Mike Keiser is one unique, straight shooting, unpretentious guy. I've had the privilege to play the Dunes and was struck how pure of a reflection it is to the original game of golf. It's simple, you walk the course. In fact, on some holes you have to walk through bunkers to get where you are going. No over the top man made structures, instead it's an artistic golf palette right before your eyes. No nonsense, beautiful and challenging , that's what the Dunes course is. Just like Mike Keiser.... Thanks for letting me play.
Super pumped that you got to play 'The Dunes Club' with our owner Mr. Keiser. I am unsure if I am the reason that you played it but I did DM you on Instagram back in July suggesting you play it. I have caddies at this club for a full eight seasons and my brother caddied there for a total of nine years prior to me. I am absolutely thrilled to watch this video because it is simply a culmination of beauty, creativity, innovation, golf, and sport. Thank you for making this video possible!
I played Mike's Sand Valley last year and during dinner, Mike Keiser came by to greet our group. He's as humble and kind in person as he's portrayed in this video. Indeed, he is good for golf!
This place is a Michigan gem. A fraction of golfers never knew this place existed. Getting the attention it deserves. 30 minutes from me and hope to play in the coming years. Great work EAL
Wow. For once in as many occasions in my life as I can count on one hand, I think Mike Keiser gets what golf is all about. He should be in the Golf Hall of Fame for his contribution to the betterment of golf as a sport and for the betterment of the spirit of the game.
My 5 year old and I play wilderness golf in my backyard all the time. He loves "smashing trees" with his ball. And if he doesn't hit in the stream he is pissed. Love when people aren't sticklers about the rules and create their own game...looked like a lot of fun!
I had the privilege of caddying twice at the dunes club during tournaments. I believe Mr. Keiser's description of wilderness golf is spot on for the feelings you get walking the fairways. The dirt road, "driving range" that is nothing more than a net, and low profile make this place really special. No frills, just great golf. Since it's only an hour from my childhood home I can't wait to give them a call and book a time to play it for myself next season! Another great video guys!
Hey Erik I work at a small private 9 hole. That opened in 1900 one of the older courses in America. Think it may be your flavor of golf history. Would love to send you the centennial year book. Great stuff as always.
Fortunate to have played there a couple of times. It has a great layout that makes it fun. The tee box choices enhances the experience and you can play 2 nines from completely different setups. Very unique. The Dunes and Lost Dunes which is nearby in Bridgeman, MI. both showcase the great topography and dune environment that the area encompasses. Love the few rakes thing. We played it on morning early. One set of tracks in the dew. After nine we realized we were the 2nd and 3rd off. Best kind of golf.
Wonderful course and I could listen to Mike all day talk about his passion for building golf courses. What a great focus he has for the traditional tenants of the game. This is now on my bucket list
I caddied here for years and I even looped for Mr. Keiser in the club championship one year (they drew names out of a hat and I got him) - everytime I carried his bag I got great insight into the design decisions and it was really a great experience. My favorite hole is #7 which requires an elevated tee shot (dogleft left) and the approach shot has you into a tight corridor. Great course and great town in New Buffalo. A true hidden gem.
That hole is amazing. They’ve opened it up over the years. In the 2000s, if you had length we would tee up driver and hit thru the “Y” in the trees, cut the corner and be on the front of the green. The green isn’t as tiered as it used to be these days. If you were on the back and the pin in front gooooood luck! Great review 👍🏻👍🏻
@@RedDotSociety haha, I totally remember big hitters carving it over that gap and you're right, the back of #7 was sinister - there was no way a ball was stopping. I also had a pretty big love affair with the clubhouse burgers, the fire chicken salad (I think from Skips?!), and the canned gatorade on the course thanks to MJ's influence.
@@Lefty0451I gotta ask. This isn’t Pat is it. I only know a few lefty caddies from the dunes and Pat and I played together a lot. Used to loop there myself. Caddied for daley and Jordan and a few other notables. It was so much harder back then. Tons of trees have been taken out and the greens are a lot nicer. They don’t run much higher than a 10 these days. The storm we had just took out another 100 trees on the course. It’s much more playable now. I admit I kinda miss the old course and the way it kicked my ass. Haha.
@@RedDotSocietysorry mate, I’m not Pat - my name is Jason Lewis, I originally came in via Tommy Fraze. I worked there in the days that Dave (Hettinga) was the Director and Paul (Daurer) was the clubhouse manager.
One of the most unique golf experiences I have had was at The Dunes Club, absolutely loved it!! Erik I don't know if it was my suggestion you took to play this place, but I'm glad you got to enjoy it!
