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By House
Champion Hill is another course that I might be slightly biased toward. I play this course every time I am in the area, and for my money, there are no better views than from Champion Hill. The course has a calm relaxing affect on me. I have played some great rounds here and it will always hold a special place in my heart as the first course my son ever played with me late last fall. With all that said, I will now be objective for the sake of you, the reader.
| #1 |
The round starts with a short uphill par 4. It is drivable for big hitters because it has a very spacious green. At worse you will be chipping on for a potential up and down birdie. |
| #2 |
Another short uphill par 4, this one doglegs left with a bunker on the left side. Aim toward the tree on the right for a better shot at the elongated green. |
| #3 |
This is a downhill par 4 with tall grass on both sides. The linksy feel really kicks in on this hole. The green is guarded front left with a bunker. |
| #4 |
A nice downhill par 4 with a huge rock mound on the right, which won't come into play unless you miss hit the ball. Take a big swing and watch your shot roll down the fairway. The green is a large oval shape that is flat on the left side but dips considerably on the right middle area. Depending on pin placement this can be a very challenging green. This is one of my favorite holes on the course, for views and ease of play. |
| #5 |
You have reached the highest point of the front side of the course. There is a severe dogleg right on this par 5 hole. The hill on the right will temp the biggest hitters to try to blast over it. For some, it is possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. Play between the two white 150 marks for the best look at the green. This area has been hit hard by gypsy moths, and on this day, thousands of these worms had migrated to this green for a little afternoon fiesta. Staring at this putting green was surreal because everything was shimmering in a queasy psychedelic motion. It was one of the strangest golf experiences I have ever had. |
| #6 |
The elevated tee and green on this longer par 3 has bunkers at the left and right. Everything deep will funnel back into the green, which creates a difficult putting surface. |
| #7 |
Here is another elevated tee and green, but this Par 5 is also uphill and shaped like an "S" forcing you to zigzag until you reach the green. |
| #8 |
This is another par 3 with an elevated tee and green with a bunker on the left. This green is thin like a ledge on the side of a hill. Short will leave you a very difficult chip to the green. Long will give you the most delicate shot to hold the green. Putting surface is extremely unpredictable and touchy. Unless you stick your tee shot, chances are you will curse this hole as you walk off. |
| #9 |
You need to hit your drive just right of the fairway bunker to the left. There is a slight dogleg left to this par 4 hole. After two well struck shots and a solid putt, I score my first birdie of the round. |
| #10 |
Aim your tee shot toward the big rock mound at the 150 mark on the longest par 4. We found the green to be deceptively difficult. |
| #11 |
This has a very large green, fronted by three bunkers on this par 3. The green breaks back to front and left to right. |
| #15 |
This par 4 is the signature hole, which is known for a cherry tree that protects the back left of the green. When the grounds crew wants to mess with you (which is every time I play here), they tuck the pin behind it, leaving you no chance to hold the green if you hit your tee shot too far left. Attack the green from the right and play a flop shot right at the cup. Sadly, the gypsy moths had got a hold of the cherry tree, leaving it barren and ominous on this overcast day. When this tree is in full bloom, it is a beautiful hole to look at and play. |
| #16 |
An accurate drive is required to a narrow fairway on this par 4. The green slopes from front to back. |
| #17 |
This is the first of two fantastic finishing par 5 holes. The hole reminds me of a reverse "?". The bunker protects the green on the right side if you want to go for it in two. It will be a blind shot and will demand an exceptional shot. I recommend the safe play. Give yourself a nice look at the green when coming in from the left. Make sure you clear the turn, because there is nothing worse than not properly executing the safe play. |
| #18 |
The longest hole on the course is also the only one with water. Blast your drive down the middle but be aware of your yardage on the second shot. You must lay up or go right to negotiate the pond on the left. This is a great drama-filled finishing hole if you are trying to gain strokes or fend off an opponent. |
| The feeling of being perched up in God's country of Northern Michigan is a phenomenal feeling. It is nice to stand around and look for miles as you wait for your playing partners to hit their shots. Sometimes this brings people out of their games. For me, it relaxes me and reminds me why I love being outside and playing golf as much as I do. Next time you are up, there do yourself a favor and stop by Champion Hill and experience a round of golf the way it is supposed to be. |
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| 1) |
Fee Factor
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17
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| The rates are seasonal, not weekdays and weekends. Although the morning of peak months are a little high, the afternoon and current mid-day special is reasonable. |
| 2) |
Friendliness Factor
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19
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| The staff is always really nice and will try to accommodate you in any way to ensure a wonderful round. |
| 3) |
Fringe Factor
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17
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| Champion Hill is outfitted with a driving range and putting green, which is next to the parking lot and 1st tee, lending itself to see how many groups there are ahead of you. The putting green by the 1st tee has some nice undulation to it. I didn't fully take advantage of it, but it looked good to me. I love the clubhouse! It doubles as a small quant ski lodge in the winter months. The merchandise is sometimes lacking but everything is clean and well-kept. |
| 4) |
From 1st Tee to Handshake Factor
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18
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| The design is extremely fun and challenging for most golfers. Water only plays into the last hole. The layout is open with heather being your main enemy. The course is usually wonderfully maintained. Hopefully the gypsy moth situation won't have lasting effects. |
| 5) |
Fun Factor
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18
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| Fun course that has some challenging and entertaining holes. How many other golf courses will give you science views of four lakes (Michigan, Crystal, and both Plattes)? |
Website: http://www.championhill.com/index.shtml
Check out the Where to section: to eat, drink, and stay in NW Michigan.
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