|
By House
Driving down a rural back road from Ann Arbor to the city of Plymouth, you stumble upon what appears to be a mirage in the east, yet this is no illusion—it is a golf oasis. There are few golf centers quite like Fox Hills. This is the golf Mecca for many in southeastern Michigan, offering something for all ages and skill levels. There is a state-of-the-art learning center located next to the clubhouse of the Strategic Fox (a Ray Hearn designed par 3 course—which I will be back to play). The original Fox Classic consists of three individual 9s (Hills/Woodlands/Lakes) and the championship course— Golden Fox. We played the Arthur Hills designed Golden Fox, which has been well known in the metro Detroit area since it opened in 1989
| #4 |
Accuracy is key on this creative dogleg right par 4. You don't have to boom your tee shot out there. Aim at the 150-yard stake and clear the marsh and give yourself a chance to see the hole. You will need to clear a stream on your second shot to a tough green. |
| #8 |
The longest hole on the course punishes you with water in front of the green. I had a nice tee shot down the center of the fairway but didn't feel comfortable about my chances of clearing the water and holding the green. The green is very difficult because everything slopes back toward the water. Play it safe and you might make a run at birdie. |
| #14 |
This downhill par 3 has water fronting the green. Take your time to read the greens because they are true to themselves. |
| #15 |
You can't review Golden Fox without talking about the par 4 15th. The tee shot is the easy part of the hole. What is left is a blind approach shot with a mound guarding the front of the hole and bunkers on the back. It feels like there was some miscommunication with Arthur Hills and the guy driving the bulldozer. I murdered my tee shot, leaving with a short wedge shot in. I was able to pretty much flop the shot over the mound and stick the green. If you need to fire in from strange angle, you will have a very difficult time holding the green. |
| #17 |
With a nice drive on this par 5, you will be able to go for the green in two. Don't worry if you go short in the bunker in front of the green- it is actually a very easy out. |
There are numerous mounds on this course. Some protect the greens, some throughout the fairways. There were quite a few holes when you expected to be in a bunker only to be in the low part of the undulating grass areas around the green. You will be given opportunities to attempt many different shots from unique lies. The prairie grass and tall roughs make errant shots difficult to recover from. With four sets for tees, this is a course of playability to all skill levels.
The Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center boosts two interesting distinctions. It is the single largest golf facility in Southeastern Michigan (with 63 holes) and is designated as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the International Audubon Program sanctioned by the United States Golf Association.
|
 |
 |
| 1) |
Fee Factor
|
18
|
| The real deal is the twilight rate of $30 for anytime after 3PM! |
| 2) |
Friendliness Factor
|
19
|
| The starter was great. Discussing the rules of the day and offering some pointers. He made us feel extremely welcome and not like the 30th group he spoke to that day. The guys in the pro shop were polite; the lady in the grill was bubbly and efficient. On the course, the cart girl was well versed in small talk. Other courses could take note of customer interactions from Golden Fox. |
| 3) |
Fringe Factor
|
19
|
| Within the compound, there are two driving ranges (next to the parking lot of the Golden Fox and the other at the Strategic Fox), chipping green, and putting green. I didn't go into all the buildings, but the Golden Fox clubhouse/pro shop was very nice. |
| 4) |
From 1st Tee to Handshake Factor
|
18
|
| This is a well-designed and maintained course. We had fun throughout the round and many holes challenged us with our shots and putts. |
| 5) |
Fun Factor
|
18
|
| Golden Fox is a great course with some exciting holes. I was happy to drive in late morning on a mid-week day and find a full parking lot, which further demonstrates why they are definitely doing something right at Fox Hills! |
Website: http://www.foxhills.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=54
Check out the Where to section: for places to eat, drink, and stay around southeast Michigan.
|
