Garland Lodge and Resort

Garland Lodge & Golf Resort (previously Garland Lodge & Resort, known informally as Garland) is a golf resort in Oscoda County, Michigan, located near the unincorporated community of Lewiston. The resort is named for businessman Harry G. Garland.

Garland consists of four 18-hole golf courses. In addition to the courses, Garland has a lodge, and many villas, cottages, condos, and other leisure facilities.

History
Garland was established in 1951 by Herman Otto, a German-born American businessman. Otto developed land owned by Detroit-based Garland Manufacturing Company into a nine-hole golf course. The course was originally built for the enjoyment of family, friends, and employees of Garland Manufacturing. In the early 1960s, the course was opened to the public, with an additional nine holes added in 1973. Herman Otto died in 1983, at which point his widow Hildegard Otto assumed control of the resort.

The clubhouse was destroyed by a natural gas explosion and fire on Labor Day in 1985.

In 1986, Ron Otto purchased the resort from his mother, and succeeded her as the owner-operator of Garland. Following the fire, the Otto family made the decision to develop the property further, and began expansion of the lodge, which was reopened in 1987. The original 18 holes were integrated into other courses, which were designed and built beginning in the late 1980s.

Garland was acquired by New Frontiers Capital LLC in 2009. Following the change in ownership, the lobby, lounge, and dining room of the lodge received a full remodel. By 2011, New Frontiers had invested $7 million into the resort.

Courses
Garland's four courses were designed by Ron Otto. Golf journalists have occasionally criticized Otto for designing his own courses, instead of hiring a professional architect. Each course was designed to be distinctive and offer its own unique technical challenges.

Fountains
Fountains was opened in 1995. In 2010, the course was redesigned by Illinois-based architect Michael Benkusky.

Monarch
Monarch was opened in 1990. The course was host to the Michigan PGA Championship from 1992 to 1994.

Reflections
Reflections was opened in 1990, and is the shortest of the four courses.

Swampfire
Swampfire was opened in 1987, and has water visible on 15 of 18 holes. The cart path at Swampfire features a bridge segment which spans over Oscoda County Road 489. The bridge was built by Andy Poineau of East Jordan, Michigan, and it is claimed to be the longest single-span log bridge in the world.