  Mystic Creek Golf Club (248-684-3333)
Michigan Golf Course Review
Driving through the gates of Camp Dearborn in Milford to the Mystic Creek Golf Club, we expected to encounter an enjoyable and perhaps better than average round of golf. We
were in for a nice surprise. Mystic Creek was extraordinary. Three nines are featured in layouts that are distinctive and unique. We had the opportunity to play the Meadows and the
Lakes, and regretted not having the time to play the Woods, which looked extremely interesting. The Woods is the longest of the layouts (3419 yards) and apparently has some
outstanding holes. In reviewing golf courses, we are constantly looking for photogenic opportunities. At Mystic Creek, we had to resist the urge to take photographs of nearly every
hole. This 27-hole design is built on a beautiful piece of property. The par four eighth of the Lakes is pictured here.
The Lakes Course starts off with a bang. An accurate lay-up of 180 - 200 yards or so is required to give you a reasonable chance of reaching the green over a lake - which is
almost all carry. Best bet is to play it safe, as the water comes up quickly. There is room long on your approach. The next two holes feature intimidating tee shots to narrow
fairways, bordered by trees and water. Holes four through six provide the easiest stretch on the course - if there is such a thing. Two reasonable par threes sandwich a short par
four to an uphill green. The seventh is one of the prettiest holes of the layout, with the putting surface defined by a stone wall. The next hole is even better, featuring an elevated tee
shot to a narrow fairway with a lake to the left and mounding and trees right. This signature hole is one of the prettiest in lower Michigan. The par five 9th is downhill off the tee, but
uphill the rest of the way. This was the tougher of the two layouts, demanding accuracy off the tee and near the greens, which were average in size and speed. Seven of the nine
holes of the Lakes feature water hazards - many of them formidable.
The opening hole on the Meadows is an easy par three (with a pond to the right), and is followed by a short par four with bunkers down the right side - a great opportunity for a
good start. The third is tough par 5 with gorgeous panoramic views of the course from an elevated tee. It plays slightly downhill all the way, with a gentle dogleg left near the green.
Water along the right side will gobble up any fades or slices on your second shot (for right handers). Trees to the left dissuade you from cutting the corner, making this # 1
handicap play longer than the yardage indicates. Another short but pretty par 3 over a creek is followed by a doable dogleg left par four, with a slightly uphill green protected by
bunkers in front.
Hopefully, you will have scored well on the initial five holes, as 6 through nine provide a tough test. The sixth has two ponds along the right side, one affecting your tee shot if long
right, and the other hampering your approach. Seven is a challenging par four over water. A deep grass ravine challenges your approach about 70 yards out, in front of the green
complex that includes bunkers right, left and long. The eighth is pretty straight away, with water all along the left and bunkers right of the fairway and putting surface. The closing
hole is a very short par five (370 - 500 yards) with an extremely elevated green, protected by deep bunkers all around - not as easy as it would seem. The Meadows is a little
shorter than the Lakes (except from the two front tees). In all, water comes into play on 6 of the 9 holes.
Mystic Creek is not an exceptionally long course (4700 - 6800 yards) from any of the tees except the golds (championships). Many hazards are lurking however, to make it
challenging. The five sets of tee boxes provide slope ratings from 109 - 130. Colored fairway yardage markers are in place, and different colored flags indicate the day's pin
placements. Ball and club washers on the carts are a nice touch. A driving range with target greens and ample practice putting green are conveniently located on property, along
with a clubhouse and restaurant. With reasonable weekday and weekend rates, this is a highly recommended golfing experience.
The final two photos in this review (see below) are of the last couple of holes of the Woods Nine.
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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