NORTHVILLE HILLS GOLF CLUB 734-667-4653
6/09/03
In the past three days, Two Guys Who Golf has had the opportunity to review Bucks Run in Mt Pleasant, The
Fortress in Frakenmuth, and now Northville Hills Golf Club. We will play a hundred rounds this summer - and I
doubt that I will experience a more enjoyable three day span - with golf on three of the best all around layouts one
could hope for. Northville Hills is a more than a worthy member of this trio. We first reviewed this course a couple
years ago, and were impressed - but not quite blown away. What a difference a couple years has made here!
Unquestionably, this is one of the top layouts available for public play in the Metro Detroit area. Driving by the
course on Five Mile Road just west of Sheldon Road - one cannot help but notice the par three 17th - one of the
most picturesque (and one of the most challenging I might add) par three holes in the state. Initially, one may be
concerned that the golf course winds its way through a residential community...Not to worry, these three quarter
of a million dollar homes are far enough from the course, and actually add to the beauty of the layout.
Northville Hills is also a golf club with a conscience. Its nationally recognized and funded storm water program is
designed to filter water from the course and nearby housing development, discharging cleaner water into the
Rouge River. Surrounding wetlands are considered environmentally sensitive areas, and are monitored by the
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System - quite a job considering the residential build-up here in the past
several years. This is a course that members, and the golfing public, can truly appreciate. Pricing is upscale - but
you really get what you pay for here. On property is a gorgeous clubhouse with a fully equipped pro shop and
professional staff. Men's and women's lockers are available for daily rental, and the Turning Point Grille & Bar
serves lunch and dinner items, as well as full beverage service. Elegant banquet, wedding and outing facilities
are complimented by an outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the golf course. There is a 55,000 sq. ft. grass driving range, and an ample putting green.
Golf carts are equipped with rear golf bag shields, an appreciated amenity for play during inclement weather.
ProLink The layout is very well marked, with sprinkler heads measured to the center of the green, at
advantageous positions all over the course - nearly right up to the green in some instances. There also are
plates in the center of the fairways at 100/150/200 yards, and at 250 on the par fives. ProLink GPS on all carts
provides information on front, middle or back pin placement on the immaculately conditioned greens - which are
some of the best in Michigan. Ample fairways are more often the rule rather than the exception, but are quite
rolling and are usually flanked by sand traps and strategically placed water hazards. The intricate greenside
bunker complexes and undulating greens are Arnold Palmer's trademarks. On our round, we found the pin
placements to be very fair - hit a good shot and you are rewarding with a reasonable putt along finely manicured putting surfaces.
The opening hole is challenging from the tips, but plays quite reasonably from the other tees. Scratch golfers will
find that the gold tees, at 7003 yards/132 slope are considerably more difficult than the next set of tees. The
blues play to 6193, and are a good choice for mid-handicappers with a 124 slope. The white tees measure
5627 and the forwards 4956. An uphill approach to a well bunkered green provides the challenge on one, while
the par three 2nd demands a carry over a pond. On the par five third, a tee shot over the middle of the left
fairway bunkers will leave a good approach, and a possible try at birdie. Anything hit long right will run through
the fairway and reach the deep rough. Number four plays uphill, making the distance from tee to green play
longer that what is advertised. The fifth opens up considerably past the 200 yard marker, but plays along a
fairway that features numerous rolling mounds from 100 yards in. The stretch of holes from 6-8 present some
good birdie opportunities. The sixth is a short par four that plays to an elevated green, and is followed by a
reasonable par five. This seventh hole invites an approach from the left side, to avoid the water hazard on the
right near the green. Bunkers, mounds and high grass protect the left side. The 8th is a pretty par three, with a
considerable carry over a marsh. There is bail out room short left. On the par four ninth, a lay up to around 130
yards from the green is recommended. The approach demands a carry over water, to a wide putting surface.
You will be able to stop and pick up a snack or beverage, as the drive to the tenth hole passes the clubhouse.
The back side opens with a mid length par five, with the recommended play off the tee featuring a driver aimed
over the right edge of the left fairway bunker. With a downhill roll, it is possible to reach this tight green complex
in two. The 11th is a beautiful par three with water right and a natural area left of the green. Twelve invites a drive
over the tall set of bushes lining the left side - a good shot will leave a wedge approach and a good birdie
opportunity. Long hitters may be tempted to drive for the green, but the risk of reaching the natural area left does
not justify the chance. The par four 13th is a gorgeous dogleg right that plays over a ridge. Course knowledge
helps here - your drive must approach the far side of the fairway, as the hole actually bananas to the right, and
anything hit on the short side of the fairway will be blocked by trees. 14 is a pretty par four, that bends right and
demands a carry over wetlands that sit precariously in front of the putting surface. Par is very good here.
A good tee shot along a rolling fairway will leave an easy approach on 15, which precedes a short but interesting
four par. Aim just left of the huge tree that sits in the center of the fairway on this blind tee shot. The green
complex bends to the right, but there is wide open spaces just left of the tree. This is one of the best birdie holes
on the course. The last par three of the day is all carry over a pond, with bunkers and mounding behind the
putting surface. This is the hole which is visible from Five Mile Road. If the wind is up, club selection can be tricky
here. Number 18 presents an opportunity for a good finish, but also can result in some high numbers if you try to
bite off a bit too much. The safest bet is to lay up on the second shot - to the area in front of the cart path about
75 yards out. The green is double tiered, and bunkers and natural areas will dissuade all but the best golfers from trying to reach in two.
This is one great round of golf! Prices for the 2003 season are $68 with cart weekdays and $78 weekends.
Northville residents get $5 off. There also are special senior and junior rates (great deals). You will get your
money's worth. Annual memberships are also available. Call the pro shop - or visit our informational page for
Northville Hills ( which also features a link to the Northville Hills website) on our Michigan golf course listing section. Click here.
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