THE LINKS AT HUNTERS RIDGE (517-545-4653)
Michigan golf course review
The Links at Hunters Ridge is a Jerry Matthews designed links inspired layout that has earned a 4-star rating from Golf Digest Places to Play. The course has also served as host
to U S Open Qualifying, and is annually recognized as one of the best golf properties in Livingston County. The undulating topography features thirty acres of unspoiled wetlands
that serve as home to abundant wildlife - including majestic herons. Sixty eight sand bunkers, 6 ponds and wide fairways bordered by tall heather give rise to the links atmosphere
prevalent on this layout. Our first impression was that this course is infinitely playable, and the slope rating and yardages from the blue tees forward bears this out. The blues
measure 5927 yards with a slope of 122, the whites 5482/116 slope and the reds 4624/112 slope for the ladies. From the tips however, this is a different experience - as the gold
tees play to a 134 slope and 72 course rating from 6552 yards. There are some challenging par threes, with the 199 yard fifth, and the 171 yard 17th (pictured below) both
demanding significant carries over considerable marshland - with not a lot of room for error.
The opening holes specifically, and the front nine in general provide an opportunity to get off to a good start. The fairways are very ample and the green complexes are generally
simple to approach, with some raised putting surfaces providing the occasional exception. There is usually plentiful room for slightly offline tee shots and approaches, although
tall grasses are awaiting shots hit too far off the mark. On the front, the greens are very mildly undulating, but the back side seems to challenge more with double tiers and ridges.
Numbers 13 and 14 especially warrant attention to pin placement. The fairways on the back side also present more opportunity for trouble - with shots that often play into the
prevailing wind. Two of the prettier holes on the course also demand the most accurate iron play (pictured below)- the par three third which plays downhill through a corridor of
hardwoods, and the par five 18th, which plays along a natural area with an extremely challenging green complex.
Throughout the layout golfers will encounter wonderful conditioning from tee to green, with sculpted tees and manicured fairways, plus putting surfaces that roll true. The course is
well marked with 100 and 150 yard stakes in the fairways, plus sprinkler heads that are measured to the center of the green. Yardage poles are present on the tee boxes of all par
threes, and small markers on the flagsticks indicate front, middle and back pin placement on the medium to large size greens.
There is a small pro shop on property, and the clubhouse also features a dining area that can seat 50 people indoors for snacks and hot & cold sandwiches (great Boston
Coolers and homemade cookies). An outdoor pavilion has a barbeque pit and seating that can accommodate a full golf outing. Also on property is a grass range and large
practice green.
This is a great value for Southeastern Michigan. The course is playable for all levels of golfers, with some challenging holes that will test even the best players. Wind is definitely a
factor here. The water, wetlands and heather that appear prominently throughout the layout add to the aesthetic beauty, and will punish badly misplayed shots. Once you know this
course however - which the great rates certainly allow you to do - it seems that low scores could be had. It is a bit of a drive from metro Detroit - but the value and fun experience
make it worthwhile, and we certainly recommended it! For more info visit our page for Hunters Ridge with a link to their website by clicking here.
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