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Links of Novi (248-380-9595)
Michigan Golf Course Review - 5/24/02 -
Conveniently located on Ten Mile Road, 1-1/2 miles east of Beck Road, the Links of Novi has long been
recognized as one of the top golf facilities in Oakland County. With 27 holes of moderately priced championship
golf (rates with cart top out at $55 during prime time play), 2 spacious putting greens, a grass/mat driving range,
and complete banquet and outing facilities, The Links of Novi meets the needs of individual golfers and large
groups from all over Southeastern Michigan. Some of the holes in this layout are stunning, as witnessed here by
their signature hole, the par 3 5th on the East Course. On this day, we played the East and West nines.
On first impression, we enjoyed the view from the clubhouse and figured we were in for a round on a pretty
course, that featured very rolling terrain - but one that was pretty wide open. We had a few surprises! The initial
holes of the East layout are quite expansive, and are not intimidating off the tee. The fact that we had ample
opportunity to get off to a good start was greatly appreciated. The middle holes, numbers three through six, are
another story altogether. The layout in this section of the course demands extreme accuracy off the tee, as well
as on the approach shots. Holes 7 through 9 revert back to open fairways where distance hitters have an advantage. At 3209 yards from the tips, there is a nice variety here.
The first plays downhill all the way to a huge, undulating green. To have a good attempt at birdie right out of the
gate, first spend a few minutes on one of the practice greens, to get used to the speed and contours. What you
find in the practice area is very representative of the greens on the course, which are extremely consistent.
Generally speaking, they are oversized with visible undulations and are of medium to fast speed. Also pay
attention to the pin placements - indicated by plastic balls on the flagsticks. Hit the correct area, and you will
usually encounter a relatively flat putt. The par 4 second plays uphill with lots of room right off the tee, but with
bunkers lurking on either side of the fairway. It is one of 3 par fours (out of the 27 holes) that play 450 plus from
the tips. The third is the first of 4 tight holes in a row. Lay up with a mid iron or hit an extremely accurate driver
here. A pond 100 yards out on the right awaits precariously. The fourth presents and extremely intimidating tee
shot. The fairway is very narrow, and slopes right to left, towards trouble. Hit the fairway and you will be
rewarded with an approach that is just as demanding. Par this one and you can feel extremely good about
yourself! The fifth is the signature hole - a gorgeous par three with the green sitting on a pretty terrace
overlooking a treacherous marsh. The fairway snakes from left to right and back again on the par 5 sixth. The
first shot plays uphill and is the last of the narrow tee shots on the East. Seven opens up considerably. It plays
extremely uphill on the approach, making this short par four play longer than the 340 yards it measures. The 8th
is a long par three that plays slightly downhill. There is quite a bit of room here, and distance is the main
challenge.. Five bunkers frame the green which leads to the clubhouse on the long, uphill par four finishing hole.
The West opens with the longest par 4 on the course (464 from the back tees). It is downhill off the tee but the
fairway is well guarded by a lake on the right and bush to the left. The approach is narrow with bunkers all around
the green. The second is a short par four that is extremely tight off the tee.. The putting surface is beautifully
defined by bunkers right and left. Number 3 is the number 1 handicap on the West and is a dogleg right par five
with a very narrow approach to an elevated green. The easiest par three of the layout follows, and is sandwiched
between the two toughest holes. The fifth is a wonderfully designed par four, that demands a long tee shot over a
lake on the approach. A long fade (for right handers) off the tee will set you up for a chance to reach in two. All
but the long hitters will be playing a wedge on the third shot, hoping for a tough par or make-able bogie. The
green is severely sloped from back to front here. The sixth is a medium length par five, that bends in the opposite
direction. You must be on the left side to reach in two or in regulation, as the approach to the green is narrow.
Seven really opens up. This short par four is one of the day's best birdie opportunities. Number eight was
especially tough for us, with a strong wind blowing in our faces. There is a bit of room on both side of this long
par three, but the rough is extremely strong, presenting a tough up and down if you miss the green. The closing
hole plays uphill and is wide open off the tee. Grip it and rip it, and drive towards the clubhouse with your last birdie opportunity of the day, hopefully.
We give the Links of Novi high marks for their well-manicured fairways, defined bunkers, and consistent and high
quality greens. The rough is very playable, with the exception of a few holes. Yardage stakes and marked
sprinkler heads make it easy to ascertain distances to the green, and the softball size whiffle balls on the
flagsticks are very visible and give a good indication of the day's pin placements. We highly recommend this
system over the small flags that many courses use. The large balls don't whip around in the wind, and are easier
to see! The layout at The Links of Novi is very enjoyable - presenting the average golfer the opportunity to use
every club in the bag. There is a good mix of long and short par fours, playable par fives and pretty but
challenging par threes. And 27 holes mean even greater variety. This is a good value - and a great day of golf.
For more information on the Links of Novi Golf Club - visit the TwoGuysWhoGolf.com information page by clicking here.
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