Greystone Golf Club (586-752-7030)
Michigan Golf Course Review- 10/15/02 - Photos updated June 7, 2007
The claim to fame for Greystone Golf Club, just west of Romeo off 32 Mile Road, is that it is the home to the "best
three finishing holes in Michigan Golf". It would be difficult to argue that point. Many of the newer Michigan
layouts provide memorable finishes - including Island Hills in SW Michigan, but these 3 rank right up there with the best.
Even more to the point is that Greystone is outstanding on all levels. The 6861 yards layout provides
considerable variety in shot selection, with a nice mix of open and tree-lined holes, with lots of water hazards and
strategically placed bunkers, and with a couple challenging doglegs. Five sets of finely sculpted tee boxes allow
golfers to choose from slopes ranging from 133 to 113, and from yardage measuring 6913, 6861, 6215, 6001
and 4816. The well-conditioned fairways have yardage plaques at 100, 150 and 200 yards, plus 150-yard
stakes and sprinkler heads measured to the center of the green. Color-coded flags indicate the day's pin
placements on the finely maintained greens that feature mild but tricky contours and undulations. Greystone goes
the extra yard with distances marked on the cart paths at 100/150/200 and 250 on par fives. This is an
outstanding feature that we wish all courses would adopt - and is especially helpful when the course is wet and is "cart path only" - saves time and a lot of frustration!
The clubhouse is completely upscale, with a fine pro shop, lush locker facilities with showers, plus excellent
banquet/outing and dining facilities. A lounge, featuring sandwiches, soups, salads and alcoholic and
nonalcoholic beverages sits at the back of the clubhouse, providing spectacular views of the 17th and 18 holes.
A grass range and practice green for putting and chipping are on property. Another appreciated amenity is the
information provided on each score card. Hole diagrams with tips on how to play each hole are a nice touch, and
especially helpful for first time visitors. The PGA Professional (David Graulau) and Course Superintendent
(David Jones) have done a wonderful job of maintaining and improving what has always been a fun experience,
to what now is in our opinion, one of the top golf properties in the Metro Detroit area. The full 4 stars should be awarded here!
The opening hole at Greystone is the #5 handicap, and warrants your attention right off the bat. What appears to
be a narrow opening actually opens up quite a bit, providing an ample landing area off the tee. The approach is
to an elevated green that slopes back to front. Number two is a pretty par three, from elevated tee areas to a two
-tiered putting surface flanked by water right and bunkers left. The par 4 third is a tight driving hole that demands
an accurately placed tee shot along the left side of the fairway, leaving a relatively easy approach. A double
dogleg par five is next. Land in the center of the fairway and you most likely will have a great opportunity to reach
in regulation - or in two for big hitters. This green, like many on the front nine, has some tricky pin placements -
you will have to earn par or better here. A good tee shot on number five to the right side near the 150 marker,
may set up a good birdie opportunity, though the bunkers near the green protect both sides. The sixth is nearly all
carry over an intimidating marsh and plays uphill - long is preferable to short here. There are two greens so be
sure to check the yardage before teeing off. The par four 7th is only 350 from the tips, but requires an accurate
tee shot to the left center of the fairway. Long hitters may choose to cut off some distance by aiming over the left
side of the tree line to the right. The uphill nature of the approach to a challenging green complex on the par five
8th makes this the # 1 handicap. A water hazard short right and sloping mounds and bunkers near the green
create even more challenge. The closing hole on the front is also one of the easiest. There is plenty of room off the tee, and the approach should involve only a wedge or short iron.
A lay-up just past the 150 marker is recommended off the tee, as scattered trees and bush make it difficult to
reach in regulation for anything approaching from the right or left side of the narrow fairway. Eleven features an
elevated tee area with plenty of room on the first shot. The second and approach are tricky, on this true three
-shot par five. A water hazard on the right and in front of the green make reaching in regulation a chore. With the
lake in front and pines in the background, this is one pretty golf hole. An easy par three is followed by another
elevated tee shot, this time to a narrow fairway with an intimidating water hazard all along the right side. There is
little room for error off the tee or on the approach on this tough par four. The 14th presents a good birdie
opportunity for those landing on the fairway off the tee. Water hazards on both sides make this a challenge,
though players from all but the tips really catch a break here (IE - mid tees are only 321 versus 397 yards). The
longest hole on the course follows (577 yard par five). After an uphill tee shot you will find lots of room with only
scattered trees and distance in the way of reaching the green in regulation. Par this and hold on to your hat as
you prepare for a finish that will make or break your round. The 16th is a beautiful but challenging par three
(especially if the wind is up). The putting surface is quite wide, but this basically plays as an island green, with
very little room for error. Step two to this spectacular three-hole finish presents many options - all of them
challenging. There are three tiers/landing areas to choose from off the tee. You may go long and try to hit the
small landing area near the bunker on the left side of the fairway; lay-up to the landing area on the second level to
the left of the 150 stake - which presents a level approach to the green, or aim for the ground level near the 150
or further, which leaves an uphill second shot. In any case, you will have to land softly on this undulating putting
surface, while carrying the bunker sitting precariously in front. There is a "little" bailout room short left. The 18th
presents a challenging shot off the tee. Aim for the 150 stake for the best spot on the narrow fairway. There is
some room left, but scattered tees may hamper the approach. The right side slopes off and is pure trouble. Check out the first two pictures of this review to see what you are up against...
Greystone is without question one of the most worthwhile courses to play in Southeastern Michigan, and should
be on the "TO PLAY" list of all Metro area golfers. Nice practice facilities, good food, great atmosphere - and a wonderful course that is reasonably priced. Highly recommended!
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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