Wilderness Valley
About Wilderness Valley
Wilderness Valley is a 18-hole golf course located in Gaylord, Michigan (49735). The course was designed by Al Watrous and established in 1971. From the CHAMPIONSHIP -BLACK tees, the course plays to 6,342 yards with a par of 71. The CHAMPIONSHIP -BLACK tees carry a slope rating of 129 and a course rating of 70.3.
Walking is permitted.
With a slope rating of 129, Wilderness Valley is more accessible than most courses in Michigan. It is a good choice for mid-handicappers and golfers looking for a round that does not punish every missed shot.
The course offers 6 tee sets ranging from 4,902 to 6,342 yards, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Choosing the right tees for your handicap is the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy your round.
Golf in Michigan typically runs from May through October. Spring and fall offer the best conditions with lower humidity and fewer crowds. Book early for prime weekend morning tee times during peak summer months.
Par
71
Length
6,342
Slope
129
Rating
70.3
Course Difficulty Analysis
129
This Course
133
MI Average
113
US Average
Based on 490 rated courses in Michigan
Scorecard
| Hole | Slp | CR | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CHAMPIONSHIP -BLACK | 129 | 70.3 | 374 | 164 | 339 | 542 | 362 | 165 | 361 | 333 | 398 | 3038 | 368 | 304 | 156 | 538 | 426 | 370 | 195 | 567 | 380 | 3304 | 6,342 |
BLUE | 126 | 69.7 | 374 | 164 | 339 | 515 | 362 | 165 | 360 | 333 | 370 | 2982 | 368 | 304 | 156 | 500 | 426 | 370 | 195 | 514 | 366 | 3199 | 6,181 |
WHITE | 128 | 73.8 | 322 | 154 | 331 | 504 | 357 | 157 | 352 | 323 | 358 | 2858 | 354 | 296 | 144 | 482 | 337 | 355 | 183 | 496 | 352 | 2999 | 5,857 |
WHITE | 123 | 67.9 | 322 | 154 | 331 | 504 | 357 | 157 | 352 | 323 | 358 | 2858 | 354 | 296 | 144 | 482 | 337 | 355 | 183 | 496 | 352 | 2999 | 5,857 |
RED | 116 | 68.3 | 278 | 119 | 281 | 445 | 325 | 128 | 319 | 247 | 310 | 2452 | 289 | 254 | 109 | 406 | 301 | 273 | 145 | 375 | 298 | 2450 | 4,902 |
RED | 111 | 63.8 | 278 | 119 | 281 | 445 | 325 | 128 | 319 | 247 | 310 | 2452 | 289 | 254 | 109 | 406 | 301 | 273 | 145 | 375 | 298 | 2450 | 4,902 |
| Par | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 71 | ||
| HCP | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Which Tees Should I Play?
Wilderness Valley offers 6 tee sets. Choose the tees that match your handicap for the most enjoyable round.
| Tee | Yards | Slope | Rating | Hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHAMPIONSHIP -BLACK | 6,342 | 129 | 70.3 | 5-15 |
BLUE | 6,181 | 126 | 69.7 | 12-22 |
WHITE | 5,857 | 128 | 73.8 | 12-22 |
WHITE | 5,857 | 123 | 67.9 | 12-22 |
RED | 4,902 | 116 | 68.3 | 25+ |
RED | 4,902 | 111 | 63.8 | 25+ |
Amenities at Wilderness Valley
Wilderness Valley features a pro shop.
How to Book a Tee Time
Set a tee time alert on Stymie for Wilderness Valley. Choose your dates, time window, and group size. Stymie monitors tee sheets every 5 minutes and sends instant notifications. You can also book directly through the facility website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilderness Valley a public or private golf course?expand_more
Wilderness Valley is a public golf course located in Gaylord, MI. The course is open to the public for daily fee play.
How many holes does Wilderness Valley have?expand_more
Wilderness Valley is a 18-hole golf course. It was established in 1971. The course was designed by Al Watrous.
What is the yardage at Wilderness Valley?expand_more
From the WHITE tees, Wilderness Valley plays to 5,857 yards (par 71). The course offers 6 tee sets ranging from 4,902 to 6,342 yards.
What is the slope rating at Wilderness Valley?expand_more
The CHAMPIONSHIP -BLACK tees at Wilderness Valley have a slope rating of 129 and a course rating of 70.3. A slope of 113 is average difficulty; this course is above average difficulty.
Can you walk Wilderness Valley?expand_more
Yes, walking is allowed at Wilderness Valley. Golf carts are also available.
How do I book a tee time at Wilderness Valley?expand_more
You can set a tee time alert on Stymie to get notified when availability opens at Wilderness Valley. You can also visit their website directly at https://www.blackforestgolf.com/wildernessvalley.html. Stymie monitors tee sheets and alerts you the moment your preferred time slot becomes available.
What amenities does Wilderness Valley offer?expand_more
Wilderness Valley offers a pro shop.
Where is Wilderness Valley located?expand_more
Wilderness Valley is located at 6500 Nicklaus Drive in Gaylord, MI 49735. You can reach them at +1-231-585-7090.
What is the difficulty level at Wilderness Valley?expand_more
Wilderness Valley is classified as above average difficulty with a maximum slope rating of 129. It plays harder than 33% of golf courses in Michigan. The average slope rating in Michigan is 133. A slope rating of 113 represents average difficulty nationally.
Which tees should I play at Wilderness Valley?expand_more
Wilderness Valley offers 6 tee sets. CHAMPIONSHIP -BLACK tees (6,342 yards, slope 129) are recommended for mid-low handicap golfers. RED tees (4,902 yards, slope 111) are recommended for beginners and casual golfers. Choose the tee set where the slope rating is closest to your handicap comfort level.
What is the best tee for beginners at Wilderness Valley?expand_more
Beginners at Wilderness Valley should play the RED tees, which play 4,902 yards with a slope of 111. This is the most forgiving tee option and provides an enjoyable round for newer golfers.
What would a 15-handicap shoot at Wilderness Valley?expand_more
A 15-handicap golfer playing the WHITE tees (slope 123, rating 67.9) at Wilderness Valley would have a course handicap of 13 and an expected score of approximately 84. This is calculated using the USGA World Handicap System formula: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating − Par). Sign in on Stymie with your handicap to see a personalized prediction for every tee.
How long does a round take at Wilderness Valley?expand_more
A typical round at Wilderness Valley takes approximately 4 hours. Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on pace of play, group size, and course conditions. Weekday rounds tend to be faster than weekend morning tee times.