Michigan Golf Journal July 2021

21 July 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com 1930, the Klinger Lake club pro James Millar, who was from Carnoustie, Scotland, designed the back nine to the west of the clubhouse. It opened 90 years ago, in 1931. GAM Championship competitors will find a course with small greens, so iron accuracy and a good short game will be at a premium. A challenging, meandering creek, which feeds Klinger Lake to the north, runs through the property which goes up and down some steep grades, especially on the opening four holes. Several greens have rounded edges so mis- reading greens could cause huge scoring issues. One feature that brings value and an old-time charm to the property is an Artesian Well off the left side of the 8 th fairway, with its fresh spring water gurgling forth since long before the property was a golf course. “It is what golf was,” said 23- year head pro Pat Hagerty, who grew up in the region. “It’s about the lay of the land. Many (area courses) are land locked, but they still hold the character of the small greens, and they are still today the way they were built. We’re at 6,200 yards, but you’ve got to be in the fairway. You cannot just flail away at it. “This course isn’t for the bombers and wedge players,” Hagerty added. “There is a wide base of golfers who can win (the GAM). Those who play smart around the greens and with the severe elevation changes, the type of lie you’ll have will make big differences.” Public play is allowed prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day, when the summer residents of the lake depart, mostly to Chicago. This writer believes the drive is worth it. MGJ Klinger Lake CC hole 1