All Things Michigan Golf.....The Three Putt

[brentdtw]

On 6/6/2021 at 12:11 PM, bsjm2 said:

So I might be moving to Detroit in a few weeks for a job. 
 

Are there any private clubs that are good but also affordable on the western side of Detroit? Specific area besides western side of Detroit doesn’t matter quite yet as I’m not exactly sure where I’d live. 

Look into Western G&CC in Redford

[Florida Gator]

3 hours ago, CRDuffy21 said:

 

It's interesting you say that about Northville Hills. People I know that live in the area don't like it either, but after what you said about the Tips being easy I looked at the scorecard, and it looks like a decent length from the back tees including a bunch of Par 4's over 400 yards. Is it wide open off the tee? Greens really easy? What makes it an easy track? Also, what's the buy-in for TPC Passport? Sounds like something I'd be interested in if the price was right. Feel free to PM me if you'd prefer. 

The TPC passport is a part of the TPC Michigan membership.  For what it’s worth, there are a number of clubs that Club Corp is able to book that are not on the published list.  Also, there are 6-8 other courses that are in the local area that are cart fee only.

 

I will say this about TPC, my handicap travels very well.  The course conditions are typically really good.  It’s the best value I’ve found, especially if you travel.

 

3 Jack nailed it about NHGC, while the conditions are typically very nice, absolutely no effort in managing pace of play.  I’m sitting on a 2 year old rain check they gave me after I dropped my clubs off in my backyard on the third hole and walked back to get my truck and tell them an hour for 3 holes is not acceptable.  Not sure about when I’ll use it.

[CRDuffy21]

20 hours ago, brentdtw said:

Look into Western G&CC in Redford

 

I have a Love/Hate with Western. Every single time I have played it, the course is in fantastic shape. Major props to their greens staff. However, there are a few things that leave me feeling "meh" about it. The 7th is a short EXTREME dogleg right Par-4 with one of the most ridiculous greens I have ever played. They pride themselves on fast greens, and they are fast and roll very well, but I watched the group in front and behind as well as our group putt the ball off the front of the green. The pin placement was so bad the staff had to come out and change it. If you putt the ball off the green you have a 40 yard wedge shot with no choice but to hit it long which leaves a downhill putt which rolls off the green if you get it to the hole. Rinse/Repeat. 

 

However, their new clubhouse is awesome, and the membership looks to have a good mix of older and younger members and I always felt very welcomed when I spent time there. 

[timbo08]

Definitely agree on the pace of play at Northville Hills.  Really enjoy the course, like the location since I can swing by Carl's afterwards and spend money I don't need to but I've never been out of there in less than 5 hours and that's typically playing as a 3 some with 2 friends I regularly golf with.  Frustrating for sure. 

[knickerbocker]

I playing Greywalls on Monday.  First time and I am excited. 

[BG5]

57 minutes ago, knickerbocker said:

I playing Greywalls on Monday.  First time and I am excited. 

 

 

 

Amazing track and just wait for the cart ride in from the clubhouse to the first tee.  The course is wild and nothing like anything I have ever played.....its a special place and I am excited to hear your thoughts on it.  Keep us posted 🙂

[postfold]

1 hour ago, knickerbocker said:

I playing Greywalls on Monday.  First time and I am excited. 

 

Nice!  I haven't been to the U.P. in years -- keep saying I'll get up there but I can't even drag my lazy self as far north as Forest Dunes.  Going to play any other courses while you're up there?

[knickerbocker]

20 minutes ago, postfold said:

 

Nice!  I haven't been to the U.P. in years -- keep saying I'll get up there but I can't even drag my lazy self as far north as Forest Dunes.  Going to play any other courses while you're up there?

 

Playing 36 at Greywalls and then 18 at Sweetgrass.  I have been saying I want to get up there, but have never made it.  It's a haul. 

[3_Jack_Par]

1 hour ago, knickerbocker said:

 

Playing 36 at Greywalls and then 18 at Sweetgrass.  I have been saying I want to get up there, but have never made it.  It's a haul. 

