Give golf in Ann Arbor a try
By Jeff Chaney

Football, basketball and hockey draw their share of fans to Ann Arbor every year, but when those sports are not being contested on a major campus near you, Ann Arbor is a thriving golf destination offering plenty of challenge.

If you are looking to play one of the most challenging holes in the state, then Braeburn Golf Club is the place for you. Home of the monster, Braeburn’s No. 13, 617-yard, par-5 double dogleg has been rated the toughest public golf hole in the state. COST: $32 to play 18 with cart on weekday, $44 to ride 18 on the weekend. PHONE: 800-714-6700.

Another challenging round can be found at Leslie Park Golf Course. In the span of the past six years, Leslie Park has been rated one of the top 10 municipal courses in the state. It also has been rated the 16th-best public course — out of 700 public courses in Michigan. COST: $36.50 to ride 18 on weekdays, $39.50 to ride 18 on weekends. PHONE: 734-994-1163.

Lake Forest Golf Club, situated on 170 acres of undeveloped land, is Ann Arbor’s newest championship golf course. With four sets of tees, Lake Forest is playable for all abilities. And to practice for your round, Lake Forest has one of the most modern practice facilities. Recently, Lake Forest was nominated for Golf Digest’s list of top new public courses, which has not yet been released. COST: $35 to ride 18 of weekdays, $45 to ride 18 on weekends PHONE: 734-994-8580.

For a northern touch, Pine View Golf Course is the track to play. Situated in thousands of pine trees, especially on the back nine, Pine View offers golfers the feel of playing one of Northern Michigan’s best courses. Particularly welcoming to senior and women golfers, Pine View offers special prices for seniors, and special leagues for women. COST: $39 to ride 18 of weekdays, $45 to ride 18 on the weekend. PHONE: 800-214-5963.

If you want a chance to play 18 holes of championship golf, and get playing tips in the process, Eagle Crest Golf Club can help. Eagle Crest now has all of its carts equipped with the Parview GPS system. You may need that Global Positioning System to play Eagle Crest’s signature hole, the 520-yard, par-5 No. 16. COST: $55 to ride on the weekdays, $65 to ride on the weekends. PHONE: 734-487-2441.

Staying dry is a primary objective when playing Stonebridge Golf Club. An Arthur Hills-designed course, water comes into play on 13 of the 18 holes at Stonebridge. But, while causing possible trouble, the natural wetlands also add to the course’s natural beauty. Stonebridge also is a Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Stonebridge’s signature hole is its 215-yard, par-3 No. six hole. COST: $49 to ride 18 on weekdays, $59 to ride 18 on weekends. PHONE: 734-429-8383.

Fox Hills is a 45-hole public golf course and banquet center that is home to the links style championship course, the Golden Fox, which was designed by Arthur Hills. Situated on rolling terrain with natural grasslands and woods, Fox Hills features a driving range and pro shop. The 321-yard, par-4 fourth hole is the Golden Fox’s signature hole. While it plays just 321 yards, this hole leaves little room for error. Players must carry their tee shot 170 yards over wetlands to a landing area that is protected by three fairway traps. Golfers are then faced with 150 yards to a small green, but must carry a small stream in the process.

On one of the few walking-only courses around, golfers can enjoy the beauty and quiet of the game at Fox Hills. PHONE: (734) 429-7272).

The 18th hole at Huron Hills, a 358-yard par-4, offers a fantastic view of the Huron River, Gallup Park and surrounding woodlands, from the highest point on the golf course. The tee shot is played over a series of cascading hills, past a grove of tall oaks, to the landing area nearly 40 feet below. The approach shot is played to a subtly undulated green, guarded by three bunkers to the left, right and rear. PHONE: (734) 971-6840.

The full-service facility at Reddeman Farms boasts a 6,513-yard championship layout featuring rolling fairways and undulating greens in a peaceful, country setting just west of Ann Arbor. Water on 13 holes offers challenge and excitement for every caliber of golfer. Full banquet and outing service also are available.

The signature hole at Reddeman Farms is the 507-yard, par-5 final hole. This long par-5 opens with a slightly uphill drive to a wide-open fairway. The second shot leaves two options, go for the green or lay-up, the second choice leaving a short iron to the green. Either way, you may be faced with a challenging water hazard that protects the front of the green. This hole finishes with a picturesque backdrop of the club house and deck. PHONE: (734) 475-3020.

Contact the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling (800) 888-9487, or visit www.annarbor.org.