As any avid Michigan golfer knows, we will try and get as much golfing done as we can before the snow begins to fly. Concentration, fun and camaraderie with calls of, “shoot ‘em straight” can be found on course after course around the Metro Detroit Area. But where is the best place to golf in Metro Detroit? Well, that all depends on who you ask.
Whether it be a local spot that you frequent or a favorite get away further Up North, every golfer has their preferred course. It’s no wonder, since there are so many absolutely stunning courses in the beautiful state of Michigan. Actually, Michigan has the third most golf courses in the United States coming in behind only Florida and California. So, with this abundance of choices, what are the best ones?
We scoured the net to gather a general consensus of the best public golf courses in the Metro Detroit area. Using sources like World Golf, Michigan Golf and more, we were able to compile a list of the most popular courses in the area. And while we are not arguing that some of the most breathtaking courses may be further Up North, there are quite a few around here that can also take your breath away, both with their beauty as well as their degree of difficulty!
Number one on the list is Shepherd’s Hollow in Clarkston.
This picturesque course offers 27 holes of championship golf, complete with range facilities, a full service restaurant and a pro shop. The course is surrounded by miles of field and forest and is arguably the best public golf course in the Metro Detroit Area. Don’t be fooled by its beauty however, this course can be very difficult with it’s hilly terrain and challenging greens. It is quite worth it though, as you golf surrounded by pristine wilderness and a calm that makes you feel as though you are golfing in the north woods of Michigan! In addition, Golf Digest ranked Shepherd’s Hollow the 42nd best public golf course in the nation!
Prices for Shepherd’s Hollow vary depending on day and time of day you are playing. To play 18 holes, it can cost you anywhere from $45 to $80.
Information for Shepherd’s Hollow
9085 Big Lake Road
Village of Clarkston, MI 48346
(248) 922-0300
shepherdshollow.com
Coming in second is Moose Ridge in South Lyon
This is another course that makes you feel as though you have driven hours north to golf, when really it is located just a few miles outside of the city of South Lyon. Moose Ridge is an 18-hole course that is truly spectacular as it appears that each holes seems to be cut right out of the surrounding pines and ravines. Complete with a driving range, pro shop and a full service restaurant, The Moose Grill, this course has it all. It boasts a tranquil feel all the while offering challenges for every level of golfer.
Prices for Moose Ridge vary depending on when you play there. For 18 holes, you can expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $65. One of the nice things about Moose Ridge is that they offer husband and wife packages as well as parent & child 9 hole deals. This is great for those families that love golf!
Information for Moose Ridge
12756 10 Mile Rd
South Lyon, MI 48178
(248) 446-9030
mooseridgegolf.com
Next on the list is The Orchards in Washington Township.
The Orchards is an 18-hole championship course that was designed by internationally acclaimed golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr. Some will argue that this is the best course in Southeast Michigan. This gem of a course certainly holds its own, offering stunning scenery coupled with immaculate fairways and greens. Though the fairways are a bit more open then some of the other courses we have featured, your patience will surely be tested on the challenging greens! The course has a full service clubhouse, a pro shop and a practice facility that boasts a 27,000 square foot practice green!
Current prices for The Orchards are $45 for midweek golf and $55 for weekends and holidays.
Information for the Orchards
62900 Campground Rd
Washington, MI 48094
(586) 786-7200
orchards.com
Up next is Northville Hills Golf Club in Northville.
Northville Hills Golf Club is a stunningly beautiful course that sits on a 926-acre site surrounded by more than 650 homes that range anywhere from $400,000 to $1.5 million! Though this course seems like it would be private, it is not and is open to the public. Complete with an Arnold Palmer championship layout, a full service restaurant, practice facilities and a pro shop, the course has everything! It also has natural beauty with its expansive, untouched wetlands, tall swaying grasses and plenty of water. The fairways are wide and the greens are large, but don’t be looking for them to be too forgiving… this course has many rolling slopes and changes in elevation!
Prices for Northville Hills Golf Club are currently $49 Monday through Thursday, $54 on Fridays and $59 for weekends and holidays for 18 holes.
Information for Northville Hills Golf Club
15565 bay Hill Drive
Northville, MI 48168
(734) 667-4653
northvillehillsgolfclub.com
Last but certainly not least on our list, is Fieldstone Golf Club in Auburn Hills.
Fieldstone Golf Course has changed many people’s minds about what a great golf course should be over the years. Originally, this was a lack luster course called Arrowhead, but the city of Auburn Hills decided to change that. With the help of renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills, the city plowed under the old course and created Fieldstone, an 18-hole, beautiful course that has been hailed as one of the top ten best golf courses in South East Michigan for well over a decade now! Challenging, sometimes quirky, but always fun, this course has even been the site of several Buick Open qualifiers. The course is complete with a restaurant, pro shop and practice facilities.
Prices for Fieldstone Golf Club are $43 for weekdays and $47 for weekends and holidays.
Information for Fieldstone Golf Course
1984 Taylor Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(248) 370-9354
fieldstonegolfclub.com