Michigan Golf Journal January 2018

Silver Lakes is wide, long and bold, with many extremely elevated green complexes that almost always require clubbing up two. Once reaching the enormous greens, many are formed with spines that cause a look like waves rolling across the putting surface. The trees that remained nicely frame each hole but don’t intrude unless a shot goes way off target. Terri Pines Country Club, Cullman: This private club enjoys having guest play, and believe me you’ll enjoy it. It’s not officially on the RTJ Trial but the designer, Tom Jackson, was a disciple of Jones. Jackson took the severely-rolling terrain of a former tree farm in 1979 and shaped a layout that looks and feels like it was built in 1929. The course is not long, maxing out at 6450 yards – and for Michigan players it could feel like a shorter and tighter version of Shepherd’s Hollow in Oakland County. There simply is not a bad hole on the course, so picking the best is nearly impossible. But a good stretch of three would be holes 7, 8 and 9. No. 7 requires a tempered tee shot to not go too far and into a deep gorge, but the approach shot over the river is a very reasonable distance to a receptive bent-grass green. No 8 is an attractive par 3 surrounded by trees – as most holes are – before the 9th hole par 5 goes somewhat uphill and doglegs right. Overall the extreme elevation drops and rises, and tall pines framing most fairways, makes for a half day of visual enjoyment even if golfers don’t strike the ball well. With only 18,000 rounds played all year it’s in terrific shape for those wanting to be a guest for the day. For that matter, anyone who is a guest visiting Alabama should go home feeling glad they were. Travel: RTJ Trail Par 3 signature 13th hole at Goose Pond Lakes Course.