I am so happy he bought that means just so condos don't get built. My town is very country, and developments are popping up everywhere! It's annoying and the land and woods in western new York are beautiful!
I wish there was being more done with expanding the game and allowing for lower income families to enjoy the game given how expensive this game is. I think the goal is to grow the game not keep it private for the well off. We need rounds of golf for 5 dollars a round, clubs provided to those who don’t have any. Obviously it’s expensive to keep a course kept but have it 9 holes and make it a community thing with volunteers. There’s a way to expand this game and private courses aren’t the way.
It’s a 9 hole course snd this year they’ve had more play then EVER before. As a jr member I still have to call a week or two ahead. They are just super busy
Bandon dunes is not an affordable golf course for the working man. Maybe for someone making a bunch of money online but it still costs several hundred dollars
Usually I agree. Used to play signal point before it closed. But the way this course is built you can really make a par 4 or 3 look completely different. There are no tee markers and I’ve seen some people stretch the par 3s from 100 to 259yds and also the second time around there is a new set of tees for ever par 3. They really did it right here. For example. 7th hole dog leg left. First time you play it, you usually play the left tees. Forces a 210 shot to a really tough green. Second time you go farther and back. Now it’s a drive to straighter hole. What is kinda missed in this vid is the absolutely lack of ego here. The membership are super chill and I would grab a beer with anyone in that club house or caddy in a flash. Super sweet people as opposed to some other private ive been to.
Mike Keiser is one unique, straight shooting, unpretentious guy. I've had the privilege to play the Dunes and was struck how pure of a reflection it is to the original game of golf. It's simple, you walk the course. In fact, on some holes you have to walk through bunkers to get where you are going. No over the top man made structures, instead it's an artistic golf palette right before your eyes. No nonsense, beautiful and challenging , that's what the Dunes course is. Just like Mike Keiser.... Thanks for letting me play.
This guy is so anti-elitist it’s amazing. Totally different vibe from other developers/architects I’ve seen interviewed.
anit-elitist while strictly capitalist. I love it.
He reminds me of many german (regular) engineers. Really pragmatic attitude while having a true passion for the work
I say this seemingly every episode but this episode is one of my favorites because of Mike.
Anti elitist? If that were true the club would be public
@@martinl2930 it’s private but you can call and schedule a tee time
These episodes are never long enough.
I live about 3 hours away and was always curious how I was going to get on and play. Can’t wait to call them and set up a tee time!
Hit me up. Im in! Im about 20 minutes away
Same , I’m about 90 minutes away
Did you guys play a game?
Did y’all get out? Was there today. Said they were actually able to get a bunch of people out :)
I love Mike Keiser! I wish golf as whole followed his example and philosophy in making golf more inclusive and more fun!
Super pumped that you got to play 'The Dunes Club' with our owner Mr. Keiser. I am unsure if I am the reason that you played it but I did DM you on Instagram back in July suggesting you play it. I have caddies at this club for a full eight seasons and my brother caddied there for a total of nine years prior to me. I am absolutely thrilled to watch this video because it is simply a culmination of beauty, creativity, innovation, golf, and sport. Thank you for making this video possible!
Blew me away too! I caddied here still get to play occasionally :)
I played Mike's Sand Valley last year and during dinner, Mike Keiser came by to greet our group. He's as humble and kind in person as he's portrayed in this video. Indeed, he is good for golf!
This place is a Michigan gem. A fraction of golfers never knew this place existed. Getting the attention it deserves. 30 minutes from me and hope to play in the coming years. Great work EAL
Wow. For once in as many occasions in my life as I can count on one hand, I think Mike Keiser gets what golf is all about. He should be in the Golf Hall of Fame for his contribution to the betterment of golf as a sport and for the betterment of the spirit of the game.
My 5 year old and I play wilderness golf in my backyard all the time. He loves "smashing trees" with his ball. And if he doesn't hit in the stream he is pissed. Love when people aren't sticklers about the rules and create their own game...looked like a lot of fun!
I had the privilege of caddying twice at the dunes club during tournaments. I believe Mr. Keiser's description of wilderness golf is spot on for the feelings you get walking the fairways. The dirt road, "driving range" that is nothing more than a net, and low profile make this place really special. No frills, just great golf. Since it's only an hour from my childhood home I can't wait to give them a call and book a time to play it for myself next season! Another great video guys!
Hey Erik I work at a small private 9 hole. That opened in 1900 one of the older courses in America. Think it may be your flavor of golf history. Would love to send you the centennial year book. Great stuff as always.
