SNOWSNAKE SKI & GOLF (989)539-6583
Michigan Golf Course Review
Snowsnake Golf Course in Harrison boasts of a "up north golf course- nearby" - and the layout certainly backs up this statement. Tree lined fairways and sloped, undulating
greens provide the challenge in a secluded environment with naturally rolling terrain. The hills, ravines and dense woods create the opportunity for a great variety in design, with
numerous holes playing from elevated tees and strategic doglegs bending both right and left. The by product is a beautiful and short but challenging design, that is geared
towards the "shot maker". The grip it and rip mentality will not come in handy here, as careful thought must be applied on nearly every hole. Land it on the well kept fairways, which
frequently are narrow, and a good score is very possible. Stray to either side and you will be playing out of knarly rough. Prior course knowledge is also a great advantage here,
especially when applied to placement of approaches on the medium sized putting surfaces, which are more sloped that undulating. Knowing which ones are sloped front to back,
back to front or side to side can certainly help to save some strokes.
Performing well on the 4 par threes is vital to beating your handicap at Snowsnake - all are gorgeous and each is a challenge as they are rated the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th
handicaps, while measuring 122, 149, 171 and 185 from the back tees. Snowsnake is not a long course, with the tips playing to just 6143 yards with a 133 slope. Most golfers
will choose these tee areas, although the whites are a good challenge with a 129 slope at 5632 yards. Two sets of forward tees measure 5087/128 slope and 4542 with a 117
slope rating. Amenities include a clubhouse with pro shop, dining area, putting green and a cozy driving range projected into the downhill ski runs. Banquet facilities are also on
property, and tubing, skiing and snowboarding are available during winter months.
The 18-hole layout begins with a playable par four that runs slightly downhill to a tight green complex, with the putting surface sloped considerably from front to back. Keep this in
mind on the approach or you may be looking at a tough up and down. Water immediately behind the green provides the challenge on the par three 2nd, which precedes a tough
tee shot on the par four 3rd. The fairway opens up considerably as you near the green. The fourth is a tough dogleg left with a grass ravine about 90 yards out demanding an
accurate carry. A carry over another grass ravine is necessary on the par three 5th. Aim for the right side of the green as the putting surface is sloped right to left. A tight tree lined
fairway leads to a green sloped front to back on six, which is followed by a very score-able par five with a long and narrow putting surface. The dogleg left 8th is the number one
handicap, and is the second of back to back five pars. The fairway is reached with a long and accurate tee shot over a considerable grass ravine, and a large oak comes into play
on the right about 90 yards out. Par is also a good score on number nine which features an uphill tee shot. Do not be long on the approach, as the green slopes downward quickly
and leads to unplayable bush.
The back nine opens with a tight par four that plays relatively straight, and a the longest hole of the layout on 11 (a 528 yards par five). This dogleg right plays tightly, with a pond
coming into play along the left side about 220 out. Land on the fairway on 12 and a birdie is quite possible on this # 18 handicap. This is followed by the 2 handicap, a 439 yard
par four with a narrow tree lined fairway leading to a downhill approach. The 14th is tough from the tips, with a tree right and water short left. It is much more manageable with a
mid or short iron from the alternate tees. Prior course experience is valuable on 15, which demands an accurate tee shot to the 150 stake on the right side - over a water hazard
that is not visible from the tee areas. The fairway is crowned, sloping mostly left to right towards the hazard, but also right to left towards the woods near the apex. The approach
carries over a grass ravine which begins about 100 yards out. A tee shot passing the 150 yards marker or landing on the right side is rewarded with a clear shot and easy
approach to the green on 16. There is about 15 yards of sloping grass in front of the 17th green on this beautiful par three. The closing hole is a tough one but is much easier
with a long tee shot hit past the 150 yards stake, with a good downhill roll being the reward. The approach must be extremely accurate, as this green slopes front to back towards
the water hazard, with considerable trouble all around. To finish well on Snowsnake, be aware that approaches should be below the hole on 16 and 17 - and should land softly on
the front of the green on 18.
The course is well marked with small yardage stakes at 100, 150 and 200 yards. Color coded flags indicate the day's pin placements. There are few sand bunkers, and water
comes into play in varying degrees on 11 holes. Driving with carts on the fairways and rough is allowed as asphalt cart paths are usually end just past the tee areas. The course
was in wonderful condition from tee to green on our visit - and the service courteous and friendly. Rates here are great - especially on weekdays. A round here is recommended
without reservation. Long hitters may be disappointed, but golf is about control as well as distance. You will need it on this beautiful layout.
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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