 NORTHVILLE HILLS GOLF CLUB 734-667-4653
Michigan golf course reivew
Set amidst the backdrop of a true Arnold Palmer Signature Design masterpiece, Northville Hills unique layout brings to play all that Michigan golf has to offer: native woodlands,
natural wetland areas, lakes, and rolling slopes of Michigan heather. The course ranges from 5,166 yards to a challenging, yet enjoyable 7,003 yards, with wide expansive
fairways, enormous greens, multiple tees for every type of player and other memorable features. The course conditions are always impeccable, similar to what you might find at
high-end private facilities. this is one of the top layouts available for public play in the Metro Detroit area. Driving by the course on Five Mile Road just west of Sheldon Road - one
cannot help but notice the par three 17th - one of the most picturesque (and one of the most challenging I might add) par three holes in the state. Initially, one may be concerned
that the golf course winds its way through a residential community...Not to worry, these homes are far enough from the course, and actually add to the beauty of the layout.
Northville Hills is also a golf club with a conscience. Its nationally recognized and funded storm water program is designed to filter water from the course and nearby housing
development, discharging cleaner water into the Rouge River. Surrounding wetlands are considered environmentally sensitive areas, and are monitored by the Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary System. This is a course that members, and the golfing public, can truly appreciate. Pricing is upscale - but you really get what you pay for here. On property
is a gorgeous clubhouse with a fully equipped pro shop and professional staff. Men's and women's lockers are available for daily rental, and the Turning Point Grille & Bar serves
lunch and dinner items, as well as full beverage service. Elegant banquet, wedding and outing facilities are complimented by an outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the
golf course. There is a 55,000 sq. ft. grass driving range, and an ample putting green.
Golf carts are equipped with rear golf bag shields, an appreciated amenity for play during inclement weather. The layout is very well marked, with sprinkler heads measured to the
center of the green, at advantageous positions all over the course - nearly right up to the green in some instances. There also are plates in the center of the fairways at
100/150/200 yards, and at 250 on the par fives. Colored flags indicate front, middle, or back pin placement on the immaculately conditioned greens - which are some of the best in
Michigan. Ample fairways are more often the rule rather than the exception, but are quite rolling and are usually flanked by sand traps and strategically placed water hazards. The
intricate greenside bunker complexes and undulating greens are Arnold Palmer's trademarks.
The opening hole is challenging from the tips, but plays quite reasonably from the other tees. Scratch golfers will find that the gold tees, at 7003 yards/132 slope are considerably
more difficult than the next set of tees. The blues play to 6193, and are a good choice for mid-handicappers with a 124 slope. The white tees measure 5627 and the forwards 4956
. An uphill approach to a well bunkered green provides the challenge on one, while the par three 2nd demands a carry over a pond. On the par five third, a tee shot over the middle
of the left fairway bunkers will leave a good approach, and a possible try at birdie. Anything hit long right will run through the fairway and reach the deep rough. Number four plays
uphill, making the distance from tee to green play longer that what is advertised. The fifth opens up considerably past the 200 yard marker, but plays along a fairway that features
numerous rolling mounds from 100 yards in. The stretch of holes from 6-8 present some good birdie opportunities. The sixth is a short par four that plays to an elevated green,
and is followed by a reasonable par five. This seventh hole invites an approach from the left side, to avoid the water hazard on the right near the green. Bunkers, mounds and high
grass protect the left side. The 8th is a pretty par three, with a considerable carry over a marsh. There is bail out room short left. On the par four ninth, a lay up to around 130 yards
from the green is recommended. The approach demands a carry over water, to a wide putting surface.
You will be able to stop and pick up a snack or beverage, as the drive to the tenth hole passes the clubhouse. The back side opens with a mid length par five, with the
recommended play off the tee featuring a driver aimed over the right edge of the left fairway bunker. With a downhill roll, it is possible to reach this tight green complex in two. The
11th is a beautiful par three with water right and a natural area left of the green. Twelve invites a drive over the tall set of bushes lining the left side - a good shot will leave a wedge
approach and a good birdie opportunity. Long hitters may be tempted to drive for the green, but the risk of reaching the natural area left does not justify the chance. The par four
13th is a gorgeous dogleg right that plays over a ridge. Course knowledge helps here - your drive must approach the far side of the fairway, as the hole actually bananas to the
right, and anything hit on the short side of the fairway will be blocked by trees. 14 is a pretty par four, that bends right and demands a carry over wetlands that sit precariously in
front of the putting surface. Par is very good here.
A good tee shot along a rolling fairway will leave an easy approach on 15, which precedes a short but interesting four par. Aim just left of the huge tree that sits in the center of the
fairway on this blind tee shot. The green complex bends to the right, but there is wide open spaces just left of the tree. This is one of the best birdie holes on the course. The last
par three of the day is all carry over a pond, with bunkers and mounding behind the putting surface. This is the hole which is visible from Five Mile Road. If the wind is up, club
selection can be tricky here. Number 18 presents an opportunity for a good finish, but also can result in some high numbers if you try to bite off a bit too much. The safest bet is to
lay up on the second shot - to the area in front of the cart path about 75 yards out. The green is double tiered, and bunkers and natural areas will dissuade all but the best golfers
from trying to reach in two.
This is one great round of golf! Northville residents receive a discount. There also are special senior and junior rates (great deals). You will get your money's worth. Annual
memberships are also available. Call the pro shop - or visit our informational page for Northville Hills ( which also features a link to the Northville Hills website) on our Michigan
golf course listing section Click here.
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