 CLEARBROOK GOLF CLUB (269-857-2000)
Michigan Golf Course Review
Clearbrook Golf Club in Saugatuck is a beautiful Charles Darl Scott 18-hole championship design featuring rolling tree lined fairways and some extremely interesting water
hazards. The property presents some of the best green fee values in West Michigan and also is acclaimed for some of the finest dining available in the entire region, with a
restaurant that has won many awards. We enjoyed a great meal before our drive back to Detroit. They also have a driving range and two putting greens on property.
The overriding physical characteristic of Clearbrook is a meandering brook which runs through the property. Your tee shot or approach will be affected on eight holes, 6 of them
on the front. There also are 3 ponds that come into play on the opening nine. There is a good balance of difficulty between the front and back - the first nines feature all the even
handicapped holes, while the 2nd nine has all the odd number handicaps.
The opening four holes are fairly playable par 4's, though the second requires a long, accurate drive, followed by a tough approach over the creek. The par 5th is the prettiest hole
on the course and one of the most challenging. Grand Rapids Magazine has ranked this hole as one of the top 18 in West Michigan. The brook snakes its way close to the green,
requiring your approach to fly over it in two sections. There is a small landing area in-between if you choose to lay-up and play it safe. Numbers 6 And 7 are two of the easiest
holes on the course - a short uphill par five followed by a reasonable par 3. The eighth requires another approach over the seemingly endless creek, while the 9th is a relatively
long par 3 - and one of the few totally dry holes on the front.
The back opens up with a beautiful and challenging par 4, which is short but plays uphill. The water on the right will affect your tee shot if you hit it short. Number eleven is one of
the most birdie friendly holes on the course if you can land it on the correct portion of the green . After a challenging par 5 that requires an accurate approach as it doglegs slightly
to the right, you will be faced with a series of formidable par 4's concluding with the # 1 handicap on the course - the 450 yard 15th. Though not handicapped highly, the sixteenth
is a double dogleg requiring precision off the tee and near the green. Following a very do-able par three, the finishing hole packs more punch than you realize. This 330 yard par 4
has water hazards bordering the right fairway and offers your last chance to cross the creek on your way to the clubhouse. Although the back has less water hazards than the front
nine, it provides challenge with tight. sloping fairways, bunkers and mild elevation changes.
Clearbrook is a good test. The conditioning was quite good from tee to green, and the consistency of the putting surfaces was appreciated. We enjoyed the variety of the layout,
and used every club in our bag along the way. The doglegs are gentle so you will be tempted to use your driver often. Keep it straight and you can score well. We think you will be
happy with the conditions, service and interesting design!
For more information on this golf course click here to visit our detailed information listings.
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