PLUM BROOK GOLF CLUB (586) 264-9411
Michigan Golf Course Review - 8/04/04 - Photos updated June, 2008
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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