Destination: Macomb County
by Art McCafferty

Macomb County has a massive golf inventory to offer the golfing public with over 30 courses available. Golfers can enjoy old favorites like Bello Woods, Hickory Hollow, Plumbrook, Stony Creek and Wolverine. Or they can play some of the newer courses, Cherry Creek, Glacier Club, Greystone, The Hawk at Partridge Creek, Oak Ridge the Orchards, Richmond Forest or Sycamore Hills. The area, which has undergone some drought the past three years, has had a wet year.

Things have not changed much since we last visited them a couple of years ago. The region is still growing incredibly. Bob DeLaura, a sales representative of Glacier Club real estate, indicated that “ a few years ago the growth was from Hall Road to 26 Mile Road, now it is all the way to 32 Mile Road.” We visited Glacier Club, the Orchards, Cherry Creek and the number of golfside homes being built was overwhelming.

John Amatangelo, co-owner of Oak Ridge, commented that his 36-hole complex is in excellent shape, but that “the rainy weather has kept our rounds down.” He did report that August, “is looking really good.” Golfers can enjoy either the relatively friendly Old Oaks, or take on more of a challenge with Marsh Oaks, a course designed by Bruce Matthews III.

We stopped by Plumbrook to visit Paul Beaupre and take a gander at his new par-5, 14th hole. Paul reworked the hole to eliminate the closeness of the 14th green and 15th tee. In addition, he has let the fairway rough grow this year. Basically, he is trying to toughen up the course a little. The locals were grumbling about how tough 14 was and will no doubt lobby Paul to take down some trees at the dogleg.

At Greystone, head professional, David Graulau, who had just helped pull a cart out of the water on 18, was bullish on his course. “Business has been great.” Greystone boasts the “Best Finish in Michigan.” This Jerry Matthews work has matured well, and the remodeled clubhouse and it series of patios, allows great views while drinking great brews.

The final Dave Pelz golf school was just winding up its stay at Cherry Creek. The school in its second year was totally sold out for its six-week run. The students found the practice area a terrific place to learn the game. Their final exam was on the excellent course designed by Lanny Wadkins and Mike Bylen. The Futures Foundation Fall Classic is scheduled for Monday, September 18.

Glacier Club, the fine William Newcomb design, is a beautiful course. The folks there were really pumped because of the recent success of their Dino Ciccarelli and Friends Celebrity Pro Am Tournament. The event, which featured celebrities Bill Laimbeer, Don Shane, Vinnie Johnson, Dave Rozema, Milt Wilcox, Darren McCarty and Joe Kocur helped raise $45,000 for the benefit. The participants took home $20,000 in purse money.

Partridge Creek recently became Partridge River when a monster storm hit them in late July. They had to shut down the Hawk for a couple of days. However, since the complex has 45 holes, they were able to carry on. This is an upscale property that features a very nice clubhouse, pro shop and dining facilities. In addition, the Partridge Creek 2000 Golf Instruction program has become very successful under the leadership of Head Professional, Chas Sarland and his assistant, Paul Jordan.

The golf courses of Macomb should thrive for years to come. With so many housing starts throughout the county, their golf market is coming to them.