 CALDERONE GOLF CLUB (517-522-6661)
Michigan Golf Course Review
One thing was clear after our visit to Caldorone Golf Club - this is one of the best golfing values in Michigan! Folks driving by on I-94 at exit 150 in Grass Lake can see a portion of
the course from the road...this is the only section of the course with any hustle, bustle, noise, etc. Most of the layout winds along a drastically rolling, secluded terrain - with some
exceptional golf holes defining a wonderful golf experience.
Sculpted tee areas and manicured bent grass fairways create a good impression, and the undulations along the fairways and greenside certainly make a round here interesting.
This Billy Newcomb championship design provides a resort quality experience, with challenging championship character. The conditioning from tee to green in early May was
outstanding for a course in this price range. The links nature means all levels of players will have ample opportunities to find the landing zones off the tee - but scoring on the
medium to large undulating putting surfaces, with natural grass, mounding, bunkering and greenside swales - may be another story.
Five sets of tees play to distances and slopes measuring 7004 yards/136 slope , 6531 yards /130 slope , 6155 yards/127 slope , 5731 yards/117 slope and 5148 yards with a
slope of 132 for women playing from the forward set. . This is a fair yet challenging test, which will afford skill players with the opportunity to play a variety of greenside shots - from
the bump and run to high arcing lobs. The partial cart paths play to fairways where level landing zones are usually available along the undulating topography, but golfers will at
some point have to play shots with the ball located sideways, or above/below their feet.
A variety of bunkers are located along the fairways and greenside - from conventional white soft sand, to course waste bunkers to the unconventional grass traps that can be found
near the sides of many of the putting complexes. There are three ponds on property - providing water hazards for the 7th, 9th, 12th and 18th holes. Numbers nine and eighteen are
especially beautiful golf holes - as a pond is situated in the middle - with elevated tee areas play to valley fairways and then back up to raised green complexes.
The extras at Caldorone Golf Club include a nice practice facility with spacious putting green, plus a secluded grass range with separate rest room facilities and snack machines.
The clubhouse features a pro shop as well as bar that serves 8 beers on tap (including a local craft beer) and light golf course fare (sandwiches, hotdogs, etc.). The expansive
covered patio is perfect for outings and events.
At Caldorone the extremely reasonable green fee gets you an outstanding golf experience - with mostly un-crowded conditions. If you have not played Caldorone - know that it is
worth the drive (about 20 - 25 minutes past Ann Arbor) to play this course. Everyone we have talked to that has played here agrees - this is a highly recommended golf experience
- with good bang for the buck! For more info including a direct link to their website click here.
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