The Orchards Golf Club

Few public golf courses offer the design balance, shot values, and championship golf caliber of The Orchards Golf Club, located less than an hour’s drive from Detroit. On the clearest days, golfers standing on the first tee can view the skyscrapers that define the “Motor City” skyline. Perennially ranked as the best public course in southern Michigan, The Orchards feels far more rural than its urban proximity would suggest.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Designed by golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr., this playable layout for all skill levels wanders across 525 rolling acres dotted with lakes, wetlands, tall prairie grasses, and the mature apple orchards for which the club was named. Ninety-three flash-faced bunkers anchor the routing, which creeps in and out of dense hardwood forests and undulating meadows that were cleared as farmland long ago. Golfers enjoying the course and its setting would be surprised to learn that the ground below the site serves as a natural gas storage facility, which presented some unique design challenges. Reminiscent of the top private clubs built during golf course architecture's classic era, The Orchards is an organic routing fit perfectly into its setting.

Strategic Options and Unique Features

Full of strategic options, The Orchards invites golfers to play each hole in any of a number of ways. Greens are canted as well as sloped, forcing you to deliberate over the best angle of approach. Many pin positions welcome bump-and-run shots, and course conditioning is firm and fast to support this architectural goal.

The 577-yard third hole, peppered with thirteen bunkers, offers a strategic dilemma; golfers who hope to reach the green in two must flirt with a large carry over wetlands and then attempt a daring strike at a putting surface fronted by five sandy hazards. The back nine begins in meadowlands before darting into the forest. Number thirteen, a 382-yard dogleg through trees, calls for a carry over wetlands off the tee and an approach struck between two trees fronting the narrow, bunkerless putting surface. Following a gorgeous par three that favors a running approach hit from right to left, the course finishes back in meadows, where it began.

Exceptional Practice Facility

The Orchards Golf Club is renowned for its exceptional practice facility. Spanning 27,000 square feet, the facility features a unique combination of pitching, putting, and bunker shot areas. With a 400-yard practice range, including split level tees, golfers can enjoy individual practice or receive instruction from The Orchards’ professional staff. Open to the public most days, the practice area offers range balls for purchase and asks players to respect others and follow the range rules. Discover this unparalleled destination where golfers of all levels can hone their skills and experience the Orchards Golf Club’s meticulous design and serene atmosphere.

Well-Appointed Clubhouse and Amenities

The Orchards Golf Club offers a well-appointed clubhouse with locker rooms, a fully-stocked pro shop, and a comprehensive practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping area. Golf instruction services are available for players looking to improve their game. The club’s award-winning restaurant provides a delightful dining experience with scenic views, making it ideal for special events. Additionally, equipment rental services are offered for added convenience, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Unparalleled Golf Experience

Whether you’re a serious golfer or simply enjoy the game as a recreational activity, The Orchards Golf Club is a destination that should not be missed. With its stunning natural beauty, challenging course, and top-notch amenities, this golf club offers an unparalleled experience for golf enthusiasts. So grab your clubs, book a tee time, and get ready to embark on a golfing adventure at The Orchards Golf Club.