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

[MattM97]

Will be in the Ann Arbor area on August 2-5th for the Hatch Golf event, obviously want to play a few rounds so looking for like 2-4 course suggestions. One person wants to go play Forest Dunes but that's a hike, have a friend there that gave me a few suggestions but just want to see others. 

[King_Slender]

42 minutes ago, 3_Jack_Par said:

Dave Kendall is part of the ownership group that owns Washtenaw now. They bought it maybe 4 or 5 years ago -- I can't remember if Polo Fields sold it to someone else before that, or if the current owners bought it from them, but it's been a while since Washtenaw was affiliated. They have been working on making some updates to the course (tree removal, reshaping/expanding some greens, etc.) and I think there may be a larger renovation coming in the next few years.

 

I can see some trees being taken out, but it didn't seem too necessary.

 

Biggest change I'd make is redoing the 12th green (little downhill Par 3), which is a literal postage stamp that's super sloped.  

[3_Jack_Par]

3 minutes ago, King_Slender said:

 

I can see some trees being taken out, but it didn't seem too necessary.

 

Biggest change I'd make is redoing the 12th green (little downhill Par 3), which is a literal postage stamp that's super sloped.  

They took a bunch of trees out at the start of last year, which was a positive change. The 8th green is the first thing that I think they should re-do. There's really only one place where they ever put the pin (back left) because the slope everywhere else makes it impossible to stop the ball on the green if you're putting from above the hole. They basically can't use 90% of the green for hole locations most of the year. They should blow that up and start over. 12 is annoying, too, because there's a very small spot where you can land the ball on the green without it spinning back off the front. I usually hit a 3/4 shot to try to keep it from spinning too much, and it still rarely stays on top.

[3_Jack_Par]

19 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

Will be in the Ann Arbor area on August 2-5th for the Hatch Golf event, obviously want to play a few rounds so looking for like 2-4 course suggestions. One person wants to go play Forest Dunes but that's a hike, have a friend there that gave me a few suggestions but just want to see others. 

Within an hour of Ann Arbor:

Lansing Area: Eagle Eye/Hawk Hollow/Forest Akers West

Ann Arbor: UofM GC/Radrick Farms/Washtenaw GC (you need some connection to the university to get on UofM and Radrick, but it's not too hard to arrange that)

Jackson: The Grande

Western Detroit Burbs: The Cardinal at St. John's, Golden Fox, Northville Hills, Moose Ridge, Lyon Oaks

[MattM97]

1 minute ago, 3_Jack_Par said:

Within an hour of Ann Arbor:

Lansing Area: Eagle Eye/Hawk Hollow/Forest Akers West

Ann Arbor: UofM GC/Radrick Farms/Washtenaw GC (you need some connection to the university to get on UofM and Radrick, but it's not too hard to arrange that)

Jackson: The Grande

Western Detroit Burbs: The Cardinal at St. John's, Golden Fox, Northville Hills, Moose Ridge, Lyon Oaks

 

I think we want to play the UofM course and didn't know about Radrick but that looks nice too. I think my friend has some connections so they might get free golf getting us on there. I'll look into the others, Saturday is the event and will see how drained we are after that.  

[Pepetito]

44 minutes ago, 3_Jack_Par said:

Within an hour of Ann Arbor:

Lansing Area: Eagle Eye/Hawk Hollow/Forest Akers West

Ann Arbor: UofM GC/Radrick Farms/Washtenaw GC (you need some connection to the university to get on UofM and Radrick, but it's not too hard to arrange that)

Jackson: The Grande

Western Detroit Burbs: The Cardinal at St. John's, Golden Fox, Northville Hills, Moose Ridge, Lyon Oaks

You dont need a connection to the university to play UM or Radrick.  Its open for public play albeit more expensive.

[postfold]

8 hours ago, Pepetito said:

You dont need a connection to the university to play UM or Radrick.  Its open for public play albeit more expensive.

 

It's been a while since I have been in Ann Arbor, but last time I looked it was quite a bit cheaper if you were a guest of someone university-affiliated.

[golfortennis]

20 minutes ago, postfold said:

 

It's been a while since I have been in Ann Arbor, but last time I looked it was quite a bit cheaper if you were a guest of someone university-affiliated.

