ELDORADO GOLF CLUB (231) 779-9977
Michigan Golf Course Review - 6/28/03 - Photos updated July, 2007
Eldorado Golf Club in Cadillac, Michigan has received rightful recognition from respected golf publications
including being named as the Best Value in the Great Lakes Area, as well as best place for lunch at a golf facility
by Great Lakes Golf. The immaculately groomed layout features numerous elevated tees and gorgeous green
complexes amidst a rolling terrain, with lakes and abundant marsh areas connected by 4200 feet of wooden
bridges. The penncross putting surfaces average 11,000 square feet, and present a memorable challenge with
considerable slopes and subtle but tricky undulations. Being able to chip close to the hole from short distances
while reading these greens accurately is a skill that will come in handy, and one that can make a difference of a
few strokes here. Most of the greens are sloped back to front, and many run sideways in one direction or the
other. Prior course knowledge/experience is a great advantage on this course, as up and downs can be difficult.
The clubhouse at Eldorado houses a full service pro shop, with Titleist club fitting available. There are separate
men's and women's locker rooms with showers. The Cadillac Grille offers award winning casual fare and
ambiance that will satisfy golfers, and also features facilities that can accommodate large groups for banquets,
outings, conferences, wedding receptions and special events. You can enjoy an evening entrée or cocktail in the
dining room or on the spacious deck. The views from the clubhouse, especially of the 18th hole, are stunning.
The practice facilities include an ample grass range and a huge putting green, where chipping is also allowed.
On course the yardages are measured by color coded markers at 100/150/200 yards. Some sprinkler heads are also marked, and small flags indicate the day's pin placement. The well sculpted tee areas have
measurements to the center of the green provided for on each box. At 6836 yards and a 137 slope, Eldorado
welcomes the best from scratch golfers. The blue tees measure 6387 with a 128 slope, while the whites are
5880/117. We opted to play the blues on the front (3006 yards), although the championship tees are also
playable from 3195 yards. The white tees measure 3068 and the blues 3381 on the back side, which plays much
longer from all five tee boxes. An intermediate tee plays to a 127 slope for ladies, at 5232 yards, and the forward
tees measure 4923 with a 115 slope rating. With 5 sets, every player should be able to choose a distance that is conducive to their abilities.
Hole number one is the top handicap as it plays to a narrow fairway with a marsh fronting the green about 60
yards away. The approach is all carry. The second plays over a partially hidden water hazard - you must reach to
at least the 150 marker to be safe. The third is a pretty par three - another carry over water. Aim to the right of
the left fairway traps on four, as the slope of the mounds will guide the ball back towards the center. Land on the
fairway and this is a very score-able hole. The par four 5th also features a short carry off the tee. Be wary of the
pond short right which juts out towards the fairway on that side about 90 yards out. There is a generous fairway
off the tee on six, but the approach narrows to an especially tight green complex. This also is a good scoring
hole. After a simple par three, the relatively short par five 8th throws some curves. A swamp about 115 yards out
comes into play - do not be short on the approach. A shot banking off the grass wall behind the green creates an
exciting option. The ninth doglegs left but a shot placed to the left center of the fairway leaves the clearest approach. A pond just short left of the green also curls in front to that side.
A drive past the clubhouse leads to the tenth, a mid length par five that presents a great birdie opportunity. The
putting surface that slopes towards the front and also left to right is the main obstacle here. The elevated tee on
11 leads to a narrow fairway, with the right side being the preferred landing area. Twelve is another all-carry par
three, this time with a marsh fronting and a sand bunker in back of the green. This precedes a tough par four that
is a completely different hole from the white tees (323 versus 438 from the blues). A pond comes into play just
short and right of the green, which is severely sloped back to front. The 14th is straight and score-able, and is
followed by dogleg right par four that requires a lay up just right of the cart path. Pay attention to the yardages on
the tee boxes, which denote distances to the end of the fairway. This info is provided on many of the trickier
holes...nice touch! There is an ample fairway on number 16, which is the longest hole on the course. The
approach, with a tall white pine left and green side bunker right, is quite challenging. Another par three - and
another tee shot that is all carry awaits on 17. Players that can hit high, soft landing irons will have an opportunity
to score well on the 4 par threes at Eldorado. The finishing hole is a tough one...A long and accurate tee shot will
leave a long to mid iron, and perhaps even a fairway wood approach over a considerable water hazard - with not
much room for error. A strong start on number one (# 1 handicap) and a finish that is likewise on 18 (# 2 handicap) - sets the tone and can make or break your round.
This is a great layout - that can be as playable or as challenging as you desire. Choose the correct tees and
have at it. Eldorado is very conveniently located just off Highway 115, 1/4 mile north of 131. Look for the sign
with an Eldorado automobile - which is placed high at the top of the tree line on the south side of the street (left
side when coming from central Michigan). Make a left and you will run into it. Highly recommended by the twoguyswhogolf!
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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