LochenHeath Golf Club

$101 (cart included), played on Thursday, June 2018 at 7:45 AM

I've been driving by here the last few years looking at Hole #3 / Green and finally got the chance to play here.

Previously a Private Club, it's now is open to Public and what a track this is.

Normally it's $138 during the week but we got in on a $100 discounted rate and this was closer to what it should be. Get here early and take advantage of the great included driving range that has target greens from 50yds to 300yds and has bunkers like the course.

They have Five (5) tee boxes but Seven (7) various selections for yardages from 7,283yds to 5,058yds on this traditional Links Par 72 layout.

I played from the Blue Tees 3,293/3,423yds / 73.7 / 144 and was more than challenged on this well conditioned, wide fairway, large sculptured greens (9-10) that were protected mostly from the sides and not the fronts. Elevation changes will come into play on most holes and with no GPS on carts, you better have your own devices to check the sprinkler head yardages. Each hole was widely separated and most tee landing areas could be seen landing but maybe not where you wanted them. By playing from the Blues most fairway bunkers were beyond my reach but 2nd shots were 160 - 190ydswhich proved to be a little testy sometimes.

Highlight was #3 Hole / 223yds / Par 3 downhill hitting a 5wood short and rolling to 18" for a nice surprise Birdie. Which of course was followed up by a Bogey on #5 / 419yd / Par4 because I thought I knew was in the zone now, sorry not today. The bunkers (sand/grass) were fairly well placed and in great condition. Some split fairways but check yardages to clear bunkers as there are no hints on the course or card. Hole #12 / 306yd / Par 4 uphill is one of these that I would play to 180yd lower fairway (not upper 230yd carry) leaving a 120-130yd easy distance shot. Great layout that offers no two (2) holes the same and risk/reward on many 2nd shots. Shot 40/43 w/ 37putts as getting the speed/slope of the the greens took its toll on both sides.

A little pricey but the views, condition, and layout are worth the price of admission if you're in the Traverse City area on vacation.

Do Not Recall (cart included), played on Monday, April 2011 at 6am

Good news everone. LochenHeath Golf Club in Williamsburg, Michigan (closed since 2009) is scheduled to re-open on Friday, April, 21, 2011.

Even better news, now you can play this course. Peviously a private course, LochenHeath Golf Club will now be open to the public.

I just got off the phone (April 11, 2011) with them and confirmed this information.