews. Cost to play is between $10 and $15.

“These exciting golf attractions provide a relaxed environment focused on fun and offering a less intimidating introduction to the game, encouraging newcomers to want to participate, learn, and improve,” Witko said.

Eric Djordjevic, Managing Director at Saint John’s Resort, added the addition of short course and putting complex is “a missing link” that wasn’t previously available.

There’s a new spot for after golf, too

Finally, Doyles, which merges Irish warmth with contemporary pub ambiance set alongside the course, is designed to tribute the history of golf.

It features dark wood furnishings, green accents, plush leather seating, paneled walls, and tartan wall coverings and accents like classic black and white penny tile patterns and a moody black ceiling in the bar area.

Family crests, vintage artwork, and street photography by Irish photographers are seen throughout the space while an outdoor patio offers picturesque views of the golf course.

Doyles Backyard,” a 3,750-square foot lawn adjacent to Doyles and facing Five Mile Road, will host various outdoor activities. Summer events include cornhole tournaments, horseshoe, whiskey barrel ring toss, and Irish bowling with Guinness bottles as pins. Winter brings live entertainment, beer pairings, pub takeovers, beer dinners, trivia nights, and euchre tournaments.

“We aimed to create a welcoming space that blends warm hospitality with a vibrant dining experience,” Djordjevic said. “Doyles distinguishes itself from our other dining outlets by providing a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy a range of modern tavern favorites to lighter, fresh fare, all within the friendly ambiance of a traditional Irish pub.”

Dishes include Fish & Chips and the daily Pot Pie, Celtic Benedict, Shrimp & Grits, and Lemon-Blueberry & Goat Cheese Pancakes.

Cheese curds, wings, nachos, and Irish staples like bangers & mash, Shepherd’s Pie, and Irish Stew are available, as is Lake Superior White Fish and locally sourced Roasted Brick Chicken.

The sandwich lineup features the Cluck of the Irish, Doyles Paddy Melt, and Cliffs of Moher Reuben, perfectly paired with creative cocktails, festive Green Beer, and a signature Irish Stout.

Doyles joins FIVE Steakhouse and The Wine Grotto as Saint John’s Resort’s main dining options.

“The vision was to really build Saint John’s up to be the legitimate property throughout Michigan and the Midwest to work toward national recognition,” Djordjevic said. “I don’t think there’s a square inch of the property that hasn’t been touched.”

100% of the profits from the resort, including golf, go to charity through the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, which supports humanitarian initiatives led by nearly 200 nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.