Detailed description of Elk Rapids Golf Course
Elk Rapids Golf Course is a Semi-Private 9 hole golf course located in Elk Rapids, Michigan.
Elk Rapids Golf Course opened in 1923. The course was designed by Donald J. Ross.
Par for the course is 36. From the back tees the course plays to 3,159 yards. From the forward tees the course measures 2,604 yards. The longest hole on the course is # 1, a par-5 that plays to 485 yards. The shortest hole on the course is # 8, a par-3 that plays to 167 yards from the back tees.
Watch out for # 6, a 387 yard par-4 challenge and the #1 handicap hole on the course. The easiest hole is # 9, a 451 yard par-5.
One of the boundaries on this course is Elk Lake, which comes into play on three holes. Large knolls and dips in the fairways create five blind approach shots. However, this is a very easy course to walk since the terrain is fairly level.
#5 a 171 yard (162 forward tees) par 3 has a small green that slopes to the water, and is the signature hole. A perfectly placed trap above the green will catch those who try to use the hill to roll the ball onto the green. When you get on the green, even a 2 foot putt is a "hold your breath" putt.
#2 a 343 yard (333 forward tees) par 4. has a small green and has a slight slope away from you (toward the water). Its surface is hidden from view on the approach shot. It looks like a simple par 4, but those who play the course know that those features justify its ranking as the number 2 handicap hole.
#3 a 361 yards (276 forward tees) par4, is not only is it a beautiful hole, it is protected by bunkers on the left-front and on the right-front of the green. This is your chance for a par. Don't blow it by going into a bunker.
#4 a par-4 378 yards (351 forward tees) has a green that is completely hidden from view until you get within 40 yards of it. The flag is very tall, giving you the only indicator of how far and what direction to hit. A bunker behind the green will stop balls from rolling into the lake, but an long ball will get wet. Coming over the hill toward the green is a breathtaking view of Elk Lake.
Elk Lake is in view from every hole!
Member (cart included), played on Wednesday, July 2011 at 2pm
This is a Donald Ross designed course. Opened in 1922. Breathtaking views of Elk Lake along several holes. Plays 3066 for blue, 2956 from white and 2586 from red tees. Might look easy but has many of the Donald Ross design tricks that he was famous for. Bargin value. Very good for all skill levels - kids , beginners,skilled and seniors.
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$16 (cart not included), played on Saturday, June 2019 at 7:30 AM
I have been looking forward to re-playing this Donald Ross design/built Links course that opened July 15, 1924.
This nine (9) hole 3,067 - 2,459yd / 34.4 / 118 Par 36 lakeside property is not short on views or Ross toughness. Ideal conditions from the flat/smooth tee boxes, through the sculptured lush fairways that lead to the firm/smooth rolling greens. Oh, not to forget those well placed soft fairway/green-side traps awaiting your impending arrival. The #1 485yd dogleg right Par 5 is a good way to get warmed up, but watch the corner sand trap. The #3 361yd Par 4 Hcp 2 has some great bunkers protecting the green as full carry is needed. Number #4 381yd Par 4 has the lake view on your 2nd shot worth pausing over. The green is hidden but landing 10-15 yards short will kick you onto the promise land. (Long is Gone) The #5 172yd Par 3 has a large tree guarding the RH side but a LH hill will assist your miss onto the dance floor. The photo on this page is looking back over #5 green and the #4 green in the distance. The #6 387yd Par 4 is the Hcp 1 with a lake on the right-side, green tucked to the lake, surrounded by sand traps. The #7 300yd Par 4 has a tight tree lined driving chute leading to a steep-faced, elevated, protected green. Number #8 187yd Par 3 has the road on the RH side and full carry needed to land it home. (Sand & Elevated) Finishing with a straightway 451yd Par 5 is a great way to end a walk on a 95-year-old Donald Ross course.
Talking to Gene D, they are working with Hemper Golf Designs/Country Club Inc. to restore the course to its original working drawings which they have secured. Looking forward to returning, to improving on my 39 w/18putts and seeing what ongoing changes await me.