Much appreciated! Hello@randomgolfclub.com
can you share the name? that sounds like my kind of rabbit hole
EAL is on a whole different level compared to other TH-cam golfers.
Hes to professional to b called a youtube golfer hes the only one I've ever seen on vice so there not even close to his level
No Laying Up consistently produces great quality stuff as well.
Just the production quality is a step up for sure. After all he considers himself more of a filmmaker than a TH-camr.
Yeah he's got an awesome personality
He's a professional film maker so it's not really fair. His equipment is probably way better too
Two good golf guys just chatting it up. Love to see it.
Was so excited when I saw this get posted. Played this course end of the season last year, and was one of the most unique courses I’ve played yet
We’re is this club?
Now that is as good a 9 hole course as you'll ever see.
The Details such as the numerous Tee choices won me over.
I'd love ta live near that place.
Fortunate to have played there a couple of times. It has a great layout that makes it fun. The tee box choices enhances the experience and you can play 2 nines from completely different setups. Very unique. The Dunes and Lost Dunes which is nearby in Bridgeman, MI. both showcase the great topography and dune environment that the area encompasses. Love the few rakes thing. We played it on morning early. One set of tracks in the dew. After nine we realized we were the 2nd and 3rd off. Best kind of golf.
This channel has literally made me fall in love with the game. I’m obsessed. I even started creating a chipping hole with a flag pin in my yard.
A round at the Dunes Club would be a dream come true. To be able to do it with Mr. Keiser would be icing on the cake. Well done again Erik.
Wonderful course and I could listen to Mike all day talk about his passion for building golf courses. What a great focus he has for the traditional tenants of the game. This is now on my bucket list
What an amazing man. Thank you EAL and Skratch for another beautiful and impactful video.
I caddied here for years and I even looped for Mr. Keiser in the club championship one year (they drew names out of a hat and I got him) - everytime I carried his bag I got great insight into the design decisions and it was really a great experience. My favorite hole is #7 which requires an elevated tee shot (dogleft left) and the approach shot has you into a tight corridor. Great course and great town in New Buffalo. A true hidden gem.
That hole is amazing. They’ve opened it up over the years. In the 2000s, if you had length we would tee up driver and hit thru the “Y” in the trees, cut the corner and be on the front of the green. The green isn’t as tiered as it used to be these days. If you were on the back and the pin in front gooooood luck! Great review 👍🏻👍🏻
@@RedDotSociety haha, I totally remember big hitters carving it over that gap and you're right, the back of #7 was sinister - there was no way a ball was stopping. I also had a pretty big love affair with the clubhouse burgers, the fire chicken salad (I think from Skips?!), and the canned gatorade on the course thanks to MJ's influence.
@@Lefty0451I gotta ask. This isn’t Pat is it. I only know a few lefty caddies from the dunes and Pat and I played together a lot. Used to loop there myself. Caddied for daley and Jordan and a few other notables. It was so much harder back then. Tons of trees have been taken out and the greens are a lot nicer. They don’t run much higher than a 10 these days. The storm we had just took out another 100 trees on the course. It’s much more playable now. I admit I kinda miss the old course and the way it kicked my ass. Haha.
@@RedDotSocietysorry mate, I’m not Pat - my name is Jason Lewis, I originally came in via Tommy Fraze. I worked there in the days that Dave (Hettinga) was the Director and Paul (Daurer) was the clubhouse manager.
Erik- “the dunes club is not about the course, is it?”
Mike- “I think it is”
That killed me
Lol same. Just not at all on the same page there. Sometimes EAL gets a little up his own ass in these vids. Nice to see someone disagree.
Mike has such a wonderful attitude to running a golf facility, If you ask nicely you can come visit!
I don't think i've ever seen a course that better represents the idea of beauty in simplicity.
It took me months to realize that he actually hit a ball at the end of the intro
Thank you for taking us along!
One of the most unique golf experiences I have had was at The Dunes Club, absolutely loved it!! Erik I don't know if it was my suggestion you took to play this place, but I'm glad you got to enjoy it!
This is the beauty of golf private yet welcoming. We welcome all but want it to be all our little secret 😂
Well Played! Thank you for the episode and please thank Mr. Keiser for everything he has done for golf. Keep up the good work.
This intro is unmatched by any series or show I’ve ever seen
EAL this is a gem. One of your best yet!
My favorite video from you guys. Keep up the good work. The stories get better & better.
I could listen to Mike Keiser talk golf for hours
Looks like a gorgeous course, I can't wait to play it!
The writing on this show is so damn good. If this aint living the dream I dont know what is.
