Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine have named northern Michigan's Forest Dunes' new innovative 18-hole reversible course – The Loop, designed by Tom Doak, as the Best New Public Course and the Best New U.S. Course You Can Play, respectively. The Loop joins Tiger Woods-designed Bluejack National, as the big winner in the private club category in each publication. They both have something in common according to Ron Whitten, Golf Digest's Architecture Editor: “Fun and playability” and “they represent the trend that many architects are embracing: build for the masses, not the elite players.”

Tom Doak found the perfect spot in northern Michigan, to create his reversible course (the first of its kind), which can be played in one direction one day, and the other direction the next, using the same 18 greens and fairways. The result is The Loop at Forest Dunes in Michigan, which is due to open fully for the 2017 golf season but has been open to those staying overnight at Forest Dunes Resort during the summer of 2016.

“This is truly an honour to be recognised by both of golf's leading publications,” Forest Dunes owner Lew Thompson said.

“When we decided to build our next golf course, I wanted something industry changing, and fun for everyone. Tom Doak delivered by providing us some of his best work, and the feedback by our guests has been tremendous. The genius of the concept is how it looks and plays completely different when you play in the other direction.”

The Loop, with its revolutionary reversible design, is a walking only experience featuring the option of professional caddies. The two different layouts alternate directions on a daily basis and allow golfers to experience a unique holiday golf package.