Michigan Golf Journal December 2019

Freeways and Fairways Pierce Lake is a wonderful municipal course west of Ann Arbor that too many I-94 commuters pass by in their busy lives. It’s truly one of the better ‘munis’ in Southeast Michigan, with very reasonable prices for a course filled with challenge, beauty and fun. Trees line many holes, but on the front nine they are pushed back away from the wide fairways allowing for a much more open-air experience. A good variety of shot shapes are required, and the rolling terrain is a pleasant surprise in the region. Hole 9 is a really nice closing hole (if you choose not to make the turn), as it goes downhill all the way and gives your drive an extra 20-30 yard kick. If you do make the turn, 18 is also a great closing hole, but is unique in that it’s a long par 3. Even from the middle tees it’s roughly 200 yards to a huge green complex that’s more than 50 yards deep and is framed by a high-banked hill to the left. The holes where the freeway is evident are easily No. 2-5, then 10- 13 on the back nine. And it’s the back nine where the fairways narrow, and accuracy is at more of a premium. Eight of the back 9 holes require going over a marsh, creek or pond either directly in front of the tee, or somewhere along the approach to the green. Of course, forward tees give a break on some of those tee shots. What jumped out at me is that many holes are actually more attractive when looking from the green back to the tee, so don’t forget to turn around after picking up your putts and enjoy the land you just traversed – a trip I enjoyed the entire time. More information: https://www.piercelakegolf. com/ Freeways and Fairways: Pierce Lake, Chelsea This is part of an occasional series that looks at golf courses found along Michigan freeways – those you drive by frequently, or on that annual vacation, but never seem to have time to stop and explore. Maybe you should. By Tom Lang