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Black Lake Golf Club
Black Lake Golf Club is located just north of the town of Onaway near the tip of Michigan's lower peninsula and just south of a lake called, believe it or not, Black Lake. It was designed by Rees Jones, son of legendary course designer Robert Trent Jones. It seems that golf course design runs in the family blood.
It was Rees first shot at golf course design in Michigan, although he has worked on others coast to coast, and he came up with a 5 star course here at Black Lake. Why do I rate this course so high you might ask? To the average golfer, of which I am one, we would like 3 things in a course. 1. Scenic holes. 2. Challenging but not demanding holes. 3. A course that is fun to play that you can't wait to play again. This course gives you all that and more.
The land chosen for this course is very typical of Northern Michigan lowlands that bring so many people north every chance they get. It has rolling hills, ravines, creeks, sand, wild grass and trees, lots of trees, and maybe something just as nice, solitude.
From the time you walk up to the first tee you will see hole after hole of pleasant, pleasing views. It is as though the good Lord left this land for the sole propose of becoming a golf course. I am sure that they had to move some dirt to make this course but it is nearly impossible to tell it. It's all so natural. Let the wild grass grow where it doesn't become a real hazard. Ease around the wet lands and it all comes together to make a perfect blend between man and nature.
We will find fairways that we could putt on. The roughs have grass that would put most lawns to shame, and the hole is bordered with large trees. You now have the ingredients for 18 scenic holes of fun and sun. Hopefully!
Did I mention the sand traps. You will find many scattered around this course. Where you will find a large fairway trap on most courses, you may find five or six small contoured traps on this one. They really add to the beauty of the course. Unless it's your ball that happens to end up in one, I am sure you'll agree. We are after all, just average golfers. So chances are we will be in one or two before our round is over, but that just adds to the challenge.
The course give us generous landing areas for our drives but chances are a bad drive will get you acquainted with some large northern Michigan trees. In most cases you will find your ball and be able to get it back into play. You will find a few ponds and wet lands that were here before the course and are more for the wildlife than to interfere with your game. None the less, wise club selection in these areas will save you a ball or two.
Most greens will have a bunker or two around them and depending on pin placement will give you the choice of going for it or playing safe to the center. Another fun challenging part of this course. Especially when your opponent goes for it and finds the sand. That's the fun part. If it is your ball, that's the challenging part.
The greens are large and rolling. Some have a tier or two that makes for some interesting putts. They are challenging but very fair greens to putt. Getting a 40 foot putt within a couple of feet leaves you feeling pretty good, unless you miss the two footer. One word of advice, don't go over the greens here, you will get better aquatinted with the trees than you care to.
You will find plenty of tees to chose from here. You can play the course from 5800 yards or stretch it out to 7000 for the men. For the women you can play from 5000 to 6000 yards. Of course, the more you stretch it out the more trouble you will have to deal with. So pick a sensible tee and enjoy one great golf course. The whites are a good choice for the average golfer. Leave the blues and golds for the low handicapper or a four man scramble.
After your round, check out their great club house; you won't find too many like it . A good sandwich or a fine dinner. What a great way to complete a day of golf on one of Michigan's best courses. From the time you arrive until you head down the road you will have a fun, scenic day of golf. And this is why we play the game.
Can you tell I like this course.
Ken Ducker
Click Here For More PhotosVisit The Black Lake Golf Club Website
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