I've driven back & forth to Austin this year, and just drove to California at the end of last month (still here), and that makes me feel like a trip to the UP would be like a trip around the block in comparison. I need to make a point of getting up there next year.

[HappyGilmoresBoots]

Greywalls is on my list.

[Curmudg3on]

Our group is playing The Dream and the Nightmare late next week.    First time, I'm looking forward to playing there.

[Jose c.]

On 6/10/2021 at 2:00 PM, BG5 said:

 

 

 

Amazing track and just wait for the cart ride in from the clubhouse to the first tee.  The course is wild and nothing like anything I have ever played.....its a special place and I am excited to hear your thoughts on it.  Keep us posted 🙂

When me and buddy played we were like where the hell is the first hole,lol. Then started going downhill and realized this thing (golf cart) isn't slowing down. Great golf course and even better city. Marquette is a great food and beer town.

[Go_Blue!]

Just got back from a trip our trip to the West side of the state. Played Stonehedge South on Thursday, Harbor Shores and Hawkshead on Friday, Hawkshead and American Dunes on Saturday, and Stoatin Brae on Sunday.

 

First time playing all but the GL courses. Harbor Shores was nice and fun, however it was a little quirky. Definitely would play again, but some of the quirks took away from the experience.

 

Hawkshead is a great layout and fun track. We stayed at one of their cottages and it was spectacular. What a great little coastal town experience. The hospitality and amenities really stood out. Great atmosphere and food. Had a great dinner there. 

 

American Dunes. Wow. So many emotions. Moving, emotional, inspiring and reverent just begin to touch upon all of the feelings when stepping foot on the property. Without even thinking about it, course was easily top 10 I've played. Loved every second. Can't wait to get back out there. Felt at home.

 

This trip made me realize how special it is on the West side of the state. The environment is just so different and laid back. We are truly blessed to have so many great areas to tee it up here.

[JPG44]

On 6/10/2021 at 1:01 PM, knickerbocker said:

I playing Greywalls on Monday.  First time and I am excited. 

Enjoy! I live about 20 minutes away. If you ever get the opportunity play anywhere else in the UP play Timberstone, Pine Grove, Wild Bluff in Brimley.  

[knickerbocker]

Greywalls is definitely a unique experience.  It is beautiful and I am glad I made the trip to play it. 

 

That being said, I am not in a huge rush to go back.  I think the green complexes are way overdone and unfair on many of the holes.  On the first hole, I hit three good shots including my third shot landing within 3 feet of the pin only to have the ball roll of the right side of the green down a hill leaving an impossible chip.  Many other holes where I landed middle of the green only to leave myself an impossible chip or putt.

 

Sweetgrass is pretty solid.  Good resort course.  I enjoyed it, but not worth the trip alone.

 

[NikedOut]

On 6/14/2021 at 8:45 AM, Go_Blue! said:

Just got back from a trip our trip to the West side of the state. Played Stonehedge South on Thursday, Harbor Shores and Hawkshead on Friday, Hawkshead and American Dunes on Saturday, and Stoatin Brae on Sunday.

 

First time playing all but the GL courses. Harbor Shores was nice and fun, however it was a little quirky. Definitely would play again, but some of the quirks took away from the experience.

 

Hawkshead is a great layout and fun track. We stayed at one of their cottages and it was spectacular. What a great little coastal town experience. The hospitality and amenities really stood out. Great atmosphere and food. Had a great dinner there. 

 

American Dunes. Wow. So many emotions. Moving, emotional, inspiring and reverent just begin to touch upon all of the feelings when stepping foot on the property. Without even thinking about it, course was easily top 10 I've played. Loved every second. Can't wait to get back out there. Felt at home.

 

This trip made me realize how special it is on the West side of the state. The environment is just so different and laid back. We are truly blessed to have so many great areas to tee it up here.

Had you played American Dunes when it was Grand Haven Golf Club? I’m playing there in two weeks and I feel like pictures aren’t doing it justice when comparing. Would like to know what to expect beyond the pageantry of the place. 