 

Yes.  You're paying $50 or so with a connection of some sort, $200 + I believe for a "public" time.  

 

Public wise in the area there is also Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti, and Leslie Park that I have heard good things about.  Have never played them myself, but have heard good things.

[postfold]

24 minutes ago, golfortennis said:

Public wise in the area there is also Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti, and Leslie Park that I have heard good things about.  Have never played them myself, but have heard good things.

 

And Huron Hills.  Do not play Huron Hills.  I played most of my golf there as a broke college student.  

[King_Slender]

20 hours ago, 3_Jack_Par said:

They took a bunch of trees out at the start of last year, which was a positive change. The 8th green is the first thing that I think they should re-do. There's really only one place where they ever put the pin (back left) because the slope everywhere else makes it impossible to stop the ball on the green if you're putting from above the hole. They basically can't use 90% of the green for hole locations most of the year. They should blow that up and start over. 12 is annoying, too, because there's a very small spot where you can land the ball on the green without it spinning back off the front. I usually hit a 3/4 shot to try to keep it from spinning too much, and it still rarely stays on top.

 

Yeah, pin was in the back on 8, so didn't really think too much about the rest of that green if that's the case. That's a great little hole, though. 

 

12 almost looks like "OK, we need another hole, let's just put a tiny green here" even though there is plenty of room there for a larger green and could be interesting to push the back right up to Paint Creek.

[Pepetito]

12 hours ago, postfold said:

 

It's been a while since I have been in Ann Arbor, but last time I looked it was quite a bit cheaper if you were a guest of someone university-affiliated.

Thats correct.

[3_Jack_Par]

2 hours ago, King_Slender said:

 

Yeah, pin was in the back on 8, so didn't really think too much about the rest of that green if that's the case. That's a great little hole, though. 

 

12 almost looks like "OK, we need another hole, let's just put a tiny green here" even though there is plenty of room there for a larger green and could be interesting to push the back right up to Paint Creek.

it effectively is up against the creek, because if you fly it long, it's bouncing into it (unless it's been rainy and it plugs or something). That's what makes it a challenging shot for such a short hole -- you have to judge the distance with the downhill drop, and also with a different wind direction than you've played in all day, because all the other holes to that point play basically perpendicular to the direction of 12, and if you go long, you're wet. That's why you see a lot of shots that land on the front of the green and spin back off the front. 

 

[Ger21]

On 5/31/2024 at 6:59 PM, bbury10 said:

Anyone else do this trip before? Tips, must stops, places to eat etc.

Stonehouse Restaurant in Escanaba was excellent. Right in the center of town on the corner.
I went in September 2 years ago, and got some bad weather. They actually closed Greywalls the day I was supposed to play, and I couldn't reschedule.
Both Sweetgrass and Sage Run were in great shape, with excellent greens.

[N8dogg2669]

I play on a Tuesday league at Greystone in Washinton Twp and I have to say on Tuesday the greens were as fast as I have ever seen them out there. I wish they would put sand on the carts because nobody replaces divots out there and the fairways are already mine fields. That course could really be something again, but I feel like it has become a league/outing course and will never be anything more. They did cut down that stupid tree on the left side of the 18th fairway though. I feel like it turned it into a much better hole. 

[Pepetito]

1 hour ago, N8dogg2669 said:

I play on a Tuesday league at Greystone in Washinton Twp and I have to say on Tuesday the greens were as fast as I have ever seen them out there. I wish they would put sand on the carts because nobody replaces divots out there and the fairways are already mine fields. That course could really be something again, but I feel like it has become a league/outing course and will never be anything more. They did cut down that stupid tree on the left side of the 18th fairway though. I feel like it turned it into a much better hole. 

I've played there more than any course in America but havent yet this year.

For nostalgia sake, I"m sad to hear they cut down that tree but I absolutely agree it makes it a better, albeit easier hole.

I used to use that tree as my aiming point on my tee shot as everything kicks right once it hits the ground.

[N8dogg2669]

3 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

I've played there more than any course in America but havent yet this year.

For nostalgia sake, I"m sad to hear they cut down that tree but I absolutely agree it makes it a better, albeit easier hole.

I used to use that tree as my aiming point on my tee shot as everything kicks right once it hits the ground.

