Travel Michigan Golf

Shepherd's Hollow - By K. Edward Wright

Noted golf course architect Arthur Hills has been called upon by clients to route courses around any number of obstacles, but how often does a golf course architect need to fashion his design around a cemetery on the property?

In designing Shepherd's Hollow Golf Club, which is located in Clarkston on property leased from the Society of Jesus, the Roman Catholic Jesuit priests, Hills was required to route the course around the cemetery in which numerous Jesuits are buried, and also was called upon to build the course around a residence for retired priests that also is located on the property.

The Jesuits once operated a seminary on this 350-acre contemplative site in Clarkston, near the intersection of Interstate 75 and the Dixie Highway.

Now the property is occupied by Shepherd's Hollow, a 27-hole course that has become one of southeastern Michigan's most eagerly anticipated golf properties.

"The course is built around the house that the retired priests live in," said Shepherd's Hollow's managing partner, Mike Bylen, who noted that the course was named in recognition of the property's former and current residents.

"This is something. It's unique."

Shepherd's Hollow, which will play from 4,700-7,200 yards, depending upon which of the five sets of tees a player chooses to utilize, plans to open 18 holes in July, with the final nine holes scheduled to open in September.

"It is uncommon to get a piece of property like this," Bylen said. "We have 350 acres for these 27 holes, and there are some 18-hole courses built on 100 acres. It is a very serene site. It is very much a sanctuary. That's the way it feels."

The Shepherd's Hollow site in Clarkston also features hardwoods, ponds, and enough rolling landscape to provide not-too-challenging elevation changes. "We have very good elevation change on this golf course, but it is not so severe so as to make it less than enjoyable," Bylen said. "We have significant elevation changes, but those changes are gentle. It is nice rolling terrain."

A complete practice facility at Shepherd's Hollow will include a driving range, chipping area, pitching area and practice green. The clubhouse, which is expected to measure 8,000 square feet, will include a full pro shop and restaurant.

"I really believe that the three nines are all very strong nines," Bylen said. "I'm sure that once people get out there and start playing this course, everybody will have their personal preferences, their favorite nine or their favorite 18, but I don't think that will be unilateral."

Bylen noted that the four ponds at Shepherd's Hollow occupy only five of the property's 350 acres. He also noted that the third nine is located in the portion of the property where the Jesuits established their cemetery, as well as the Stations of the Cross.

Bylen said that the course should be considered upscale and that golf cars will be mandatory during the busiest times of the week. "You will always be able to walk, in the evenings or in the mornings," Bylen said, "but each of these nine is built on about 115 acres, so you would need to be a mountain goat to walk and carry your bag here."

For more information call Shepherd's Hollow at (248) 852-0200.