(December 12, 2019)
The Motor City–Detroit, Mich., is known for its musical geniuses and, is the former headquarters of legendary Motown Records’, “Hitsville U.S.A.” Some of the best R&B sounds that I know, and love, came from this great town. Grab your headset, and pack your golf gear. I want to shed a spotlight on some of Michigan’s great weekend golf courses:
University of Michigan Golf Course
500 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Course manager Ms. Chantel Jackson brings an exceptional level of service to this course along with decades of experience in working with golf professionals and customers. This private course, owned by the University of Michigan, is where the UM golf team plays and practices. And their practice facility is state-of-the-art.
However, in order to gain access to these hilly greens, you’ll need to have an affiliation with the school either as an alum, school employee, student or local resident. Local residents pay a $500 annual fee for access. This fee goes to help preserve the course while offering the local community a means for teeing up here. But, check around, you’re sure to find someone friendly nearby who can help you get out on the greens.
Designed by Alistair MacKenzie— designer of Augusta National, he did a fabulous job in laying out the holes. It ranks in at 6,687 yards from the blue tees and has a rating/slope of 72/135. Constructed in 1932, it was renovated in 1992-94. Notably, the course was recently rated #3 among collegiate courses. The course is conveniently located right across the street from the UM Football Stadium and, however unbelievable this may sound, the course turns into a temporary parking lot during football season. That’s right, a parking lot. But, from the pristine look of the greens in the summer you would never know it.
Electric carts are available for rounds, but you may still find the undulating terrain a bit exhaustive. On the Blue, you’ll want to shoot accurately; it’s the signature hole, a 310 yard, par 4. And it and can be tricky. Misplace your ball here and it can roll on, and on, and on, down a gully, up the side of a bunker.
Overall, this course is definitely worth the visit to Southern Michigan. Weekday/weekend greens fees $63. Twilight: $27 (includes cart).
Motown Song I would associate with this course: You Keep Me Hangin’ On – Supremes
Oakland University Sharf Course
2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309
You won’t want to blink at this beautiful, stunning course. Spectacular views and animal life surround you at every hold. At several holes, I spotted a few deer and foxes running across the greens as songbirds of many varieties soared overhead. Sharf is definitely on my list of some of the most beautiful and relaxing courses that I’ve ever played. The weekend green fee (including cart) is $95.
The course was designed by Rick Smith and it opened in 2000. The facility is owned by Oakland University with a 50 tees driving range for its 36 regulation holes. At 7,225 yards, the course mandates your focus. It rates at 75.2 with a slope of 145 from the tips. The bent grass makes for rough play, but don’t get discouraged. The amenities here aren’t much to brag about, but the challenge of the round will keep you engaged and the beverage cart comes around frequently.
Motown Song I would associate with this course: You Make Me So Very Happy by Brenda Holloway.
Thanks to Pure Michigan, the authority on golf and outdoor activities for the state, you can plan out your rounds before ever leaving home. Their website offers a convenient way for locating courses of all types: www.michigan.org/golf/ In just a few clicks, you’ll be ready to hit the road for an awesome experience!
Shepard’s Hollow Golf Club
9085 Big Lake Rd., Clarkston, MI 48346
Don’t let this 420 acre course fool you. The 27-hole facility at Shepard’s Hollow is as marvelous of a challenge as it is beautiful. The course’s marketing slogan: “heaven on earth” and the course seems to deliver on every hole. It plays 3589 from the black tees and 3052 from the white. Greens fee weekend: $85, twilight: $49.
In 2000 Shepard’s Hollow was voted one of the “Top 10 You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. In 2002 Crain’s Detroit Business golf guide named the course as No. 1 in the five-county metro Detroit area. Course architect Arthur Hills imbued a slice of heaven with the 564-yard par-5. Pull out your long sticks here, because you’ll be swinging for the clouds. The course is lovely with its Southern-style clubhouse. You’ll truly feel the charm here among its small lake, and tall pine trees. It is Pure Michigan golf.
Motown Song I would associate with this course: Ooh Baby Baby by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.
Northville Hills Golf Club
15565 Bay Hill Dr., Northville, MI 48168-8655
This 18-hole public course, designed by Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay, ASGCA, cost $60 for weekend play and $30 at twilight (including cart). It stretches 7,003 for the gold tees and 4,956 for the red. The unique layout of the course brings into play all the native woodlands, natural wetlands, lakes and rolling slopes of the area. It’s a course for the everyday golfer: challenging yet not overwhelming, great for everyday play.
Here you will have ample opportunities to practice your swings, distances, and attempt multiple lay-ups while not losing your sanity. There is a well-stocked Pro-Shop and the course is a certified member of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.
Motown Song I would associate with this course: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.
For accommodations central to these great courses, select to stay at the MGM Grand Detroit. You experience charming accommodations that make you feel right at home. The MGM Grand Detroit has 400-rooms, several suites, with many top attractions and restaurants nearby including the Joe Louis Arena and Cobo Hall. Inside spots at the MGM Grand include Cucina, Steak, and Wolfgang Puck TAP. A luxurious spa and spacious swimming pool will pamper sore muscles and make you feel refreshed.
