Adding More Michigan Golf Courses To The “Collection”

Adding More Michigan Golf Courses To The “Collection”

I added a few more Michigan golf courses to my “collection” this past week. I’m now up to 241 different Michigan golf courses played (and 42 not in Michigan).

The tenth at Rammler

I played Rammler in Sterling Heights on June 14. The course dates to 1929, and I always enjoy old school courses.

Unfortunately, Rammler wasn’t much fun. The “bones” of the design are good, but the course was not in good shape. Worse, the clubhouse put me — and a couple other players — out in the middle of an outing composed of some of the worst golfers ever to disgrace a course.

Seriously. If there’s an outing, you don’t book tee times right in the middle of it.

On June 17, I played the West course at Whiteford Valley. It was a really pleasant round. Whiteford Valley is a farmlands course that does not boast a fancy design or scenery, but it is very well cared-for.

Michigan golf is generally known for its “Up North” courses carved from forest, with often dramatic elevation changes. I’ll bet, however, that there are just as many farmlands courses.

The folk in the area should be really happy to have such a nice place to play.

Deme Acres’ fifth.

On June 20, I visited Deme Acres in Petersburg. Deme is not fancy, but the price is right. I paid $12 for 18 holes.

What did I get for $12? Fairways that were covered with green stuff, some interesting doglegs and smooth greens. Flat greens. Everything on this course is flat. Even the bunkers are flat.

The course was fairly busy. Again, I think the people in this area are appreciative of their local course. Places like Deme Acres, which serve the local town, are one of the reasons there are 600 plus Michigan Golf courses.

Today (June 21), I returned to Whiteford Valley to play their North course. As with the West, it is a very pleasant round. I thought it was tougher, though. A deep farm drainage ditch — the Ottawa Lake Outlet — runs through the layout, creating some interesting decisions off the tee.

Whiteford Valley has a third nine, which I plan to return to play at some point.

I would definitely return to Whiteford Valley to play again. It is inexpensive (I paid $17 to walk) and enjoyable.

I’ll have full reviews of these Michigan golf courses in the coming weeks.