Michigan Golf Journal March 2021

Springtime in Pinehurst nearby Sanford? The widely heralded but equally challenging Mike Strantz design will certainly test your skills. Local knowledge tip : The safe strategy for teeing off on hole No. 1 — an intimidating 558-yard par-5 bordered by nasty mounds of rough — is to lay up 165 yards or so. Make the green in three and you still have a chance to start your round with a two-putt for par. Two wonderful contrasts in design styles can be found locally within the Maples family design tree. Ellis Maples designed 36 holes of traditional golf at the Country Club of Whispering Pines . His son, Dan, built Longleaf Golf & Family Club on the site of one of the Village of Pinehurst’s former horse training estates. Longleaf is also home to the U.S. Kids Golf Academy and the U.S. Kids Foundation. Local knowledge tip : Don’t forget Longleaf’s par-3 “Bottlebrush” Course, which features six fun holes you can play all day for less than $10. Plan your spring trip now to make a pilgrimage to the “Home of American Golf.” www.homeofgolf. com/packages-deals. com MGJ Finn Scooters are available at Pine Needles and Mid Pines.