SAWMILL GOLF CLUB (989) 793-2692
Michigan Golf Course Review - 6/29/03 - Photos updated July, 2007
The Sawmill Golf club in Saginaw Michigan is a unique golf facility with a beautiful 18-hole championship course
as the centerpiece. The layout features many raised greens with tee shots and approaches over considerable
marsh lands - and some holes featuring multiple carries. True water hazards in the form of ponds and lakes
come into play on 11 holes, with wetlands present on all the others. Plentiful room is present off the tee on most
fairways, but tight green complexes provide a challenge for all levels of golfers. The well sculpted putting
surfaces are a joy to put on, and the rough is quite playable. A variety a fescue is growing in along some holes - though for now this is for aesthetic purposes only.
Facilities at the Sawmill include a pro shop and a restaurant/ lounge in a separate building that serves lunch
items and beverages, with an outdoor patio presenting nice views of the golf course. The practice area includes
a spacious grass range, large putting green and another green with a bunker for short game practice. The target
greens on the range double as a four-hole short course for juniors, used at specific times for lessons and practice.
Four sets of tees measure 6757, 6351, 5821 and 5140. The slope ratings (139/133/125 - 134 for women from
the whites and 125 from the reds) indicate that this is a challenging course. The white tees provide a fair test for
the average player...those choosing the blues will find a 415 and 442 yard par four, plus a 195 and 198 yard par
three to deal with. The par fives here are very reasonable in length from all sets of tees, though the 6th and 10th
feature troublesome wetland areas that make them the # 1 and # 2 handicaps. Find out the day's pin placement
from the starter as there are six hole locations rotated on a daily basis. Info is provided for on a pin placement
card - which also doubles as a useful hole diagram card. 150 yard stakes are visible on all the par fours and fives, and 100 and 200 yard markers are present on the fairways.
The beginning hole will get your attention, as a water hazard on the right is reachable and a pond short left of the
green affects the approach. There is about 30 yards of grass between the putting surface and marsh on number
2, which as the 7th handicapped hole is a challenging par three. The third and fourth are short par fours that
demand accuracy over distance off the tee. A lay up on four is recommended, although the narrow fairway does
extend all the way to the bridge, which is parallel to the green. Another marsh comes into play all along the left
side on the fifth, which precedes a very difficult par five. A lay up to the target area fronting more wetlands is
necessary, and the second shot must land within the 100 yard marker in the left center of the fairway for a chance
at a clear approach. The par four seventh, though long, is straight and open. Grip it and rip it, but be conscious
of the water hazard on the right side that comes into play about 150 out. An easy carry over water with some
room short defines the par three 8th , and the closing hole on the front is a score-able par five with water short right and long left.
The back nine is almost identical in distance to the front, with the opening hole playing parallel to the first, and a
lake separating the two holes. A tee shot past the 150 yard stake is the best play and will leave a fair approach.
Similar to # 2, the par three 11th has about 30 yards of landing area between the green and the marsh fronting it.
The 12th is very short (309 from the tips) but a carry over marsh and approach to a raised green provides a
measure of difficulty. A pair of mid length par fours on 13 and 14 feature wetlands on both sides of the fairways,
and are two of the most challenging holes on the course. These are followed by an easy par 3 and a very score
-able four par which is wide open with an easy approach. Aim left of the bunker on 17 to avoid water on both
sides of the fairway, and this hole should complete a three hole stretch of good scores - these 3 are the number
18, 14 and 16 handicaps...The finishing hole is also open off the tee, but the approach must be from the right
side of the fairway as the green is tucked along the left side between mounding and a tree that blocks entry from the left - a very tight approach.
There is a nice rhythm to play at Sawmill. The design allows one to warm up before being challenged with the
extremely tough holes, eases up near the end then finishes with a per five that demands some good shot-making
. The conditioning on our visit in late June was wonderful - from tee to green. Great facilities, fair pricing and good service - we recommend a visit here without reservation.
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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