Berrien Hills Golf Club

A close friend of mine and I each drove over two hours from East Michigan, and Chicago to meet up at Berrien Hills. Based on the pictures and reviews online we were expecting to come to a prestigious course and treat ourselves. Little did we know that the course had been a Country Club several years ago and abandoned. Seems as though it was once a great track, it now feels abandoned and not cared for. The drainage is practically non existent, the fairways and bunkers were full of water, and our Shots down the middle were rewarded by "1 inch un-mowed grass. The bunkers are filled with gravel, and the greens were spotty, but did have pretty consistent roll. We lost about 15 balls, but not because of poor play, but because we simply could not identify our balls down the "Fairway". Had we known we would be playing this, we would have gladly asked for refund and gone somewhere else in the area. It's a shame we wasted the trip to play in these conditions.

Berrien Hills is a nice old course. It's been around a long time & has weathered the years well. It's in good shape with some very interesting holes. It will test you, but it's fair. May want to study a few of the holes or play with someone familiar since the routing isn't obvious. A few holes run along the St Joe River which is nice.

The longest 6200 yards you'll ever play. This course is a real test of shot making ability. You will use every club in your bag, including your ball retriever. Bring your A game and patience. This tight little jewel requires you to think your way around. I would not recommend this for novices; but I would love to try her again.

Until just a few years ago, this traditional layout was a private course. I am glad it is not now. A very fun golf course on the banks of the St. Joseph River. All the characteristics of a mature course apply-- fairly small greens, hidden creeks, plenty of trees, and thick, juicy rough. Good score can be had with smart play. We played two rounds, and I trimmed off 13 strokes the second time. The enthusiasm of Ike, a retired local football coach, in the pro shop made you want to suit up and run through a wall for him. He really made our day.