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By Randy
Prichard
You don’t
need the devil to make you load the clubs
and travel to this 18-hole championship
track.
Devil’s
Ridge Golf Club, built in 1995, prides
itself on bringing even
the most discerning golfer a layout to
challenge but not torture, although with
holes aptly named “Demon Drop” and “Lack
of Faith,” you may disagree.
Devil’s
Ridge rewards good shot making and planning
but will offer obstacles to poor decisions.
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With
five sets of tees and measuring from 6,722 to
4,130 yards, Devil’s Ridge plays to
all abilities.
Director of Golf Rick Fleming
proclaims a “great northern feeling in
southern Michigan” and
he is right. The spectacular views and elevation
changes do give that “up-north” feeling.
Devil’s Ridge has garnered its fair share
of accolades. Golf Digest gives Devil’s
Ridge 3.5 stars. Crain’s Detroit says the
course ranks among the Top 3 Places to Play for
Women. Michigan Golfer gives Devil’s Ridge
kudos for being among the best at facilitating
large outings. At $58.00 for 18 holes with cart
on weekends, we regard Devil’s Ridge a
metro Detroit “Best Value.”
Holes
15-18 are relatively gentle closing holes, ranking
15, 17, 13 and 11 on the handicap index,
respectively. The par four 18th hole is called “Redemption.” At 353 yards it allows you to reclaim some dignity,
should your score be higher than desirable. It
does however require accuracy off the tee leaving
you between a nine-iron and a wedge to the green.
The longest par 5 (No. 13) measures 562 yards.
The others you can conceivably get home in two,
especially the 489-yard hole No. 3. Strategic
bunkering places each of these holes in the risk/reward
category.
Devil’s Ridge is a delightful, remarkably
well conditioned course where every hole is a
temptation that tests your shot making skill.
On cart Parview GPS acts as your personal caddie,
giving you pinpoint distances to the flag and
alerting you to various hazards to avoid. The
system also acts as your personal waitress in
case the beverage cart got by without taking
your order.
Just paces from the 18th green is the Devil’s
Grille, offering redemption of another sort:
a full complement of food and beverages. Devil’s
Ridge also welcomes outings, banquets and special
occasions. They can accommodate up to 210 persons
inside and 600 for outdoor events.
The Oakwood Room has become known for its culinary
excellence. Oakwood Room Chef John DiCecco gained
his renown at The Golden Mushroom in Southfield.
His same exquisite recipes are now satisfying
palettes at Devil’s Ridge.
To set a tee time or make reservations at the
award winning Oakwood Room, call 248.969.0100.
Visit Devil’s Ridge Golf Club on line at
www.devilsridge.com. |
