ELK RIDGE GOLF CLUB ( 989-785-2275)
Review 6/28/04
Elk Ridge is a Jerry Matthews designed golf course in Atlanta - located between the fine resorts in Gaylord and
the Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman, which features this course in their stay and play packages. Rated 4 1/2 stars
out of five (Golf Digest Places to Play 2006/07), Elk Ridge meanders over an extremely rolling and forested
terrain with finely manicured playing surfaces, large undulating greens and strategic bunkering on the fairways
and greenside. Water hazards in the form of beautiful lakes, pond and streams add to the aesthetic beauty and
to the challenge of one of Northern Michigan's top designs. In 1991 this layout was named the "Second Best
New Course in America" (also Golf Digest), and was listed at # 47 in America's Top 75 Best Upscale Public Courses.
On course golfers will have little difficulty ascertaining yardages to the green, as a variety of measurement
systems are in place. There are 100, 150 and 200 yardage blocks on the fairways, and color coded stakes for
these distances are also located near the cart paths. Sprinkler heads are also marked and red, green and gold
flags indicate the day's hole locations. Four sets of tees measure 7072 yards/143 slope, 6654 yards/138 slope,
6113 yards/133 slope (recommended for average players), and 5261/130 slope from the forward tees. Hole diagram/yardage cards are also available - and recommended, and are complimentary.
The property features a driving range that is uniquely terraced into the hillside, with target areas of various
lengths. A large double tiered putting green is adjacent to the clubhouse - which is spectacular in its own right. A
spacious pro shop is stocked with the latest in attire and golf accessories, and locker rooms for men and women
are located downstairs next to an upscale meeting/conference room. A restaurant/lounge presents a cozy,
relaxed atmosphere, and together with the enclosed patio can accommodate large groups for outings and
special events. The views - as evidenced from the tenth green looking up (pictured above) are outstanding.
The course begins with some interesting holes, and some good scoring opportunities, as numbers one through four are the 10th, 18th, 8th and 14th handicaps. A huge sand bunker will help golfers shape their tee shots on the
pretty par four second, and the 4th is a gorgeous par three over water that is nearly all carry, with about 10 yards
of grass in front of the putting surface. The third can drive a golfer crazy, as this snaking par five requires lay ups
to precise landing areas with the upcoming shot in mind - a true set up hole. Three of the remaining holes on the front dogleg to the right - with length and accuracy important factors.
The backside opens with a beautiful par three from elevated tee stations - to a putting complex that includes a pig shaped bunker (pictured at the top of this review). The 13th is also an extremely interesting hole, with a water
hazard along the left that comes into play just past the 200 yard marker, and a raised green complex with
numerous bunkers. Marshland comes into play on the 16th and 18th holes, pictured below. This is an extremely
challenging layout - as the slope ratings indicate, and one with outstanding variety. A left to right shot shape will
benefit golfers with the necessary distance on many of the par fours. The natural beauty and outstanding
conditioning from tee to green make a round here quite memorable, and highly recommended. For more information, visit our page for Elk Ridge, with a link to their website, by clicking here.
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