EAGLE EYE AT HAWK HOLLOW (517-351-3500)
Michigan Golf Course Review 9/13/04
Eagle Eye Golf Club is destined to be one of the most talked about layouts in Michigan. Opened for play on
August 1st of 2003, Eagle Eye is the sister course to the original 27-hole design at Hawk Hollow - which boasts
one of Mid-Michigan's top golf facilities. Hawk Hollow features a full service pro shop, expansive clubhouse with
lounge, patio and banquet areas, plus an expansive practice facility with 2 grass ranges, putting greens and a
short game area, plus an 18-hole putting course. The Falcon, also part of the Hawk Hollow complex, is a nine
-hole walking course located just a mile south of the main property. Eagle Eye is situated across the road from
Hawk Hollow, and also features a huge practice green and grass range. The clubhouse currently under
construction will feature between 64,000 - 70,000 square feet of space housing a full service pro shop, lockers
with showers, an exercise room, lounge and restaurant with outdoor patio, plus upscale banquet/outing and
special events facilities that can accommodate up to 800 people! When completed in 2004, this facility should
help Hawk Hollow to be recognized as one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest. 45 holes of high
caliber championship golf, a nine hole course ideal for beginners or those looking for a quick economical round,
an 18-hole putting course - plus two full service clubhouses equipped to handle just about any event or outing. Together these facilities are tough to match!
Eagle Eye is the crown jewel of this property - and was already in ideal shape when we reviewed it 6 weeks after
its opening date. There were a few rough spots around the edges with construction still going on and
landscaping still settling in - but the fairways, tees, greens and bunkers were in excellent condition - and the
layout is eye-popping with some uniquely designed holes, including this island green par three
Fescue mounding along the fairways and behind many of the putting complexes provide an old Scottish course
feel along this beautiful links style layout, which also features considerable sand waste areas and bunkering, plus water hazards that are in play on 13 holes.
The course is extremely well marked with yardages posted on each tee box, 100 and 200 yard blocks in the
fairways, 150 yard stakes on all par fours and fives, and sprinkler heads measured to the center of the green.
The six pin placements are diagramed on each scorecard, which also provides a course layout and information
on the depth of the putting surfaces, along with recommendations on tee selections weighted against handicaps. A yardage guide booklet is also available and heartily recommended
, as hole measurements and tips provided are extremely useful for first time visitors. Unique to Eagle Eye are the wooden rakes at each of the
bunkers and wooden flagsticks on each hole. The numerous water stations provide sterilized coolers that are evenly dispersed along the course.
The five sets of tee boxes at Eagle Eye are symmetrically balanced with about 400-500 yards difference
between each set. The 7318 yard golds make a round from the tips one of the longest in the state. The blacks at
6908 would be the championship tees at most courses. At 6444 the blues are recommended for those with a
handicap in the 9-15 range, and the whites provide a good test for the average golfer at 5928 yards. Players from the forward tees will find the layout quite playable from 5109 yards.
The opening hole is best played from the right side of the fairway, with the 150 yard stake being a good target. A
huge bunker left and mounded fescue around the green make this a challenging approach. Numbers two and
three are very score-able, although the tee shot on the par three 2nd must carry a considerable waste bunker.
Pay attention to the yardage booklet on three - long hitters may be tempted to go for the green on this short par
four - but there is trouble everywhere. A lay up near the 100 yard marker is the safest play. If not being pressed
by the group behind, you might want to drive up to the green before hitting your approach, which is partially blind.
The # 1 handicap is next. This par five plays into the prevailing wind and presents a tight approach with water left
and fescue mounds right. Leaving 100-120 yards and playing this as a three shot hole is the recommended
method for success. Water all along the left side and numerous pot bunkers on the right make the fifth one of the
most challenging par threes you will find anywhere. Par is great here. Six and seven are par fours of reasonable
length, with water along the left the main obstacle to a good score on the former. On the latter, a tee shot leaving
about 135-150 yards for the approach will take the creek out of play. There is lots of sand to deal with for shots
falling short on each of these holes. The eighth has more bark than bite - avoid the intimidating fairway bunkers
and this par four can be a confidence builder. The ninth is a gorgeous golf hole, and also one of the most difficult
at Eagle Eye. The safest plan of attack is to play this as a three shot par five, hugging the right side along the
way. Approaches from the left will be somewhat blind, with mounding in front and water closely guarding the left side of the green - very little room for error.
The back side is quite a bit longer, especially from the blue tees (nearly 200 yards longer at 3315). Golfers with
handicaps in the 14-20 range or mid/high handicappers sensitive to playing under 6000 yards may opt to play
the blues on the front (3129) and the white tees on the back (3069) creating a 6200 yard layout - not a bad
choice. Number ten invites a grip it and rip it mentality off the tee, but the approach requires some finesse with
water left coming into play about 120 out, and bunkers and mounds protecting the right side. Pay attention to the
pin placement, as swales and ridges divide this green into 3 sections. The right side of the fairway is best on the
heavily bunkered 11th, which precedes a long par three (237 from the tips) featuring the largest green on the
course. The depth is 60 yards so be sure to go for the flag here. Long hitters can aim over the left edge of the
fairway bunker along the water on 13, leaving a reasonable approach on the number two handicap. The safest
play is just right of the left sand trap, which leaves a much longer second shot. The par five14th is handicapped
at # 18, with eagles available for long hitters - and bogeys as well. Played as a three shot hole - avoiding the
water hazard left of the fairway and pot bunkers along the way, birdies and pars should be the norm. The raised
putting complex will demand some accurate chips and pitches. Fifteen presents plenty of room off the tee, but
another raised green slopes down in all directions, creating the need for high, soft approaches. A huge pot
bunker also guards the front. The left side of the fairway will set up the best approach on 16, as a tall tree blocks
entry from the right. Water and a long bunker guard the green short and right. The 17th is a beautiful par three to
an island green - pictured earlier in this review. With the smallest green of the layout, this is an especially
challenging hole if the wind is up. The finishing hole is also quite spectacular, and is a par you will have to earn.
A lake runs the length of the hole along the right side, and menacing fescue rests all along the left. Mounding
guards the approach from the left side and a huge bunker protects the right about 110 yards out. Pay attention to the pin placement, as the green is undulating and double-tiered.
Folks in the Lansing area are fortunate indeed, to have such a first class golf facility that is so conveniently
located and easily accessible. Detroiters have just an hour and a half drive - well worth it! There is something for
everyone at the Hawk Hollow property, which boasts the finest practice facilities in Mid-Michigan, and also fulfills
a much needed venue for beginning players in their nine hole walking course (carts are also available on the
Falcon). The Hawk Hollow 27-hole course is wonderful - and Eagle Eye is SPECTACULAR - and will only get better with maturity. Regular rates will top out at around $85 prime season. Check this one out!
Check out the Two Guys Who Golf detailed information page on this course (which includes a link to the course's website if available) - click here.
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