 

lol, I did not shed a tear when I saw that thing cut down. That tree and I have battled over the years 

[Pepetito]

3 minutes ago, N8dogg2669 said:

 

lol, I did not shed a tear when I saw that thing cut down. That tree and I have battled over the years 

Doesnt change my thought process off the tee but you will have a better result with a straight shot lol. 

Before: Aim at the tree and hope you just miss. 

Now: Aim where the tree was.

 

I've known the GM of golf for 20 years, my younger brother and sister both had their first jobs there, so I've gotten more than my share of cheap golf there over the years though now I'm not as local so its usually just one annual outing I play there plus maybe one other round at some point.  

Edited June 6, 2024 by Pepetito
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[N8dogg2669]

30 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

Doesnt change my thought process off the tee but you will have a better result with a straight shot lol. 

Before: Aim at the tree and hope you just miss. 

Now: Aim where the tree was.

 

I've known the GM of golf for 20 years, my younger brother and sister both had their first jobs there, so I've gotten more than my share of cheap golf there over the years though now I'm not as local so its usually just one annual outing I play there plus maybe one other round at some point.  

 

Dave is a great guy, he's always taken care of us. No issues with the staff at all, they really take care of us. My problem is the golfers who don't take care of the course. 

[Pepetito]

20 minutes ago, N8dogg2669 said:

 

Dave is a great guy, he's always taken care of us. No issues with the staff at all, they really take care of us. My problem is the golfers who don't take care of the course. 

Dave is the man.

[AHernandez23]

Hey everyone, needing some help deciding where to play this summer. I will be bringing a group of 8 in August for 3 days of golf. We are staying in the Shanty Creek area, one day we're planning on playing Cedar River and possibly Hawks Eye.  I already have a day planned for Forest dunes. I am torn on where to play on day 3. Group doesn't mind driving, I'm considering Boyne to play The Heather and Arthur Hills, or Hidden River and catching a twilight round at Belvedere, or Bahle Farms with an evening round at Belvedere. Any advice would be much appreciated, Thanks!

[1puttTUT]

19 hours ago, Pepetito said:

I've played there more than any course in America but havent yet this year.

For nostalgia sake, I"m sad to hear they cut down that tree but I absolutely agree it makes it a better, albeit easier hole.

I used to use that tree as my aiming point on my tee shot as everything kicks right once it hits the ground.

 

I played an outing there a few weeks ago and they had us playing the white tees. So stupid, and obviously not how the course was designed for people who drive it 280+. I have another one next Friday and I'm really hoping we're playing the blues.

 

Happy to hear about the greens though!

[Pepetito]

3 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

 

I played an outing there a few weeks ago and they had us playing the white tees. So stupid, and obviously not how the course was designed for people who drive it 280+. I have another one next Friday and I'm really hoping we're playing the blues.

 

Happy to hear about the greens though!

Yeah, the next tees up (grey tees) are what I'd generally play there at around 6,270 and I'm someone who only drives it around 235-240.

Playing the whites when you are driving it 280 you cant have more than a flip wedge on any shot.  Takes all the bite out of a course that I wouldnt consider easy.

 

Not much of a brag cause it didnt go in but two years ago at an outing there on hole 16 the island green I had the closest I've ever came to a hole in one.  Flew it to the edge of the hole, hit the edge, rocked the pin, and bounced out to a foot away....and I didnt even get the closest to the pin lol.

Edited June 7, 2024 by Pepetito
edit

[1puttTUT]

17 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

Yeah, the next tees up (grey tees) are what I'd generally play there at around 6,270 and I'm someone who only drives it around 235-240.

Playing the whites when you are driving it 280 you cant have more than a flip wedge on any shot.  Takes all the bite out of a course that I wouldnt consider easy.

 

Not much of a brag cause it didnt go in but two years ago at an outing there on hole 17 the island green I had the closest I've ever came to a hole in one.  Flew it to the edge of the hole, hit the edge, rocked the pin, and bounced out to a foot away....and I didnt even get the closest to the pin lol.

 

17 was the hole we started on, and I think it's the best example of playing the proper tees. It should be a tough hole where you hit some type of 230-250 shot and decide how far right you want to go without getting wet, then have an approach uphill over water. Instead we're all just trying to drive the green, and even a bad shot still clears and leaves a 20-30 yard chip.