[JeffreySpicoli]

47 minutes ago, NikedOut said:

Had you played American Dunes when it was Grand Haven Golf Club? I’m playing there in two weeks and I feel like pictures aren’t doing it justice when comparing. Would like to know what to expect beyond the pageantry of the place. 

 

I've played both. American Dunes is heads & shoulders above GH Golf Club. Nicklaus & team did a great job on the redesign.

 

On the other hand, you can tell that the course recently opened. I found the greens quite hard--not surprising for a new course & there hadn't been rain so it was difficult to hold some approach shots. Also, the cart GPS is quite annoying as the geofencing is not set well, the videos are too many & too long, etc. (Oh, and the food and beverages were subpar & overpriced.)

 

I loved the course and I'll definitely go back but probably not for three years or so. I would expect that things will improve by then.

[postfold]

18 hours ago, NikedOut said:

Had you played American Dunes when it was Grand Haven Golf Club? I’m playing there in two weeks and I feel like pictures aren’t doing it justice when comparing. Would like to know what to expect beyond the pageantry of the place. 

 

In terms of the golf, it's night and day different.  At GHGC, trees were in play on essentially every shot.  At American Dunes, they are mostly gone and those that are left are pretty much a non-factor.  GHGC had shaggy, soft, overwatered fairways, AD has firm, closely mown fairways.  GHGC had soft greens that had all the drawbacks of poa, AD has very firm greens and they're much smoother.  There is a lot more sand in play.  The routing is more or less the same but the nines are reversed and the terrain modified enough that none of the holes feels like a lazy re-hash.

 

I was a big fan of GHGC for all its faults, one of my favorite courses ever.  But AD is quite spectacular and you will enjoy it.

 

Agree with JS that the greens are hard and that's not surprising, though I didn't have any notable trouble holding approach shots.  The cart GPS is definitely annoying (if you get sick of the videos tap the screen).  Our group thought the food was great but yeah, it's destination golf pricey. 

 

I have a chance to play it again soon and will be interested to see what tweaks have been made already.

[Jose c.]

22 hours ago, knickerbocker said:

Greywalls is definitely a unique experience.  It is beautiful and I am glad I made the trip to play it. 

 

That being said, I am not in a huge rush to go back.  I think the green complexes are way overdone and unfair on many of the holes.  On the first hole, I hit three good shots including my third shot landing within 3 feet of the pin only to have the ball roll of the right side of the green down a hill leaving an impossible chip.  Many other holes where I landed middle of the green only to leave myself an impossible chip or putt.

 

Sweetgrass is pretty solid.  Good resort course.  I enjoyed it, but not worth the trip alone.

 

I think #9 gave us fits,impossible hole in front left.

[Go_Blue!]

3 hours ago, postfold said:

 

In terms of the golf, it's night and day different.  At GHGC, trees were in play on essentially every shot.  At American Dunes, they are mostly gone and those that are left are pretty much a non-factor.  GHGC had shaggy, soft, overwatered fairways, AD has firm, closely mown fairways.  GHGC had soft greens that had all the drawbacks of poa, AD has very firm greens and they're much smoother.  There is a lot more sand in play.  The routing is more or less the same but the nines are reversed and the terrain modified enough that none of the holes feels like a lazy re-hash.

 

I was a big fan of GHGC for all its faults, one of my favorite courses ever.  But AD is quite spectacular and you will enjoy it.

 

Agree with JS that the greens are hard and that's not surprising, though I didn't have any notable trouble holding approach shots.  The cart GPS is definitely annoying (if you get sick of the videos tap the screen).  Our group thought the food was great but yeah, it's destination golf pricey. 

 

I have a chance to play it again soon and will be interested to see what tweaks have been made already.

 

I thought the food prices were actually quite reasonable. The fried chicken sandwich with the maple bacon, gouda and fire sauce (or whatever it was) was fantastic. I can't wait to get back. Need to make a it a priority soon.

