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By VW
There are times when your opinion of a particular course is based on factors other than the course in particular. Such is the case of this wonderful, Bill Newcomb–designed course located minutes from downtown Battle Creek (Cereal City, USA for the uninitiated). A late- April round and the ever-changing meteorological patterns of Michigan produced a chilling combination of rain, sleet, snow, and sheer winds. Thoughts tended toward calling the round on account of weather, but here in Michigan, if the spikes are on and the bags strapped in, there is no turning back, so our fearless threesome headed into the unknown.
| #1 |
The opening hole at The Medalist is a simple par 4. Undulations along the hole can make for blind shots to a well-guarded green. It always reflects well on a course that opens with a hole that does not immediately make you wish you'd gone to couple's counseling instead. |
| #3 |
The first of the par 3's is not the most beautiful or well-designed. It is simply a fun hole to play. A long iron or hybrid plays to a large green sloping back to front. |
| #4 |
The longest of the par 5's, this hole requires the infrequent combination of distance and accuracy. The second shot is a difficult decision. The gap is narrow between the water on the left near the green and the woods on the right. If you doubt your long irons or hybrids, lay up short of the pond and leave yourself an easy approach. |
| #5 |
Continuing play along the tree line, this short par 4 is designed to reward skillful tee shots that take the water on the left out of play, leaving a wide landing zone on the right. If you succeed in navigating the woods and water, the hole plays out fairly simple. |
| #9 |
The inward hole on the front is a par 5 disguised to look like a long par 4. There is water down the left side of the fairway but also a spacious landing area and bailout to the right. Hug the right side of the fairway to set up for the best approach, taking out the edge of the pond near the green that juts into the fairway. The deep green can be reached in two and the profile allows for a run at eagles and birdies. |
| #11 |
In our opinion, this par 4 is one of the signature holes at The Medalist. The scene is breathtaking and the obvious respect for the landscape stands out on this hole more than most. From the white tees, you will have to carry an expansive marsh to a narrow, uphill fairway. The landing area is hour-glass shaped, and any shots that carry outside the neck will be swallowed and lost forever in the thick woods. While the card states 372 yards to the center of the green, it feels like so much more of a trek, as evidenced by Erik's flying wedge into the console of our cart following a triple bogey. |
| #13 |
This par 5 is difficult to reach in two unless you have a power fade in your bag. Take aim right of the left fairway bunkers to set up for an open second shot. With thick stands of trees, too far right or left near the green will result in an impromptu treasure hunt and tricky shot back into play. Approach shots play to a huge green that can be easily managed depending on pin location. |
| #17 |
This par 3 ranks highly with us on the "cool factor." Playing at 151 yards, tee shots must carry a gigantic marsh to a shallow green. Miss long and you will face one of those oh-so-fun downhill lies that require a surgeon's touch. Stage right or left is out of play and short feeds back toward the marsh. |
| #18 |
The finishing hole at The Medalist is a 356-yard par 4. The hole plays straight away toward the clubhouse. There is water left, and when it is not snowing, there is a beautiful fountain that makes the pond's surface dance. Favor the right side to a large green guarded by the aforementioned pond and large greenside bunker on the left and a hillside on the right. It is just a short ride from the 18th green to the Osprey Club for tall tales and a wonderful meal. |
| For us, this was a miserable, yet memorable round at one of Michigan's finest courses. The Medalist is part of the Osprey Resort complex and has been designed and built with all of the necessary components to make each round challenging, yet strangely peaceful. The untouched landscape is integral to the course; lush marsh teeming with flora and fauna are carefully considered as the course cuts its delicate swath throughout. We look forward to another round once the season has begun and the course is in form. |
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| 1) |
Fee Factor
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19
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| I have to admit surprise by the absolute bargain at this course. $52 weekdays and $59 on the weekend includes your cart. This is a top course in Michigan and they charge as if they were unaware of it! |
| 2) |
Friendliness Factor
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19
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| There was a skeleton crew working on the cold April day that we played. But even the minimal support staff was gracious, accommodating, and willing to laugh with us at the level of insanity required to finish a round in the weather we saw. |
| 3) |
Fringe Factor
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17
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| For once, I took advantage of the range, had time to walk through the small, but well-stocked pro shop, and get a sense of what the club is like on all measurements and it passed with efficiency. |
| 4) |
From 1st Tee to Handshake Factor
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18
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| For an early-season round, the course looked good from tee to green. There was still some clean-up that needed to take place, but they were on their way. |
| 5) |
Fun Factor
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19
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| If you love a challenge, this course can and will test you, no matter your skill level. In mid-season form, this course must feel like a golfer's sanctuary from the worries of everyday life. And nothing inspires laughter more than unburdened shoulders. |
Website: http://www.themedalist.com/
Check out the Where to section: for places to eat, drink, and stay around SW Michigan like Clara’s and The Hunt Club.
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