Brighton Howell Area Offers Great Golf Options
By Tom Lang
With a large portion of our state’s population living in Southeast Michigan, it’s not surprising that there is a huge selection of golf courses to support the golf-crazy public.
One such great assortment of choices can be found in the Brighton Howell Area – all located close enough to metro Detroit to take advantage of sports and entertainment in the big city – but also remote enough golfers can find great retreats for a unique buddies’ trip, ladies weekend or less expensive trip than a long drive up north.
Even from Grand Rapids, Battle Creek and regions north of Lansing, it’s only 90 minutes to Howell – and that much closer to Detroit if the casinos or a Detroit Tigers game is on your agenda in the evening after a day with family and friends on the golf course.
The downtowns of both Brighton and Howell have been transformed in recent years with great restaurants and laid-back nightlife that provide unique dining opportunities, breweries, and navigable social districts for all tastes and interests.
In all, there are 19 public golf courses in the Brighton Howell Area. Some special courses that provide challenge and beauty – and won’t drain your wallet are all within minutes of either city (in alpha order below) – and in many cases feel like you are playing golf Up North but without the drive:
Chemung Hills Golf Club
Huntmore Golf Club
Huron Meadows Metropark
Kensington Metropark
Links at Hunters Ridge Golf Course
Moose Ridge Golf Course
Mystic Creek Golf Course
The Majestic at Lake Walden
Timber Trace Golf Club
Exploring Brighton Howell Area Courses:
“This is home to some terrific golf courses – and players of all abilities are very fortunate,” said Nathan Oake, a PGA member for 25 years, and high school golf coach at Hartland, who also serves as director of the Kensington Junior Tour for area youth. “At the top of the list for me personally is Dunham Hills Golf Club, and the combination of an undulating layout, and some of the best greens in SE Michigan make this a favorite of many.
“Two other spectacular layouts include The Majestic and Huntmore in my opinion, where golfers are treated to wonderful views, top rate conditions and challenging shot requirements for their entire round.”
I have never played Huntmore but I have toured the other two a few times.
The Majestic (our cover photo this month) is aptly named, as there are some very majestic views along the way. The course sits on an incredible piece of property in an unusual area – right along the U.S. 23 Highway and provides an ‘Up North’ Michigan experience. Many golfers from the southern areas make The Majestic an essential stop on their northbound road trip.
The Majestic, which wraps around the spring-fed Lake Walden, is comprised of 27 holes. Holes 2-through-14 continuously wind throughout woods and up and down the rolling terrain, truly giving the layout a majestic feel. Many holes of the third nine have the same appeal, especially the 3-hole stretch of Holes 23-25.
I did a review of Dunham Hills for the Detroit Free Press a few years ago, and wrote:
‘Dunham Hills is a fun track and beautiful property to enjoy. It’s a parkland style course with rolling hills and valleys, plus a variety of fairways that go uphill and downhill – all variables which combine to cause side-hill stances on many occasions. The course is loaded with trees, but they are spaced out enough it doesn’t feel suffocating. The last four holes are listed as some of the easiest handicap holes on the back nine, so a strong finish can be had. Above all, accuracy is paramount.’
In another FreeP review, I had the following to say about Timber Trace, west of Pinckey, a sister city south of Howell and west of Brighton: As many designers do, Timber Trace’s layout saves one of the best holes for last, No. 18, a par 4 dogleg left. Avoiding a large bunker down the right side is a first step. The downhill approach shot is over a valley before going back up hill to the green complex. Water to the far right and a greenside bunker on left protects the back-to-front severely slanted green. So don’t go long or you’ll be limited to ‘just breathing’ on most any putt from above the hole.’
North of Howell is the Links at Hunter’s Ridge. Designed by Paul Albanese of the Jerry Matthews team, Hunter’s Ridge has been under new ownership the last 5-plus years and has made major quality improvements. It first hosted a U.S. Open qualifier in 2002 and is one of my favorites with its open fairways on rolling hills.
The region has tons of modern hotel accommodations to choose from, but Hunter’s Ridge has an option that’s great for history buffs who want a unique setting – a 150-year-old farmhouse right on the property that has been updated to sleep 12. Full kitchen, large yard and large common area. What a great alternative for your group.
Moose Ridge sits southeast of Brighton on what a golfing friend of mine said, “It’s hard to find a better piece of property for a golf course in southeast Michigan …and the average player will love the views and golf course.” I feel it’s a very challenging track with lots of trips up and down hills and valleys, with some wide-open holes and others that are tight through the trees.
The two Metropark courses – Kensington and Huron Meadows – are proof that municipal golf is fun, and as expected much less costly. Huron Meadows often hosts high school team events and MHSAA post-season tournaments. Huron Meadows, which sits south of Brighton near U.S. 23 has a few extreme hills for cool views but also more level areas for walkers.
I did a review on Kensington for this magazine a few years ago as part of my ongoing series called ‘Freeways and Fairways’ because the property sits prominently along I-96 east of Brighton, writing:
‘Kensington Metroparks Golf Course has always been a fun track, and after the park system invested some money to spruce things up it’s an even better experience. Simple touches like all new signs at holes, easy to locate and well-marked junior tees in the fairways, large decorative rocks edging some newly-elevated tees and a spruced-up clubhouse area proves the green fees were re-invested for the long run.
‘No. 8 is the most picturesque hole on the course, a par 3 over water to a large green with tons of pin placement options. The view is even better coming off the 7th green and heading downhill to the tee.’
“Nearly every PGA Professional and course manager has also opened their arms to the Kensington Junior Tour in an effort to help grow junior golf locally,” Oake added. “For junior golf development and learning the game, it is tough to beat the programming and environment at Hartland Glen GC, Ironwood, and the Metroparks. Each course has friendly rates and has worked hard to remove the financial barrier for junior golfers learning to develop. I am proud to live and work in an area with such an enthusiasm for this great game.”
Time to Refuel:
Here is a list of top-rated restaurants, according to reviews from Trip Advisor. We include guest reviews from online.
Brighton:
Stillwater Grill (American)
“Everything, from the moment we walked in the door was perfect.”
Bourbons (American, Steakhouse)
“This was my first time at Bourbons but it won't be my last!”
Cheryl’s Place (American, famous for breakfast)
Howell:
2FOG’s Pub (American/Bar)
“Our first time in Howell. Not disappointed! If we lived in the area we'd be regulars.”
Diamond’s Steak and Seafood (American, Steakhouse)
“The entrees were very good sizes and be sure to leave room for dessert because their carrot cake is definitely worth the hype!”
Cello Italian Restaurant
“Get a few plates and share the main dishes. Tortellini and scallops were our favorites. Right after the lemon spaghetti. Lemon cello is a must have.”
