Destination Livingston County

Livingston County has become a formidable golf destination in the past few years. It currently has 15 18-hole courses, a 27-hole layout at the Majestic and a 36-hole layout at Hartland Glen. Eight of those courses -- the Majestic, The Preserve, Whispering Pines, Hunters Ridge, Marion Oaks, The Jackal, Michigan Golf Club and Timber Trace -- have been added in the past decade. Dunham Hills and Oak Pointe have been around for a while, while the Honors course at Oak Pointe is relatively new.

The big news this year is the opening of the Preserve and the Jackal. The Preserve is an Arnold Palmer Signature course that has garnered some critical praise since it opened. The Jackal opened nine holes early this year and now has the entire 18-hole complex open. For those skiers among our readers who have skied Mt. Brighton, visualize the property at the back of the ski hills. The first hole tee box on the Jackal is located on the biggest peak at Mt. Brighton. The course was designed by Howard Nauboris of Matthews and Nelhiebel. In addition to these architects, Jerry Matthews and Art Hills have also designed courses in the area.

Livingston County attracts golfers from nearby Brighton and Howell, but according to Barbara Barden, the Director of the Livingston County Convention and Vistiors Bureau, they aggressively target the markets of Lansing, Detroit and Ann Arbor. Livingston County is one of the fastest growing counties in Michigan. US-23 and M-59 provide a ready access for homeowners who wish to live and golf in the country and work in the city.

For further information visit the Livingston County website: www.lccvb.com.