What Metro Detroit Courses Give You the Best Bang for the Buck?

The question above is very subjective and unlike your local art gallery, you might get into a heated discussion. If you do, at least have a beer when having the discussion of which courses are not only excellent to play but have some monetary value for you to play. Sean O. of Beverly Hills has moved into the area and would like a heads up for inviting some friends out to some fun golf courses to play next June. The obvious answer is there are too many to count but I will whittle the list down and invite readers to name their courses with a sentence on why they made that selection.

Some of my choices in no particular order are as follows.


In Oakland County... a great bang for the buck course is Pontiac Country Club. It is only 6,300 yards from the tips but it is valued at $35 or less depending on when you go. The strategy is excellent at this course. It seems that every tree and sand trap is there for a reason. It is the home of the Syron Invitational and also hosts numerous golf outings during the summer and the boys and girls County Championships each spring and fall. I do advise that you call ahead as this course gets very busy.

This picture with the clubhouse in the background is typical of the scenic views you will find.

       A second Oakland County course I find enjoyable is Fieldstone in Auburn Hills. Voted as one of the top three course in Southeastern Michigan by the Detroit News, this Arthur Hills design is not overly long but well played tee shots are a must on this 6,400-7,200 yard layout. Poor shots will find the woods or fescues. The service is outstanding and will set you back about $50 to play.

Another Oakland County Course to recommend on a short list is The Sanctuary which is operated by the City of Troy. With its rolling hills and scottish feel,
Sanctuary will take you for a winding journey where it looks like you will have trouble placing your ball and will hit many of the mounds surrounding the landing areas and green but it simply is not the case. Sanctuary has a golf acadamy, plenty of golf specials including the frequent player special and in my mind is a super course to play. Some of the holes are tight but give it a shot. Eighteen holes of golf will set you back no more than $45 and from the tips plays no more than 6,500 yards.

     Among the Metropark courses, all of them are excellent. My personal favorite is Kensington Metropark in Wixom but Indian Springs in Independence Township and Stoney Creek in Macomb County near the Oakland County border are all well maintained. All Metropark courses costs around $26 to play plus a cart.

     A final tax payer funded course that I really enjoyed was Springfield Oaks in Springfield Township. (My apologies to Lyon Oaks as I have yet to play it). This course is short but there are several memorable holes. The front nine will be an up and down climb but with the woods on top of you on several holes and beautiful weeping willows among the well maintained course. The cost to play this 6,300 yard course is only $29 and that includes a cart.  

     For complete course information, check out my course reviews on this blog and also their websites.
If your course was left out and you want to make a case, by all means do it.