Michigan Golf Journal July 2019

Eye, Luke Thode, about first steps taken at Timber Ridge. “We’ve increased the maintenance budget to allow for proper fertilization and equipment use, too. Also, major clubhouse renovations are underway and some have been completed.” Lay of the Land: Timber Ridge is situated on expansive property with a great variety of peaks and valleys, and trees, trees, trees. The great part, however, is that trees do not overpower the course, rather play the role of framing the holes. The previous owners also did a good job of clearing out unnecessary under brush, so if your wayward ball does find the trees, you’ll likely still find it, and have a shot out. One of the couples that let me play through also commented that they like that there rarely seems to be any bugs – even though Timber Ridge has some spectacular water holes. My favorite stretch on the front nine are holes 7-9. No. 7 is a par 4 that takes a hard right turn at the elbow with a carry over water in a deep valley, to a green that’s on the same level as the fairway. The 8 th is a par three to an elevated green that reminded me of a couple holes at ThreeTops. That’s followed by a stout par 5 that plays well downhill off the tee, turns right a little and slowly climbs uphill again to a bean-shaped green. What a Finish: Holes 15-18 are as solid of a group of finishing holes as I have experienced anywhere – based on the characteristics of beauty, challenge and variety of shots required. No. 15 is a moderate-length par 5 with a highly elevated green; 16 is a simply gorgeous, downhill par 3 to a thin, wide green; Hole 17 is another par 5 that requires avoiding the hazard on the right side approach to the green; and 18 is a stout par 4 with a green framed by water left in front and a natural backdrop of trees and slopped terrain framing the right side. All-in-all, a great addition to the family. More information can be found on all courses at: https://eagleeyegolfclub. com/ 35 July 2019 www.michigangolfjournal.com