Good luck beating Ravines Golf Club, a tough Arnold Palmer design in Saugatuck, Mich.
SAUGATUCK, Mich. -- Ravines Golf Club doesn't let golfers relax. From the first hole to the final fairway, there's always an obstacle to clear, a challenge to meet.
On a bad day, this demanding Arnold Palmer design will steal half a dozen of your golf balls. On a good day, it's a peaceful round through the woods.
Its collection of par 5s are some of the most intimidating in the state. The ninth hole winds along a pond. The 626-yard 14th hole requires a demanding carry off the tee followed by an approach over a stream. The finishing hole is significantly shorter at 488 yards but much tighter. Most golfers try to carry a wetland on the second shot. That's a risky proposition, especially from the thick rough that lines much of the design.
Golf Advisor user Todd Raven gave the Ravines golf course four stars, although the majority of the reviews have been five stars. He wrote: "Hit 'em straight or bring a few sleeves of balls with you. Your drive is important. There is usually 100 yards of deep rough and/or a valley in between the tee box and the fairway."
(based on 5 reviews)