Bird Creek Golf Club

When I'm in the thumb, I'll only play here if everywhere else is booked. A lot of target golf on the front, with great scoring opportunities on the back. But the course isn't anything special. Greens are slow, fairways and rough are lackluster. Tee boxes are beat up. It's overpriced for what you get.

     Bird Creek Golf Course is located just two hours North of Detroit in Port Austin, which is in the thumb area of Michigan. This quiet resort town can easily bring back flashes of the resort town in Alfred Hitchcock's movie "The Birds". Like the town, Bird Creek Golf Course has a quiet resort feel with a feisty old school charm. There are no homes on the course and its rarely crowded. The course is owned by a few citizens of Port Austin, and it reflects their pride, joy, and tender loving care. Architect Bruce Matthews III makes good use of the land, and incorporates a few "wow" factors that are both aesthetically pleasing and wickedly intimidating. Bird Creek is a beautiful course to walk, however carts are available for non traditional golfers. If they had caddies, that would be the icing on their cake.
     The course is short by today's standards measuring 6508 yards from the tips (commonly known as the Eagle tees), with a course rating of 71.2/ 128. Most men I saw played the "Osprey" tees which measure 6003 yards with a course slope rating of 69.0/ 122. The are four set of tee boxes at Bird Creek, they are named the Eagle, Osprey, Falcon, and Hawk. Golfer's of all ages and skill sets will find this course to be delightful and entertaining. I normally play the Eagle tees, except on very windy or wet days.
     The greens at the course are relatively small, but fast. Some have false fronts, while others are two tier or sloping. One important note about the greens at Bird Creek: Do Not Over Shoot The Green. The majority of the greens slope from back to front making it almost impossible to save par from behind the green, especially considering the inherent hazards and trouble lies awaiting you once you reach your ball.
     Now for the fun stuff, the Signature holes. There are 3 holes that will demand your respect, truly challenge your golfing skills, and test your nerves. These holes are #9, #18, and #4 respectfully. Hole #9 is my favorite; it is an awesomely charming 219 yard, par 3, with an elevated tee box and a dramatic slope that drops down to a creek near the front of the green, and long thick grass on the upward slope and surrounding the green. The green has large bunkers in front and to the left of the green. Getting a greenside chip shot from the dense rough to stop near the pin is extremely difficult and challenging, making par a dream. About this time you may want to have a few swallows of your manly beer, then let the calming effect of the picturesque flowers and plants soothe away your initial shock and intimidation. Now release the beast inside you and nail a beautiful shot that will make your heart scream "You Da Man".
     Holes #18 and #4 are Bombers delight. Long ball hitters will marvel at the chance to reach the green in two, with a realistic chance for Eagle. So, Bombs away.
     Finally, the clubhouse is new and well worth your time for an after round meal or drink. I have played Bird Creek several times and enjoy the design variety, course difficulty, shot value, and the fond memories of each round. Golf is suppose to be fun, and that is exactly what I experienced at Bird Creek. I recommend this course for all golfers.

One Happy Golfer
H Bell (Golf Enthusiast / Writer) 

Greens are well maintained. Course in great
shape.

For the price I was amazed with the condition. The greens were in excellent shape and the fairways were soft

It is a course the more you play the easier. Still a challenge. Wife's also had a good time.

Very well maintained course challenging for low handicap golfer but still fun for your weekend golfer also.

Course around 20 years old I think. It is just now coming into its own. Once everything grows up around it, it will rival some of the nicest courses in Michigan, IMO. You don't need to blast a driver every hole, the layout offers many risk-reward situations throughout the round. Definatly makes you think about the placement of all your shots. The greens are the best in the thumb without a doubt. I cant say enough good things about Bird Creek.

Eric Sump always does a nice job and the course was in good shape especially this early in the season

Overall nice course. New clubhouse that is placed perfectly between 9 and 18 greens.

Excellend conditions including a new clubhouse and bar. A fun course to play with a mix of challenging holes and others that provide a good chance for par. Excellent large greens and good size fairways. Hazzaards are clearly indicated. Only single digit handicappers should play the blue tees since they are strategically placed to make a big difference. I enjoy playing a variety of courses but this is one you can enjoy over and over feeling you have a good chance at doing well even when you don't.

Beautiful, open course, fantastic and challenging greens made for a fun round!