I loved the question, "Are you prepared for the onslaught of requests?" Keep up the great work!
So blown away these are all my buddies!!!!
Awesome, keep up the great work Erik
One of the best yet
This man gets it. Thank you Mr K.
What a legend this man is!!!
Fantastic show. Amazing that it's free really.
That's the way all private clubs should handle non-members who are golfminded and respectfull! great show again Erik!
Really looking forward to playing there come the Spring. Helps that I'm only 20 minutes away.
Cool course and cool guy. I have a friend who is a member there but didn't realize how great it is.
This is my course!!!!! I wrote a letter to EAL about this a month ago! Awesome!!!!
My cousins and I used to play a version of wilderness golf. We would use foam balls and pick targets around their property.
Amazing place. Had a chance to meet Mr Keizer while playing in Bandon. very cool guy always has an amazing outlook on things.
How cool is Mike Keiser? These are the two coolest guys in golf.
Great stuff as always.
Love the show Erik! Keep em’ coming!!!
What a beautiful course
This may be your best video yet
I am so happy he bought that means just so condos don't get built. My town is very country, and developments are popping up everywhere! It's annoying and the land and woods in western new York are beautiful!
like public and affordable. everyone deserves the opportunity to play world class golf courses. exclusivity of golf is what is holding this game back.
Excellent interview, excellent video.
A lot of courses in Illinois are CDGA Member Courses meaning they offer handicap posting at the course.
Yes Erik love the field of dreams reference! Please find a field of dreams style course 🔥
Keiser is a legend.
Final line had me in my feelings
I loved this episode
Just got my tee time! Super excited to play this hidden gem
Curious on the the phone number or email you used to contact the course to make the tee time
That was interesting Eric,especially bunker ...play 😂 lol
EAL is on a whole different level compared to other TH-cam golfers.
Wonderful!
This place looks special.
I live about 20 minutes from there. Would love to play one day!
Beautiful video!
field of dreams 😂
love your show bro
Keiser is a legend
Did he just he come from the “golf pee” behind the tee at the intro, if so, epic roll into the film.
Haha that’s on the other side. If you go on this side you’re giving the folks on 9 a show 😂
EAL really got the cleanest golf fits
More please!
Awesome Vid!
i’d love to play there!
Mr Keiser comes across as an average guy who enjoys golf, cool that he will let you play if you ask nicely.
Great channel
Dream job
God Keizer gonna need a second phone for all the calls he is about to get!
You should check out Culver Academies 9 hole course
EAL is the architect of everyone’s dream
week 3 of commenting for y'all to come to raleigh
I wish there was being more done with expanding the game and allowing for lower income families to enjoy the game given how expensive this game is. I think the goal is to grow the game not keep it private for the well off. We need rounds of golf for 5 dollars a round, clubs provided to those who don’t have any. Obviously it’s expensive to keep a course kept but have it 9 holes and make it a community thing with volunteers. There’s a way to expand this game and private courses aren’t the way.
Hearing bandon dunes is affordable makes me baby barf
called and Todd told me they are not open to the public for tee times? odd
But did you start off with, Hi! I've heard good things about the Dunes Club while sounding respectable?
It’s a 9 hole course snd this year they’ve had more play then EVER before. As a jr member I still have to call a week or two ahead. They are just super busy
What's the one club you would choose to play with at this course? Comment below!
did you say Bandon Dunes in the car...?
Did he Keiser keep calling Eric by a different name? Aaron?
Dick Nugent designed the course I work at👌
better, (I didn't think I wld see a change)
Bandon dunes is not an affordable golf course for the working man. Maybe for someone making a bunch of money online but it still costs several hundred dollars
Less than a 4 hour drive, I just hope they don’t have a no Canadians rule
I wish I could play with/against Erik at my local golf course...9 holes-only par3
Not so sure about the one club thing
4th
Third
First!
2nd
Is that wat grade ur in
9 hole courses don’t count as golf courses. They’re pointless, and a waste of time.
Usually I agree. Used to play signal point before it closed. But the way this course is built you can really make a par 4 or 3 look completely different. There are no tee markers and I’ve seen some people stretch the par 3s from 100 to 259yds and also the second time around there is a new set of tees for ever par 3. They really did it right here.
For example. 7th hole dog leg left. First time you play it, you usually play the left tees. Forces a 210 shot to a really tough green. Second time you go farther and back. Now it’s a drive to straighter hole.
What is kinda missed in this vid is the absolutely lack of ego here. The membership are super chill and I would grab a beer with anyone in that club house or caddy in a flash. Super sweet people as opposed to some other private ive been to.