SANCTUARY LAKE GOLF CLUB (248-619-7600)
Michigan Golf Course Review 9/01/06
Sanctuary Lake on south Blvd (east of Rochester Road) in Troy is the newest championship layout in the Metro
Detroit area, and presents one of the region's best overall golf facilities. On property is a beautiful 18-hole par 71
highland links style golf course, a spacious targeted grass range, short game area with sand bunker, plus large
putting green. The clubhouse features a pro shop plus restaurant/lounge open for lunch and dinner items that
include a variety of hot and cold sandwiches. There also is an outdoor patio that can host full outings.
The course was built on a former landfill, thus the significant elevation changes that golfers will encounter from
tee to green. The front and back nines both begin from elevated tee areas, as do the 7th, 8th and 12th holes.
Extensive marsh areas wind their way throughout the design, affording prime nesting areas for abundant
waterfowl and native wildlife. There are a few forced carries - though relatively short in length, over these beautiful, environmentally sensitive natural areas.
On our late August 2006 visit, the course was in excellent shape for a one-year old facility. The bent grass
fairways and tees present excellent playing surfaces, and the medium to large undulating putting surfaces were
also true-rolling and a pleasure to putt on. As with most links-style layouts, Sanctuary Lake presents relatively
open fairways and generous landing zones. The par four 15th and par three 16th play into wooded areas, but the
rest of the holes are designed with perimeter mounding flanking the fairways and green complexes. Bunkers and collection areas greenside create a need for accurate approach shots and short iron play.
There are 4 sets of tee boxes which play in distance and slope to 6554 yards/133 slope, 6123 yards/127 slope,
5341 yards/111 slope and 4746 yards with a friendly slope rating of 115 for ladies playing from the forward sets.
The tee boxes on all par threes provide measurements to the center of the green, and 100, 150 and 200 yard
blocks are posted on the fairways of all par fours and fives. There also are 150 yard stakes, and hole locations are indicated by a pin placement sheet mounted on each cart.
Though this is not an overly long course, most golfers will have the opportunity to use every club in their bag, and
will need to use every shot shape on this layout which presents a nice variety in hole-design. The interesting
layout, fine conditions, beautiful marsh areas, elevation changes and fair rate structure (prices including cart
prime time in 2006 topped out between $45 and $65 - with season round discounts for residents, seniors and juniors) make this a facility that we can highly recommend.
The course is easily accessible from anywhere in the metro area, located about-1/2 mile east of Rochester
Road on South Blvd. For more info, visit our page fort he course with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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