[Pepetito]

2 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

 

17 was the hole we started on, and I think it's the best example of playing the proper tees. It should be a tough hole where you hit some type of 230-250 shot and decide how far right you want to go without getting wet, then have an approach uphill over water. Instead we're all just trying to drive the green, and even a bad shot still clears and leaves a 20-30 yard chip.

I actually meant hole 16 with my post, the par 3.  

 

Man hole 17 has ate me alive over the years.  You used to be able to blow it WAY left and still have a decent AND flat lie though you would have a longer shot into the green.  Now with that house there you cant blow it way left, it really does force you to pick how much you want to take off the tee (from the proper tees of course).  

[3_Jack_Par]

14 hours ago, AHernandez23 said:

Hey everyone, needing some help deciding where to play this summer. I will be bringing a group of 8 in August for 3 days of golf. We are staying in the Shanty Creek area, one day we're planning on playing Cedar River and possibly Hawks Eye.  I already have a day planned for Forest dunes. I am torn on where to play on day 3. Group doesn't mind driving, I'm considering Boyne to play The Heather and Arthur Hills, or Hidden River and catching a twilight round at Belvedere, or Bahle Farms with an evening round at Belvedere. Any advice would be much appreciated, Thanks!

Bahle Farms and Belevedere in the same day seems like a ton of driving, especially on the third day of a trip. That's probably over 3 hours in the car. If you were going to combine something with Belvedere, somewhere like Bay Harbor, one of the Highlands courses, Sundance at A-Ga-Ming, or the Alpine at Boyne Mountain seem like they would make a lot more sense.

[Go_Blue!]

On 6/3/2024 at 10:47 AM, MattM97 said:

 

I think we want to play the UofM course and didn't know about Radrick but that looks nice too. I think my friend has some connections so they might get free golf getting us on there. I'll look into the others, Saturday is the event and will see how drained we are after that.  

 

Coming from someone playing both courses weekly, Radrick is so much better. 
 

On 6/3/2024 at 11:29 AM, Pepetito said:

You dont need a connection to the university to play UM or Radrick.  Its open for public play albeit more expensive.

 

Radrick you do. Membership or open to faculty/staff. 

[MattM97]

8 minutes ago, Go_Blue! said:

 

Coming from someone playing both courses weekly, Radrick is so much better. 
 

 

Radrick you do. Membership or open to faculty/staff. 

 

Ok I'll try and get on Radrick if my friend is a member there or has connections, is the regular course still worth playing? 

[cassel191919]

24 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Ok I'll try and get on Radrick if my friend is a member there or has connections, is the regular course still worth playing? 

lol I couldn't disagree more with the previous post, The Mackenzie course is the best course in south east Michigan outside of Oakland Hills and Meadowbrook.  Radrick is a great track but the regular university course is the choice if you can only play one

[Go_Blue!]

1 hour ago, cassel191919 said:

lol I couldn't disagree more with the previous post, The Mackenzie course is the best course in south east Michigan outside of Oakland Hills and Meadowbrook.  Radrick is a great track but the regular university course is the choice if you can only play one

 

UofM is treated like a muni when it should be treated as a premier course. 

The greens aren’t taken care of, along  with the tee boxes. Pitch marks and divots everywhere. The greens are a fescue grass (awful) which is very grainy and sticky. The blind tee shots on the front (2, 4, 7). Bunkers are very inconsistent, and in many cases lacking sand. Course is just not taken care of like it should be. Is it a good course? Absolutely. But from a pure golf standpoint, Pete Dye’s first 18 hole design at Radrick is so much more pure. The greens are far superior. Layout is much better. Pace of play is 10x better. And location is 10x better. You aren’t surrounded by any noise (tennis complex behind 2 and tee of 3, AA Pioneer games being called, etc) at Radrick. It’s just a pure golf experience with nature all around you. The practice facility at Radrick is also a huge benefit as UofM only has 4 nets to hit into…very premier, lol. And my biggest issue is not being rewarded for good shots on multiple holes at UM. 

[Go_Blue!]

2 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

Ok I'll try and get on Radrick if my friend is a member there or has connections, is the regular course still worth playing? 

Absolutely. UM is a very good track and a must if you have never played it. I just prefer Radrick, as do most who have privileges at both. When you play both regularly, they really begin to separate.