YARROW GOLF CLUB 269-731-2090
REVIEW 8/15/03
 We had heard some rumblings from visitors of our website about a new
golf course in Augusta, Michigan - that was destined to become one of the state's finest. We had to see this for ourselves - and luckily were able to
schedule in a review on our way to a weekend promotion in Chicago. Yarrow is all that we expected - and more. This Raymond Hearn championship design is a magnificent track that incorporates mature trees,
a private lake, wetlands and a meandering creek into a natural, rolling terrain.
Low handicappers will delight in the 7000 yard layout, which provides ample room on generous (though
extremely rolling) fairways, large undulating greens, strategically placed soft sand bunkers, and tall natural
grasses. Four additional sets of tees provide golfers of various abilities with an opportunity to choose a tee area
that best suites their game. Take note - this course has not been rated (as of August 2003) - and it plays tough -
so we recommend you toss your ego aside when making a selection, especially on the first time around.
The Yarrow Golf Course was actually added recently to a property that for years has served as a meeting center.
 In place is a 14,000 square foot lodge, with a variety of meeting spaces
ranging from intimately appointed rooms to expansive spaces that can host upwards of 200 people. Wooden decks, fieldstone fireplaces and tasteful
antique décor lend ambiance to meeting rooms, and overnight accommodations are available in private cottages and standard hotel rooms -
all set in a natural environment. Dining options are available at the Evergreen Grille and The Pub.For more info and photos of the Yarrow Golf & Conference
Center, including the golf facilities, visit our page for Yarrow Golf & Conference Center by clicking here.
Golf amenities include an expansive putting green and beautifully designed range with target greens and traps.
The pro shop is small but functionary, and is stocked with golf-wear and accessories. On course golfers will find
it easy to locate yardage markers, as numerous sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green. Stakes
on the sides of the fairways provide measurements at 100/150/200 yards, and cart paths are also marked. Pin
placement sheets are provided daily, for front, middle and back hole locations. Be sure to also pick up a copy of the Pro Tips - a complimentary guide to all 18 holes.
 The open, sloping fairways are extremely well conditioned for a recently
opened course, and will only get better with time. Chances are that many of your tee shots will land on the fairway - the key is to find a level spot from
which to approach the putting surfaces. Once this feat is mastered, paying attention to the pin placement becomes increasingly important, as the green
complexes can create some tricky putts. Extremely well conditioned, these surfaces roll true, but with double tiers, ridges and swales - plus green-side
sand traps, the opportunity to rack up some high numbers is distinctly possible. Mastery of the "bump and run" will come in handy on quite a few holes.
 |
The championship tees measure 7005 yards, with in our estimation - a slope rating of around 140 or so. Four
additional sets play to 6643, 6274, 5912 and 5097 yards. Low handicappers will be challenged from either of
the first two tees, and mid handicappers and average golfers will meet their match playing from the Knotty Pine
or Burgandy tees. Scoring well here is a treat - in addition to the picturesque vistas and finely sculpted layout that makes golfing here a wonderful experience.
 The first hole is simply marvelous - a par five of reasonable length that
plays from an isolated tee area to a beautifully defined fairway. The slope here is quite extreme - from left to right. Find a level landing area
and the uphill approach could net you an opening par - which is a good score here. Don't worry - this is perhaps the most extreme fairway slope
you will encounter on this journey...The second is a pretty links style par three, with a large undulating green protected by mounds and
undulations. The open fairway off the tee narrows on the uphill approach to a double-tiered green on three.
 The 4th is the longest of five 400 yard + par fours on the front side,
playing to 457 from the tips (411 from the mid tees). The pond on the left is about 50 yards wide and comes into play about 250 yards out. From there
the hole doglegs right to a large undulating putting surface. A tee shot over water is necessary on five, and if you are short on the initial shot, the water
will also be in play on the second which bananas to the left - gorgeous golf hole. Six is also a beauty - a par three that invites an approach from the
right side - with a bunker and pond protecting the left portion of the green.
 The par five 7th is very open but the
fairway will not give up many even lies...and the green is well protected by sand bunkers. A short carry over a natural area is called for on eight, with tall grasses bordering the fairway and
two bunkers squarely in the middle of the fairway - a true links hole and the course's # 1 handicap. The finishing hole is more score-able, as it plays
downhill to a beautiful green complex with tall pines as a backdrop.
The back nine begins with a short and score-able par four along an undulating fairway, and is followed by an open par five that narrows about 100 yards from what is probably the
most level green of the layout. Twelve presents one of the only visibly flat fairways, and turns to the right about
135 out near the fairway bunker. Things begin to tighten on 13, but the short distance on this par four makes it an
inviting birdie hole. From an elevated tee the mid range par four 14th plays to a fairway flanked by fescue along the right, with a huge bunker fronting the green.
 A split fairway to the left plays straight away but presents a
difficult angle to a shallow green. A simple par three precedes the 18th handicapped hole at Yarrow - a par five that begins with a tee shot over
fescue - with a carry of over 200 yards from the mid tees. Land on the undulating fairway - which is more expansive than it seems, and a simple
approach to a two-tiered green is yours. Seventeen is a beautiful par three that plays downhill to a deep green. The finishing hole is also a beauty -
with an intimidating marsh sitting between the tees and fairway.
 The carry
over the center fairway trap is only about 190 from the mid tees - which gives you a good indication of the depth of the hazard, which is
more bark than bite. There is also about 35 yards of fairway between the marsh and the bunker. A good tee shot should set up an easy approach for a great finish on this # 4 handicap.
We had the opportunity to spend a night at the resort, to get an idea of the amenities available. This is a great location - with a wonderful set up for meetings and special events. What
a better way to impress someone than to treat them to a round on this wonderful course. Great accommodations,
food and service - plus a completely upscale golfing experience make Yarrow the perfect place for avid golfers
and business travelers - we give it our highest recommendation - especially for golfers wishing to test their game.
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.
|
