 CEDAR GLEN GOLF CLUB (586-725-8156)
Michigan Golf Course Review
Three words - trees, trees, trees! Cedar Glen in New Baltimore on 25 Mile Road just east of I-94 - is one of the metro area's true value golf courses. Though not a long design (at
6140 yards), this layout somehow manages to mix in a variety of holes that demand length off the tee. More abundant however, are doglegs bending in either direction that
demand accuracy and correct distance - if one is to have the opportunity to approach the greens in regulation. Mature trees on both sides of the fairways create the need for
precision, particularly on the many devious doglegs. Land short of the turn, and a wasted shot to set up for a hopeful up and down will frequently be the outcome. Throw in a few
ponds and a gentle mixture of sand bunkers, and Cedar Glen creates the situation where golfers of all abilities will scramble to score their handicap. Though upscale housing
developments surround the property, many of the middle holes on each nine provide quiet and seclusion and in a natural setting.
The upscale clubhouse pictured here was added in 1999, providing a pro shop, lounge with full bar service, and restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Outing and
special events facilities can accommodate up to 250 people - and the atmosphere and golf course views make Cedar Glen a memorable place for wedding receptions and
banquets. There is a practice putting green, but no driving range on property. A few putts are recommended prior to a round to gauge the speed of the greens, which run near the
middle of the scale. Yardage blocks in the middle and red, white and blue flags on the sides of the fairways represent the 100/150/200 yard measurements. Pin placement is
also indicated by color-coded flags. The GAM on the tee areas represents the yardage from the white tee boxes to the center of the green. On our visit in early August, the course
was in very good shape for a value course - with green fees including cart topping out at under $40 prime time.
The back tee boxes (blues) measure 6140 yards with a 118 slope. Examine the scorecard and many will assume this is an easy course. It could be if you play each hole as it was
meant to be played. Prior course knowledge is valuable here. The white tees measure 5841 (116 slope) and the reds play to 5042 with a 119 slope rating. The average golfer will
make the assumption that the blue tee areas, because of the relatively short distance, should be the ones of choice. This also is our recommendation - but beware that there are
some long par threes (194. 210 and 207) and a couple par fours (404 and 411yards) that will stretch your game. Intermingled are a variety of straight and doglegging par fours (5
of them at 316 yards or less) and three mid-length but challenging par fives. The key to scoring well here is in one's ability to hit accurate short and mid irons to the many tight
putting complexes, which are often flanked on both sides by hardwoods and pines.
The opening hole is a good example of what to expect, as it presents an ample fairway but narrows considerably on the approach. The second is a pretty par three that is very
playable from the whites, but is much more challenging from the shute-like tee box of the blues. Number three is also tough from the blue tees, as water hazards short right and
short and long left come into play. The second shot on this par five is best played to the left center of the fairway, leaving another tight approach. Players from the back tees do not
get a break on four either, as this par three plays 210 from the blues/164 from the whites. A water hazard that horseshoes around the green makes this a very demanding hole.
Short is a good option here. The distance between the blue and white tee areas is negligible (except for the 7th) for the remainder of the front side. Two short par fours are next,
with number five bending nearly 90 degrees right about 130 out. A hidden pond sits beneath the huge tree off the left side of the fairway. Lay up to the 130/120 area and an easy
approach is your reward. The 309 yard sixth is an easy scoring hole, and is followed by the number two handicapped 411 yard par four 7th. This dogleg left bends just past the
150 marker, and is tough to reach in regulation as a pond short right and trees surrounding the green create a tight approach. Two short par fours finish the front side, affording
the opportunity to go in with some low numbers.
The back nine plays 200 yards longer, with the difference made up mostly by par fours that are more mid-length. The tenth doglegs right and requires distance to reach the turn -
aim left of the 150 stake to avoid the water hazard on the right. Eleven requires a tee shot near the left center of the fairway, past the fairway bunkers. From there the approach is a
simple one. The par five 12th is open off the tee, though shots hit to the right side will be blocked by trees on the approach. The fairway narrows considerably about 150 out. A
pretty and score-able par three precedes one of the most interesting four pars of the layout. A lay up to the 100 yard marker is the safe play, although the fairway narrows as you
get closer to the elevated green. Anything hit long left is wet. You must be on the left side of the fairway past the 150 stake for a clear approach on 15 - distance management is
important here. The par five 16th starts off innocently enough, but this hole is handicapped as # 3 for a reason. The second shot must land between a pond left (190 yards out)
and another water hazard right (120 out). Heed the checkered flag on the right about 30 yards out - which indicates that the water along that sides juts in towards the fairway. With
trees and a bunker left - this is perhaps the tightest approach of the layout. Seventeen is listed as the course's number 1 handicap - a 404 yard dogleg left par four. Tee shots hit
long and right will leave a chance to reach in regulation. Shots short or left will require an additional play to set up for a possible up and down. Par is great here. The finishing hole
is a long par three, but is rather easy as there is much room for error.
Don't approach a round of golf here with overconfidence. Good scores can be had with course management and good decision making. There is a nice variety in design, affording
the average golfer with an opportunity to use every club available. Along with a new clubhouse, Cedar Glen has obviously put more time and effort into conditioning. The tee boxes
and fairways remain as they were, but the putting surfaces though not quick, are lush, roll true and obviously have received considerable attention in the past few years. And the
service here makes one feel warmly welcome - as witnessed by various groups of loyal customers. Great clubhouse facilities, nice people - fun round of golf. Don't expect a
country club layout, but your wallet will feel wonderful as you leave.
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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