Michigan Golf Journal July 2019

landing area is open and flat, with a valley to navigate on the second shot to an elevated green that is one of the more undulating putting surfaces. Hole 21 rolls and dips through two valleys that slope hard left to right, before reaching a green even more elevated than the previous par 4. Then the signature hole is the par 3 No. 22. It’s a picturesque downhill shot over a pond to a spacious green with tons of pin options. All three nines come in contact with the halfway house, an area that’s very relaxing and serene and typically displays the great effort by the grounds crew with nice landscaping. Some of that effort has been delayed this year due to the challenge all crews are facing statewide with more spring rain than normal in 2019, thus shifting their time and resources to keeping courses playable for us golfers. Rates are very favorable to all budgets, and the value is worthwhile to the experience. Having Carl’s Golfland and its driving range next door is another bonus for golfers needing equipment or other game adjustments. The overall St. Johns property began with nine holes, added another nine in the late 1970s when it became open to the public, and added yet another nine in the 1990s when the property was redeveloped and refurbished into the current Inn at St. Johns Conference Center. The restored property features inspirational Romanesque architecture throughout, including a grand ballroom space for up to 450 guests, an exquisite chapel available for weddings, two ballrooms with 25-foot ceilings, a two- story atrium and 22 meeting rooms. More information: https:// www.theinnatstjohns.com/ golf.htm 19 July 2019 www.michigangolfjournal.com