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By House
Located close to the Traverse City Airport, Elmbrook has been a favorite public course since 1964. Spawned from a few disenfranchised members of Traverse City Country Club, their goal was to break away from the country club mentality. There are parts of this course that will remind you of what it was like in the 1960s. We found the course layout to be pretty unique and, at times, spectacular.
| #2 |
The bunker on this par 3 has some of the fluffiest sand I have ever played. When I approached the bunker, I couldn't believe the crater my ball created. I was able to get up and down for par from there and wanted to go back and bring my son's Tonka truck. |
| #3 |
One of the coolest bunkers I have ever seen on this par 4. About 200 yards out on the right, you will see a strangely designed series of bunkers. Upon further inspection, you will see that the bunkers are the Great Lakes around Michigan! I actually tried to cut the corner on this dogleg right and ended up just east of the Straits of Mackinac. |
| #6 |
This signature hole has stunning scenic panoramic views of the West and East Grand Traverse Bays and the surrounding area. I felt inspired and crushed a drive right down the pipe. It was one of my best drives all season. |
| #14 |
Wicked green on the shortest hole on the course. I finally hit the green on a par three-- only to three putt. The green slopes severely from front to back and left to right. |
| #15 |
First of back-to-back short par 4 holes. Driving the green is possible on this uphill hole, but it might not be the smartest play. |
| #17 |
This is one of the best holes I have ever played. Another big drive on this par 4 left me with 106 yards to the green. I stuck a wedge to less than a foot and walked off with easy birdie. Eagle would have been great, but this was a good hole to almost end my round. |
| The course is very enjoyable to play. The fairway and greens had me concerned how it would look in late summer. On the day we played, everything was wonderful (conditions, weather, and my golf swing). |
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| 1) |
Fee Factor
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16
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| I know this is Traverse City, but this is a little high in my opinion. |
| 2) |
Friendliness Factor
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19
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| Extremely friendly in the pro shop and the grill when I got a dog at the turn. |
| 3) |
Fringe Factor
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17
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| Driving range is small and almost dangerous close to the parking lot. The really cool thing is the chipping green and putting green along Hammond Rd, which is open to the public. Years ago, they had to redesign the 2nd hole from a par 4 and make it a par 3. Golfers were duck hooking drives into oncoming traffic, so they shortened the hole and added this nice little practice green for anyone to stop bye and work the short game. Not many courses have this type of community love! The pro shop was small and dated but had everything you need inside. |
| 4) |
From 1st Tee to Handshake Factor
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18
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| This was once an old farm that was purchased and designed by Vern Nelson and some of the other original owners. I was told that no earth was moved to create this unique and beautiful course. |
| 5) |
Fun Factor
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18
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| Elmbrook is a beautiful course that is pretty short but still challenging. You will see a variety of shots that will allow you to use almost every club in your bag. |
Website: http://www.elmbrookgolf.com/
Check out the Where to section: for places to eat, drink, and stay around northwest Michigan.
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