HUNTERS RIDGE GOLF CLUB (517-545-4653)
Review 7/15/04
Hunters Ridge is a Jerry Matthews designed links inspired layout that has earned a 4-star rating from Golf
Digest Places to Play. The course has also served as host to U S Open Qualifying, and is annually recognized
as one of the best golf properties in Livingston County. The undulating topography features thirty acres of
unspoiled wetlands that serve as home to abundant wildlife - including majestic herons. Sixty eight sand bunkers,
6 ponds and wide fairways bordered by tall heather give rise to the links atmosphere prevalent on this layout. Our
first impression was that this course is infinitely playable, and the slope rating and yardages from the blue tees
forward bears this out. The blues measure 5927 yards with a slope of 122, the whites 5482/116 slope and the
reds 4624/112 slope for the ladies. From the tips however, this is a different experience - as the gold tees play
to a 134 slope and 72 course rating from 6552 yards. There are some challenging par threes, with the 199 yard
fifth, and the 171 yard 17th (pictured below) both demanding significant carries over considerable marshland - with not a lot of room for error.
The opening holes specifically, and the front nine in general provide an opportunity to get off to a good start. The
fairways are very ample and the green complexes are generally simple to approach, with some raised putting
surfaces providing the occasional exception. There is usually plentiful room for slightly offline tee shots and
approaches, although tall grasses are awaiting shots hit too far off the mark. On the front, the greens are very
mildly undulating, but the back side seems to challenge more with double tiers and ridges. Numbers 13 and 14
especially warrant attention to pin placement. The fairways on the back side also present more opportunity for
trouble - with shots that often play into the prevailing wind. Two of the prettier holes on the course also demand
the most accurate iron play (pictured below)- the par three third which plays downhill through a corridor of
hardwoods, and the par five 18th, which plays along a natural area with an extremely challenging green complex.
Throughout the layout golfers will encounter wonderful conditioning from tee to green, with sculpted tees and
manicured fairways, plus putting surfaces that roll true. The course is well marked with 100 and 150 yard stakes
in the fairways, plus sprinkler heads that are measured to the center of the green. Yardage poles are present on
the tee boxes of all par threes, and small markers on the flagsticks indicate front, middle and back pin placement
on the medium to large size greens. There is a small pro shop on property, and the clubhouse also features a
dining area that can seat 50 people indoors for snacks and hot & cold sandwiches (great Boston Coolers and
homemade cookies). An outdoor pavilion has a barbeque pit and seating that can accommodate a full golf outing. Also on property is a grass range and large practice green.
With rates at just $37 weekdays and $49 weekends in 2004, this is a great value for Southeastern Michigan. The
course is playable for all levels of golfers, with some challenging holes that will test even the best players. Wind is
definitely a factor here. The water, wetlands and heather that appear prominently throughout the layout add to the
aesthetic beauty, and will punish badly misplayed shots. Once you know this course however - which the great
rates certainly allow you to do - it seems that low scores could be had. It is a bit of a drive from metro Detroit - but
the value and fun experience make it worthwhile, and we certainly recommended it! For more info visit our page for Hunters Ridge with a link to their website by clicking here.
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