KIMBERLEY OAKS GOLF CLUB (989-865-8261)
Michigan Golf Course Review - 5/14/05
We took a step back in time on May 14,2005 - when we visited Kimberley Oaks Golf Club in St. Charles.
Weekend rates with cart top out at $40 in 2005! This is a 3-1/2 star (Golf Digest Places to Play) course which
features an extremely interesting design and fine conditioning from tee to green. Walking is allowed at any time!
What's more - the setting is wonderfully secluded, with just a smackling of homes and no future residential
developments in the planning - kind of how golf used to be. An extra perk - breakfast can be ordered ALL DAY at
Kimberley Oaks...on this rainy day, I took advantage of this feature, which is not available at too many restaurants anywhere, anymore...
There is water in play on 11 holes - and bunkering is understated, with only a dozen or so sand traps along the
track. The challenge is in the form of doglegs, bending in either direction that require precision and the correct
length to navigate the turns. This is not exactly target golf - as driver is certainly a vital component to scoring well
here. In many instances, a long tee shot is necessary to set up for a clear approach. The terrain is gently rolling
with a few elevated tees playing to valley fairways with plenty of trees. The rule of thumb in the design is this - if
the hole layout is straightforward, the fairway will be tight and tree lined. On the many doglegs, there is room for
error but placement to the side of the landing zone will yield better results. Some of the doglegs are tough to cut...
The putting surfaces are medium is size and mild in undulation, affording good opportunities to score if one can
land in regulation. Recoveries from slightly offline approaches are possible as there is generally not too much
trouble greenside, with some exceptions. The green complex on number two demands an accurate approach,
as the fairway all but disappears with a pond situated immediately to the right front. This is a reasonably short
par five however, so setting up for a three shot approach is a wise move. The par three third also demands an
accurate shot as water is in play short left and right. The toughest hole however is the par four 14th - which plays 478 yards from the back tees!
Kimberley Oaks gets high marks for providing easily ascertained yardages from tee to green. Golfers can
determine the hole locations on each green from the color coded flags which indicate front, middle and back pin
placements. On course yardage markers include blocks posted every 25 yards (with front, middle and back of
the green measurements) fron 200 to 75 yards in. There are also indicators on the cart paths - and appreciated
feature. Four sets of tees play to yardages and slopes measuring 6589/134, 6299/133, 5441/117 and 5005/115
. With the huge difference in distance between the 2 and third tee areas, most golfers will choose to play from the blacks - which with a 133 slope will make this a challenging day.
This is a course that we can highly recommend - both for value and for a quality golf experience. The drive from I
-75 through Chesaning (Clio/Montrose exit) and to St Charles takes a good-1/2 hour plus - but keep in mind that
rates including cart are only $35 weekdays and $40 weekends - prime time in 2005. The service is friendly, and
dining here is highly recommended. The menu is varied, and the seating in the well-appointed restaurant and
lounge is comfortable. This is a great place for weddings, outings and special events - as this spacious facility provides a dance floor, and window seating nice views of the golf course.
For more info including a direct link to their website, visit our page for Kimberley Oaks by clicking here.
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