Mystic Creek Golf Club (248-684-3333)
Michigan Golf Course Review - 2004 - Photos updated June, 2008
Driving through the gates of Camp Dearborn in Milford to the Mystic Creek Golf Club, we expected to encounter
an enjoyable and perhaps better than average round of golf. We were in for a nice surprise. Mystic Creek was
extraordinary. Three nines are featured in layouts that are distinctive and unique. We had the opportunity to play
the Meadows and the Lakes, and regretted not having the time to play the Woods, which looked extremely
interesting. The Woods is the longest of the layouts (3419 yards) and apparently has some outstanding holes. In
reviewing golf courses, we are constantly looking for photogenic opportunities. At Mystic Creek, we had to resist
the urge to take photographs of nearly every hole. This 27-hole design is built on a beautiful piece of property. The par four eighth of the Lakes is pictured here.
The Lakes Course starts off with a bang. An accurate lay-up of 180 - 200 yards or so is required to give you a
reasonable chance of reaching the green over a lake - which is almost all carry. Best bet is to play it safe, as the
water comes up quickly. There is room long on your approach. The next two holes feature intimidating tee shots
to narrow fairways, bordered by trees and water. Holes four through six provide the easiest stretch on the course
- if there is such a thing. Two reasonable par threes sandwich a short par four to an uphill green. The seventh is
one of the prettiest holes of the layout, with the putting surface defined by a stone wall. The next hole is even
better, featuring an elevated tee shot to a narrow fairway with a lake to the left and mounding and trees right. This
signature hole is one of the prettiest in lower Michigan. The par five 9th is downhill off the tee, but uphill the rest of
the way. This was the tougher of the two layouts, demanding accuracy off the tee and near the greens, which
were average in size and speed. Seven of the nine holes of the Lakes feature water hazards - many of them formidable.
The opening hole on the Meadows is an easy par three (with a pond to the right), and is followed by a short par
four with bunkers down the right side - a great opportunity for a good start. The third is tough par 5 with gorgeous
panoramic views of the course from an elevated tee. It plays slightly downhill all the way, with a gentle dogleg left
near the green. Water along the right side will gobble up any fades or slices on your second shot (for right
handers). Trees to the left dissuade you from cutting the corner, making this # 1 handicap play longer than the
yardage indicates. Another short but pretty par 3 over a creek is followed by a doable dogleg left par four, with a slightly uphill green protected by bunkers in front.
Hopefully, you will have scored well on the initial five holes, as 6 through nine provide a tough test. The sixth has
two ponds along the right side, one affecting your tee shot if long right, and the other hampering your approach.
Seven is a challenging par four over water. A deep grass ravine challenges your approach about 70 yards out, in
front of the green complex that includes bunkers right, left and long. The eighth is pretty straight away, with water
all along the left and bunkers right of the fairway and putting surface. The closing hole is a very short par five
(370 - 500 yards) with an extremely elevated green, protected by deep bunkers all around - not as easy as it
would seem. The Meadows is a little shorter than the Lakes (except from the two front tees). In all, water comes into play on 6 of the 9 holes.
Mystic Creek is not an exceptionally long course (4700 - 6800 yards) from any of the tees except the golds
(championships). Many hazards are lurking however, to make it challenging. The five sets of tee boxes provide
slope ratings from 109 - 130. Colored fairway yardage markers are in place, and different colored flags indicate
the day's pin placements. Ball and club washers on the carts are a nice touch. A driving range with target greens
and ample practice putting green are conveniently located on property, along with a clubhouse and restaurant. With reasonable weekday and weekend rates, this is a highly recommended golfing experience.
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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