The University of Michigan Golf Course in Ann Arbor, MI was ranked 79th on Golf Magazine's very first "Top 100 Courses You Can Play" list, published in 1996. And it has never been ranked again. Designed by Alister McKenzie and opened in 1931, it is a true gem. While considered a private golf course, it is open to people with a University of Michigan affiliation.
Less than three hours from Fort Wayne, IN, I didn't play it until July 5, 2016. And I have no good excuse that it took me so long. My brother has the affiliation required yet, I never took the time to play it.
Shame on me. What a gem! I've played several other McKenzie courses, most notably Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz, CA and Crystal Downs in Frankfurt, MI.
One of Crystal Downs' many notable features is the boomerang green of the seventh hole. It's higher on the upper right than the front of the green but McKenzie designed the surface in such a way that a skilled golfer can use the contours of the green to get close to a hole no matter where his ball lies in relation to the hole. All three times I played Crystal Downs, I took the time to hit many putts from one end of the seventh green to the other. It is genius.
Less than three hours from Fort Wayne, IN, I didn't play it until July 5, 2016. And I have no good excuse that it took me so long. My brother has the affiliation required yet, I never took the time to play it.
Shame on me. What a gem! I've played several other McKenzie courses, most notably Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz, CA and Crystal Downs in Frankfurt, MI.
One of Crystal Downs' many notable features is the boomerang green of the seventh hole. It's higher on the upper right than the front of the green but McKenzie designed the surface in such a way that a skilled golfer can use the contours of the green to get close to a hole no matter where his ball lies in relation to the hole. All three times I played Crystal Downs, I took the time to hit many putts from one end of the seventh green to the other. It is genius.
Alister McKenzie's Famous Boomerang Green at the 7th Hole of Crystal Downs
Imagine my surprise when I discovered the sixth green at the University of Michigan course. It too is a boomerang green. Much larger in size than the one at Crystal Downs, it sits at the end of a short par four that plays 308 yards from the back tee. Like Crystal Downs, it wraps around a large bunker, is much higher in back than front but runs to the left as opposed to the right at Crystal Downs.
I spent a great deal of time putting on this green as play was sparse the day I played. What fun! Take a close look at the third picture below. There is a sign on the bottom level that reads "No Chipping."
I love this course. It has it all; great elevation changes, two mid-sized par 3's, two really long par 3's (one at 246 yards), two driveable par 4's, reachable par 5's and a 455 yard finishing hole with an approach over water. There are five sets of tees and one set is rated for both men and women. The men's tees range in length from 5320 yards to 6730 yards with a slope of 135 from the back tees. It is a true test of golf.
I love this course. It has it all; great elevation changes, two mid-sized par 3's, two really long par 3's (one at 246 yards), two driveable par 4's, reachable par 5's and a 455 yard finishing hole with an approach over water. There are five sets of tees and one set is rated for both men and women. The men's tees range in length from 5320 yards to 6730 yards with a slope of 135 from the back tees. It is a true test of golf.
When it opened in 1931, it became just the fourth course located on a college campus. It's right across the street from the Big House. An early 1990's renovation was completed by Arthur Hills, a University of Michigan graduate, in 1994.
Just six weeks before I played, a brand new 23,000 square foot clubhouse was dedicated. A patio complete with a fire pit and outdoor seating and a new practice green sit between the clubhouse and holes 10 and 18.
There is only one other McKenzie course on a college campus and fittingly, it's Ohio State University's Scarlet Course, also opened in 1931.
If you are in the area, find a way to play this course.
Just six weeks before I played, a brand new 23,000 square foot clubhouse was dedicated. A patio complete with a fire pit and outdoor seating and a new practice green sit between the clubhouse and holes 10 and 18.
There is only one other McKenzie course on a college campus and fittingly, it's Ohio State University's Scarlet Course, also opened in 1931.
If you are in the area, find a way to play this course.
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