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NWO Golf Links
THE SMALL TOWN OF SAULT STE. MARIE
sits on the St. Mary’s River that connects Lake
Superior with Lake Huron. The rapids caused by
the 21-foot drop between the two Great Lakes
demanded a system of locks be built, which
would accommodate freighter traffic from the
upper mid-western states of Wisconsin and
Minnesota, as well as, the Canadian provinces.
Native Americans first settled here and the Soo
can date its origin to 1668, when a French Jesuit
founded a Catholic mission there. The original
locks built by the French were destroyed
in the War of 1812; the state of Michigan
commissioned two locks be completed in 1855.
The U.S. Government took over management
of the Soo Locks in the 1870’s and still oversee
their operation today.
Even though it sits at the top of the U.S. and
borders Canada, Sault Ste. Marie is a top tourist
destination and commercial hub. The Soo locks
are the busiest in the world and include the
largest lock built in the Western Hemisphere.
The Bay Mills Resort and Casino is owned and
operated by the Bay Mills Indian Community.
The casino is a joint venture with local tribal
members and businessmen from Detroit. It
provides entertainment for tourists, a source of
employment for local residents and has been a
boost to the local economy.
Wanting additional activities for tourists, the
Bay Mills Resort added the Wild Bluff Golf
Course. Sitting atop a high bluff the 18-hole
championship course provides panoramic
views of Waiska Bay and Lake Superior as
golfers approach the first tee.
Thecourseisalwaysmaintainedtochampionship
standards and has hosted professional Canadian
Tour events in the past. From the back tees,
it can be stretched to over 7,000 yards (146
slope) which provides a challenge for the low
handicap golfer. Five sets of tees are available
to fit golfers of every ability, however. The Red
Tees provide a fair course for the shorter hitters
at 5,400 yards.
Wild Bluff Golf Course Offers
Great Golf in the U.P.