CALDERONE FARMS GOLF CLUB (517-522-6661)
Michigan Golf Course Review - 5/13/05
One thing was clear after our visit to Caldorone Farms in early May 2005 - this is one of the best golfing values in
Michigan! ($45 including cart prime time in 2005) Folks driving by on I-94 at exit 150 in Grass Lake can see a
portion of the course from the road...this is the only section of the course with any hustle, bustle, noise, etc. Most
of the layout winds along a drastically rolling, secluded terrain - with some exceptional golf holes defining a wonderful golf experience.
Sculpted tee areas and manicured bent grass fairways create a good impression, and the undulations along the
fairways and greenside certainly make a round here interesting. This Billy Newcomb championship design
provides a resort quality experience, with challenging championship character. The conditioning from tee to
green in early May was outstanding for a course in this price range. The links nature means all levels of players
will have ample opportunities to find the landing zones off the tee - but scoring on the medium to large undulating
putting surfaces, with natural grass, mounding, bunkering and greenside swales - may be another story.
Five sets of tees play to distances measuring 7004 , 6531, 6155, 5731 and 5148 yards. Course ratings and
slopes were not available on our visit - but we would estimate the top slope rating to be 130 plus...This is a fair
yet challenging test, which will afford skill players with the opportunity to play a variety of greenside shots - from
the bump and run to high arcing lobs. The partial cart paths play to fairways where level landing zones are usually
available along the undulating topography, but golfers will at some point have to play shots with the ball located sideways, or above/below their feet.
A variety of bunkers are located along the fairways and greenside - from conventional white soft sand, to course
waste bunkers to the unconventional grass traps that can be found near the sides of many of the putting
complexes. There are three ponds on property - providing water hazards for the 7th, 9th, 12th and 18th holes.
Numbers nine and eighteen are especially beautiful golf holes - as a pond is situated in the middle - with elevated tee areas play to valley fairways and then back up to raised green complexes.
The extras at Caldorone Farms include a nice practice facility with spacious putting green, plus a secluded
grass range with separate rest room facilities and snack machines. The clubhouse is fashioned in a trailer unit,
and includes a small pro shop plus snack area with beverages and hot and cold sandwiches. Nothing spectacular - but at Caldorone Farms the extremely reasonable green fee gets you an outstanding golf
experience - with mostly un-crowded conditions. If you have not played Caldorone Farms - know that it is worth
the drive (about 20 - 25 minutes past Ann Arbor) to play this course. Everyone we have talked to that has played
here agrees - this is a highly recommended golf experience - with good bang for the buck! For more info including a direct link to their website click here.
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