Another Jerry Mathews's creation is the award winning Elk Ridge Golf Club located on the eastern outskirts of the Mecca. This is a big rolling course with elevation changes, magnificent stands of red and white pine trees, wetland and streams, with tough undulating greens. Elk Ridge has been honored by Golf Digest as second best in the country among all new public courses.

Elk Ridge also has recieved one of "America's Top 75 Upscale Public Courses" and "One of the best places to play for Women by Golf Digest Women Magazine". Elk Ridge offers the golfer a variety of well groomed, contoured holes. Sculpted out of Northern Michigan woodlands, Elk Ridge is home to some of Michigan's largest elk herds. From Gaylord, take 32 east to Atlanta, and M-33 north six miles to Rouse Road. Golf Digest rated four and a half stars.