Hemlock Golf Club Review located in Ludington, Michigan

I’ve played Hemlock Golf Club about 4-5 times in the past, but my wife has never played it, so we decided to give it a shot over the 4th of July weekend.

We arrived a bit early for our 10:30 tee time, and actually got to hit the range, practice a few putts, and tee off about a half-hour early. Thanks to the starters for getting us on early – much appreciated.

Oops, before I forget. When we checked in, I noticed about a dozen cans of Deep Woods Off on the counter, and decided they were there for a reason. Heck with the sunscreen; this was WAY more important. It didn’t help that it rained (very hard) the night before. Needless to say, we spent very little time in the shade.

The course starts our easy enough, with a straight-away par 4 that has a slight turn to the left. It’s not the longest hole (438 from tips, but only 413 from the Blues, which I played), but it is a good starting hole. I’ve played courses that start tough from the get-go, and I prefer a few warm-up holes. Here’s a shot form the back of the green towards the tee.

The second is actually a very short par 4, giving the player a chance at birdie/easy par very early in the round. Again, fairly straight, and only measuring 325 from the blues. I’d suggest a hybrid, leaving a 100 yard shot, but you’ll probably blast a driver. I know I did the first time I played it!

The third is another short par 4, this one only 278 from the Blues, but beware; this hole is trouble. There are two landing areas for your tee shot, and they are at different distances from the tee. The fairway is almost two different fairways, depending on where you land (ironically, there is a two-fairway hole coming up.) It’s short, but a par is all good here.

The seventh hole is the opposite of the 2nd and 3rd holes. It’s a loooong par four, playing to 459 from the Blues, into the wind. I thought I hit a pretty good driver, and still had 200+ to the green. Consider making it a 3 shot par 4, instead of trying to kill it on the first or second shot. I should’ve played hybrid, wedge, wedge.

The ninth is a great par 4, with sand bordering the entire right side of the hole. If your driver is on, you can cut a lot of this hole off, leaving less than 140 to the flag. Instead of playing safe to the fat part of the fairway, let one rip over the foliage to the right of the fairway, and if it carries well, you’ll be rewarded.

At the turn, we stopped for a couple sandwiches. As we were waiting, I noticed that on the bar, there was a sign that had been printed and added for a specific type of alcohol. I thought it was just too cool not to take a picture. I think it speaks for itself.

I’ve always thought the back was more interesting (and more of a challenge) than the front. I also think that this is a good thing, because by now, you should be warmed up and ready for it. The tenth starts you right off with a challenge; a large bunker directly in the middle of the fairway. Play up the left if you can.

The 11th is a great par 5 that is potentially reachable (505 yards from the blues), except for the green. This is probably one of the scariest second shots, if you decide to try for it. The green is elevated by at least 20 feet, and is thin, forcing you to stick the approach. In addition, there is a significant bunker that borders 4/5 of the green. A par is possible, if you give it the respect it deserves, and play it as a three-shot par 5. Here’s the view of my third shot.

The twelfth is also a par 5 (that’s right; back-to-back par 5’s), but this one is 564 from the Blues. Also, it is one of the most interesting hole designs I’ve seen. The fairway splits, with a group of large trees in the middle, forcing you to make a choice. If you go left (which you can barely see from the tee), the path is a little wider, and it may give you a view of the green for your third. If you go right, you will definitely have a blind shot for your third, to a very small green. I don’t think I’ve ever parred this hole, but I really do love it. It’s always a challenge.

The 13th is an all-carry, 189 yard par 3. The bunkers in the front are trouble (the wife hit here, and got the fried-egg lie; the ball was almost completely covered.) I hit a strong 6-iron, and actually two-putted for a par. The green is large, so better long than short here.

From the 14th tee, you can’t really see where you need to hit it, but trust me; a driver is fine, if well placed. There is sand up the right-hand side that slopes down towards the fairway, so hit it strong and long right up the middle, and you’ll be rewarded with a short approach.

The 18th is a tricky hole. This is a true dogleg, with the fairway ending, and the hole to the left. Club selection here is key (I chose the wrong one). If you’re too short (like I was), you won’t be able to approach the green, due to tall pines on the left. If you’re too long, you may end up in the junk. I’ve played with guys who will hit driver over the pines on the left, right at the green, or about 50 yards short. If you’re a big hitter, it may be the play for you.

A friend of mine read a few of my reviews, and asked “Why don’t you ever post your score?” I never thought it was a big deal, but since he asked, I’ll start posting going forward. I shot a 91 at Hemlock Golf Club. Not my proudest moment, but considering I hadn’t played here in a few years, I was pretty happy with it.

I’d recommend playing Hemlock Golf Club to anyone. The scenery is great, the course offers up some very challenging holes, and the price is very reasonable. Just remember to bring the Deep Woods Off; you’ll thank me later.

Visit my Flickr page for more Hemlock Golf Club pictures and photos.

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