Solitude Links Golf Course & Banquet Center (810-982-3673)
Michigan Golf Course Review
Solitude Links Golf Course - simply put - is one of the top golf experiences in Southeastern Michigan. Since we initially reviewed the
course several years ago, this property has experienced tremendous growth and improvement. So much so, that instead of
updating, we felt we had to do the review all over again...First of all there are now 2 practice greens, one for putting only and the other
with chipping allowed. A grass range is just a short golf cart drive away, and the carts themselves are of the upscale variety, with
compartmentalized dashes and ball & club washers. As these photos indicate, the views from the second story clubhouse patio are
extraordinary. With 10 acres of fescue added to the course, this layout now has a distinctive Links flavor. Players will notice that
Solitude Links has plentiful landing areas, but the rough is left un-cut. As the fescue grows tall during the summer months, this aesthetic quality is highlighted.
The cedar paneled clubhouse is wonderful to look at even better to experience. Passing through the small pro shop, one is astounded by the roomy restaurant/lounge, which can
also serve as function space for golf outings. Full lunch and dinner menus are available in this comfortable surrounding, and on the second floor (serviced by stairs or elevator) is
a wonderful banquet facility, with flexible space that can accommodate up to 500 people! The Torello family had the beautiful chandeliers fashioned uniquely, patterned after those
present in the Motor City Casino in Detroit. Solitude Links is also known as a spectacular wedding location (see photos and more info at the bottom of this review).
On course the fairways have wood posts in the center of the fairways to indicate 100, 150 and 200 yard areas, and the sprinkler heads are also measured to the center of the
green. We appreciate that the cart paths also have yardage indicators, as do each tee box. GPS tablets are provided on golf carts. Balls on the flagsticks are the indicators on the
superbly conditioned putting surfaces, which are medium to large in size, quick in speed, and generally mild in undulations. While some are ridged or double-tiered, there are
plentiful level areas that will reward good shots with make-able putts. This is true on the opening hole, which features two greens - one to be played as a par four (for those unable
to carry a formidable water hazard) and the other over water, as a par five. Photos of the approach and from behind the green are posted above.
The second hole leads back to the clubhouse (photo above) and is beautifully bunkered, with water also in play on the right. The initial six holes can be a great confidence builder,
as good shots can lead to some low scores. There is ample room for slightly offline tee shots, which affords golfers an opportunity to warm up before reaching the challenging
three remaining holes on the front. All three are rather long par fours, with sand and water in play. The 8th, with an island green complex, can be especially challenging for a first
time visitor. The ninth features trees on the right and water immediately left all he way to the green. Water hazards are less in play on the back side (on four of the nine holes), but
sand becomes more prominent. Number 18 is a good example, as sand traps occupy the sides of the fairway near landing areas of the first and second shots, and 4 more bunkers guard the green.
There are five sets of tees at Solitude Links Golf Course, with the tips measuring 6674 yards/126 slope. Alternate sets play to 6222 yards/121 slope, 5655 yards/112 slope, 4934
yards/118 slope for women, and 4289/103 slope from the forward areas. As the slope ratings indicate, this course is women-friendly. You need look no further than the initial hole,
which allows golfers to choose the par four green along the left side of the fairway, instead of demanding a long carry over one of the 4 lakes. With water in play on 14 holes
however, there is never a dull moment here! From the back tees, there are some very formidable carries. The average golfer should be able to handle the blue tees here, as there
is only 1 par four of 400 yards plus.
First time visitors will really appreciate the hole diagrams - with helpful tips - on the scorecards. The Folks here obviously want folks to enjoy themselves here, and have gone out
of their way to make sure golfers will want to come back. We recommend a visit her without reservation! Golfers will be challenged, but they also will be rewarded for good shots.
Great conditioning, wonderful layout, beautiful facilities, friendly service...Solitude Links Golf Course has it all! The property is easy to get to, just minutes off I-94 and I-69 south of
Port Huron. It is worth the drive from Detroit. Visit our page for Solitude Links Golf Course for more info, including a map, directions, and a direct link to their website by clicking here.
Solitude Links has an extensive Wedding Program - for a video - please click here
For more information on Weddings at Solutude Links - click here, where you can find a flyover video & testimonials.
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