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By House
What do you say about a course that has been so entwined in your golfing life? Some of my first rounds were played on this course. The course is fair to the novice and challenging to the intermediate golfer. Once the golfing bug bit me, I then introduced my Dad, Mom, wife, sister, and cousin all to the game at this course. I have organized and played in numerous outings here. In fact, the first corporate outing I organized was at Pine View. Trying to climb the corporate ladder, I put myself in the same group with the VP. His presence in the outing made everyone nervous, especially the director, the best duffer in the department after working with his "golf pro." I had met the VP prior to the outing but never had a lengthy conversation with him. Throughout the round, he was (surprisingly) a genuinely nice person and supportive of the two ladies in our group who were very bad golfers. In the end, he became a fan of mine when I lead our team to victory. I loved the pressure then-and I love the pressure now.
My brother-in-law and cousin both held their bachelor party golf rounds at Pine View. I have spent several Father's Days here and even hosted a guy's golf day to honor my freedom from my old desk job. There is occasional slow play on this course; however, that just leads to uninterrupted time to talk with your Dad.
| #1 |
A short par 5 that feeds nicely into a downhill green. Birdie is very makeable here-don't pass on those opportunities! |
| #2 |
Par 3 with a two-tiered green. Figure out where the pin is because many times it looks to be in the middle. Place your shot to the correct tier to give you another birdie chance. |
| #3 |
Aim to the left so you stay out of the trees lining the right side. This will give you a second shot that always seems closer than it is; however, I usually run my shot up to the generously sized green. |
| #4 |
The final par 5 on the front. Trees on the left identify OB. The right is open to wayward shots (putting you on the 3rd fairway). An enormous tree on the left side of the fairway is where you need to drive to cut the corner of this 505-yard hole. Try it and you will be rewarded; if you fail, you'll be teeing up again! The green is a three-tiered masterpiece. When I finally birdied this hole I will fist pound (or hug-my choice) my playing partner. |
| #5 |
Longest par 3 on the course and uphill to a green with drop offs on all sides. I stuck this one time to tap-in birdie range-and should have walked of the course right then! |
| #6 |
Alas, the number 1 handicap hole. The 6th and 7th holes wrap around what appears to have been an old farm. There is a silo and the foundation of a building. The smart play is the boring play. Stay away from the trees and concrete. |
| #7 |
A harsh dog leg left. Stay out of the trees and you will have a run at par on this shorter hole. |
| #8 |
An elevated tee shot to what looks like an open fairway. Play a nice easy drive to the left side of the fairway and enjoy a good look at the elevated pin. Play a club more and be happy you walk away with a par. |
| #9 |
This and the 10th are the only holes with water on them. The retaining pond will enjoy your errant tee shot from all you right-handed hookers. Hopefully you posted some good numbers because the back 9 will take most of those away! |
| #10 |
The back nine is much tighter and has an up north (Michigan) feel. This is where the pine comes into Pine View. The 10th is my least favorite hole on the course because it's long and boring (like my college professor's lectures). |
| #11 |
Your tee shot is uphill and blind after the first 50 yards, so you will benefit from utilizing the makeshift spotter's tower to make sure the group ahead of you has cleared out and your ball stays in play on this narrow fairway.
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| #12 |
A deceptively tricky par 3. You will notice from the tee that everything slopes down to the left. Always play your shot to the right side of the green.
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| #13 |
The next three holes are all mid-distance par 4s that are parallel to each other. The pine trees that make the divisions are the only real reason why you should have much trouble. |
| #14 |
My favorite of the three parallel pine holes. The elevated green slopes forward toward the two bunkers. |
| #15 |
At this point, you are either loving your score or cursing all things pine. Did I mention they do serve beer on this course? |
| #16 |
Looks like the 14th until you realize the 90-degree dog leg left to the green. The risk/ reward of launching a moon ball over the pines to cut the distance doesn't warrant the attempt. The smart play is to knock one out about 175 yards just beyond the large tree that guards the middle of the fairway. |
| #17 |
The green on this par 3 is narrow and long and really forces you to have your yardages down pat. |
| #18 |
This par 5 is pretty straight forward-until you reach yet another multi-leveled green. You must know where the flag is to have a chance at picking up a stroke. |
| If you finish your round and still want to knock around the feathery, go play "The Little Pine Nine" for some short game work. Although this par-30 course is not in as nice of condition as the main course, it will still provide you with some fun shot-making opportunities. |
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| 1) |
Fee Factor
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17
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| The rates are reasonable for this type of course. They usually have deals on their website. |
| 2) |
Friendliness Factor
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17
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| The staff is friendly and honest. If the course is stacked, they will inform you. The starters are cordial and express their desire for you to police yourself as they don't ranger like they used to. Some rounds will be longer due to the varying golf abilities playing. |
| 3) |
Fringe Factor
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17
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| Provided is a driving range, chipping area, and two putting greens! The banquet area could be updated but is fun to have a cold beverage in after your round. Don't be confused, this is not a high end championship golf course. This is a nice local golf course that can host a ton of lasting memories. |
| 4) |
From 1st Tee to Handshake Factor
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17
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| There is something to be said for a course that can cater to all skill levels. That is not an easy task. Some holes are tricked out. Some are pretty straight forward. You will get an opportunity to test your shot making ability at some point in the round. |
| 5) |
Fun Factor
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19
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| I have spent countless hours on this course with the most important people in my life. For that reason it will always be a favorite course of mine. |
Website: http://www.pineviewgc.com
Check out the Where to section: for places to eat, drink, and stay around southeast Michigan (like Marriott, Aubree's, Stick's).
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