[JeffreySpicoli]

4 minutes ago, Go_Blue! said:

 

I thought the food prices were actually quite reasonable. The fried chicken sandwich with the maple bacon, gouda and fire sauce (or whatever it was) was fantastic. I can't wait to get back. Need to make a it a priority soon.

 

We have different tastes.

 

I was recently asked by a youngster about eating at Taco Bell. I simply showed him this video. That was enough explanation for him.

 

[Imp]

I know the left coast has lots of great golf, what about if I were to bring the clubs with me and someplace down South? Like between Detroit and Grand Rapids?  I have some work coming up in the area and it's NOT winter for once when I'm going. 🙂

[Curmudg3on]

Big gap between Grand Rapids and Detroit.   Could you narrow it down?  There are a lot of courses around Detroit.

[Imp]

16 minutes ago, DennyJones said:

Big gap between Grand Rapids and Detroit.   Could you narrow it down?  There are a lot of courses around Detroit.

I fly into Detroit. Rent a car. Drive to grand rapids/battle creek/KZoo area for work, so anywhere along that route... suggestions? Can even get up to Lansing (usually Sunday afternoon rounds which shouldn't be difficult) Then, I drive back to Detroit and fly out, offering another opportunity to play later in the week. Afternoon rounds after 4pm during the week may be difficult, but not impossible, and I don't mind driving an hour if it's worth it for those afternoon rounds, since daylight exists later in the afternoons/nights since west side of time zone... So... How narrow do you WANT me to be? 😉

Edited June 22, 2021 by Imp

[Curmudg3on]

If you drive thru Lansing, you could try to get on MSU's course, Forest Akers West.  

North of A² is Fox Hills.   It's worth playing.   

Along the I-96 corridor are the Detroit Metropark courses, Kensington and Huron Meadows.

 

I can't speak for courses along I-94 but I believe there are some very nice courses around Battle Creek. 

[3_Jack_Par]

The Grande in Jackson and The Medalist in Marshall are both worth a stop. Angels Crossing is also a decent option near Kzoo.

 

[postfold]

Along I-96 between Grand Rapids and Detroit you have Thornapple Pointe and Saskatoon on the SE side of GR.  Thornapple is a very nice course.  I haven't played Saskatoon in years but remember it as being decent.

 

In Lansing Eagle Eye and Hawk Hollow might be options, though they would be a bit out of the way since they're on the north side of town.  Eagle Eye is pretty highly rated and a good test.

[Imp]

Great. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Chanceman]

On 6/14/2021 at 10:45 PM, Go_Blue! said:

Just got back from a trip our trip to the West side of the state. Played Stonehedge South on Thursday, Harbor Shores and Hawkshead on Friday, Hawkshead and American Dunes on Saturday, and Stoatin Brae on Sunday.

 

First time playing all but the GL courses. Harbor Shores was nice and fun, however it was a little quirky. Definitely would play again, but some of the quirks took away from the experience.

 

Hawkshead is a great layout and fun track. We stayed at one of their cottages and it was spectacular. What a great little coastal town experience. The hospitality and amenities really stood out. Great atmosphere and food. Had a great dinner there. 

 

American Dunes. Wow. So many emotions. Moving, emotional, inspiring and reverent just begin to touch upon all of the feelings when stepping foot on the property. Without even thinking about it, course was easily top 10 I've played. Loved every second. Can't wait to get back out there. Felt at home.

 

This trip made me realize how special it is on the West side of the state. The environment is just so different and laid back. We are truly blessed to have so many great areas to tee it up here.

How did you like Stoatin Brae in comparison to HH and AD?

[HappyGilmoresBoots]

10 hours ago, postfold said:

Along I-96 between Grand Rapids and Detroit you have Thornapple Pointe and Saskatoon on the SE side of GR.  Thornapple is a very nice course.  I haven't played Saskatoon in years but remember it as being decent.

 

In Lansing Eagle Eye and Hawk Hollow might be options, though they would be a bit out of the way since they're on the north side of town.  Eagle Eye is pretty highly rated and a good test.

I'll second Hawk Hollow - played there just a few days ago and was absolutely astonished at how great the course was!