Michigan Golf Journal July 2019

There is a reason the property used to be a full-time Catholic Seminary and chapel dating back to the 1940s – one could literally call the landscape God’s Country. The beautiful, rolling land surrounding the seminary-turned-high- end hotel and retreat center is the current-day setting for the 27 holes of the Inn at St. Johns Golf Course in Plymouth. Picturesque, tree-lined, and filled with wildlife not as often expected in a densely populated area. I have played all three 9s over the years, but mostly recently took on the ‘Matthew’ course (holes 19- 27) that maxes out at 2,900 yards. ‘Mark’ (1-9) is a little bit longer, and the ‘Luke’ course (10-18) from the tips is still only 3,209 yards. In other words, manageable and not too long. In a nutshell, the three golf courses seem to be ideal for leagues and outings. Staff have always been professional and courteous, and with three separate nines, leagues can rotate each week and have a variety of experiences all at one location. And speaking of location, with its proximity to M-14 at the Sheldon Road exit and the numerous commercial and residential properties around, lots of golfers likely live or work close by. What I like about the three nines is that they each have their own personality but are also similar in shot- making requirements due to the type of land and water features. Luke and Mark have a few more open areas, with Matthew having a few tighter fairways. Trees are a main feature throughout, no doubt. My favorite stretch of holes on the Matthew course is 20-22. Hole 20 is a solid par 4 dogleg right. The fairway Inn at St. Johns: 27 Holes of Fun and Beauty By Tom Lang Michigan Golf Journal Course Review