PLUM BROOK GOLF CLUB (586) 264-9411
Michigan Golf Course Review
Two Words - GREAT GREENS! Regulars at Plum Brook have been spoiled with the opportunity to play on some of the best putting surfaces in Michigan. There is a great variety of
designs in the Detroit metro area, from standard traditional layouts to the vast number of upscale courses spread throughout the SE Michigan. Golfer's memories of courses
frequently stem from signature holes in settings ranging from undulating terrain and elevation changes, to secluded acres of forest preserves and natural wetland areas. At Plum
Brook you will not find lavish clubhouse or expansive practice facilities - and the design more resembles a municipal course in a metropolitan setting. But one thing is certain - you
will remember these greens - and perhaps some of the birdies and par putts you holed there.! These Penncross putting surfaces are sublime, cut short and running consistently
true, with only mild undulations. Land anywhere on the green, or just off of them - and you have a great opportunity of lagging close to the hole or sinking your shot.
If a person were to design a course that would invite beginning golfers to try the sport, with the goal of hooking them for life - Plum Brook would be a perfect fit. At 6273 yards from
the back tees (115 slope), the course is not long - but provides ample opportunities to get the driver out of the bag. The front nine is quite short (3001 yards) with 4 par fives that
play to 357 yards or less. The back side is much longer (3272) and quite a bit more challenging with 3 par fours measuring 394 or more. Throughout the layout one will find
putting complexes that are easy to get to, with pin placements that invite birdie opportunities. In the past year, all the sand bunkers have been replenished (and some more traps
have been added to the layout) with fine white sand, which not only makes the golfing experience of higher quality, but also adds an aesthetic value to the golfing environment. The
tee boxes and fairways are kept in good shape - and the marking system with 150 yards stakes, 25 yard blocks from 200 to 75 yards, and color coded flags for pin placements
leave nothing to be desired. There are two practice greens but no range on property, and the clubhouse features an expansive full service lounge and restaurant.
Located just off Schoenherr Road just north of 16 Mile Road, Plum Brook offers metro area residents an opportunity to play a wonderful course - and to truly enjoy a great round of
golf. The fees here during the 2003 prime season top out at around $38 with cart, making this a great value. You will not find upscale amenities that drive up the price at all of the
latest courses being built. Plum Brook caters to the seasoned and traditional golfer - and to those who like to be rewarded for good shots. Even scratch golfers appreciate the
opportunity to score well - which is a great possibility on this course. And most players delight in high quality greens, which in this case, is the most memorable aspect of a round here.
The opening hole is a short and straightforward par four - a great way to begin a round, and is followed by a score-able par three. The par four 3rd is the course's # 1 handicap but
can be had if you keep your drive in the fairway. The fourth is a long par three with lots of room to lay up in front of one of the largest greens of the layout. A shot aimed just right of
the 150 stake will set up an easy approach along a tree lined fairway on five, and green-side bunkers on both sides are all that stands in the way of a good score on the 375 yard
6th. Two short par fours doglegs (357 left and 325 yards right) precede perhaps the most interesting hole at Plum Brook. The par five ninth invites a long tee shot hit to near the
end of the fairway, with water left coming into play about 220 out. Those landing near the hazard on the left may have a chance to approach the slightly elevated green in two. All
others will have to hit a fairway wood or long iron over the river and approach the raised putting surface with a short iron or wedge. This is one of the toughest-to-reach putting
complexes on the course.
Number ten has been recently redesigned, and now doglegs left about 100 yards from the green. Eleven is another score-able three par - which features a green sloped heavily
right to left. A shot to the left side of the fairway sets up nicely on the par 4 twelfth, which precedes the second toughest hole of the layout - the 407 yard par four 13th. The tee shot
is open, but trees left and a bunker make the approach a tight one. On 14, golfers will find what we ascertained to be the most difficult par on the course. The fairway is quite
receptive off the tee, but the second shot must land between 20 and 50 yards past the 150 yard stake to have a clear shot at the green, which sits precariously behind a
troublesome water hazard. Anything short of the 150 will result in a wasted shot - allowing one to get past the tree line on this hole which doglegs sharply right. A simple, mid
length par three is sandwiched between another par five - this one at 520 yards is the longest hole on the course. Long hitters will clear the creek 150 out on their second shot,
setting up for an easy short iron or wedge approach. Many golfers will have to lay up before the creek, and play a 160 club to the slightly elevated putting surface. 17 requires a tee
shot back over the river, along a 423 yard par four with a lone bunker protecting the right side of the green. The 18 runs parallel in the opposing direction, and features an approach
back over the same water hazard, which crosses about 75 yards out.
If you cannot score well on these putting surfaces, you need to take a vacation. I absolutely loved my round here - and my score which turned out to be 7 strokes under my
handicap. Plum Brook allows you to gain some confidence on the front nine - then throws a few curves on the back side. It is a great feeling knowing however, that good shots will
result in great scoring opportunities. There are no tricked-up holes or greens. As we said - this is an extremely good value - and a fun way to spend four hours. Take a good friend,
and enjoy the day!
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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