Travel Michigan Golf

The Preserve - By Steve Ungrey

This is not your ordinary Arnold Palmer-designed golf course.

Ideally located in Fenton, just west of the U-S 23 expressway, The Preserve offers a golf course and residential community in a rural setting, all within easy reach of Southeast Michigan's thriving commercial and cultural centers.

"This is the ideal inland golf site," Palmer said. "It has unique rolling terrain and stunning mature trees found in a naturally beautiful setting. The Preserve has it all."

The rolling site was referred to by locals as Cloud Hill, reflecting its perch high above two lakes and a deep forest. Today, the 18-hole championship course that is on the site reflects the standards of excellence set by Palmer, whose course design company meticulously planned the semi-private club for discriminating golfers of all skill levels.

"We are a daily fee golf club with private privileges," said Preserve marketing director Trey Tollstam. "We consider this to be a signature course of Palmer's, and we have received letters from course users that consider this one of the top courses they have experienced."

The course features diverse holes meant for golfers of all playing abilities. For example, the sixth hole, a 155-yard par-3, is considered the trickiest yet most beautiful hole on the course. Views from the tees are stunning, and the 50-foot drop to a green fronted by a stone wall and backed by wetlands and bunkers demands accuracy.

The 16th hole, a 590-yard par-5, is the most diverse hole, complete with two options for golfers attempting to master its unique layout. The two options are defined by a wetland running down the middle of the hole. One can play it safe to the left, or be more daring and go right.

Your golf experience does not end with the course itself. Fine dining is available in the main dining hall, or choose the Preserve Bar and Grill for a more informal setting. Patio dining offers terrific views of the course, including the imposing 18th hole.

The Arnold Library offers quiet reading in case of rain or just for a moment of solitude. Shop the large pro shop for all your golfing needs, or reserve the Signature Club for private parties or corporate meetings.

Membership information is available by calling (877) ARNOLD1. For information on the course or its facilities, contact (810) 714-3206 or 714-3000 for information on building custom homes in the development.