Hole Profile:
No. 13 at Elmbrook offers
heavy risk and reward

By Ray Brewer,
Staff Writer

Traverse City, Mich. - Warning: If you don't hit your driver straight from the tee box, hole No. 13 at the Elmbrook Golf Club can cause the average golfer several problems.

This means all of you golfers with the natural slice and hook can be in for an adventure. With the hole being set on a narrow fairway, room from error on the approach is minimal.

The hole has been known to ruin an individual's scorecard with the two-putt being a secondary concern.

Yes, it's simply that challenging.

Clubhouse manager Dennis Sternburgh has some pointers about approaching this par-5, 462-yard thriller. The hole: The entire hole is on a downward sloop which cuts through the course's natural setting on both the left and right sides.

"This hole can easily make or break a round," Sternburgh said. "If you hit a good tee shot, then you have a chance for birdie. If you don't, then you have to battle the trees. The layout: Obviously, it's a real narrow fairway that leads directly to the green.

"It makes going for it with an iron a challenge," Sternburgh said. "Laying up is often the case because the tees are elevated over the trees. If you want to take the challenge (over hitting over the trees), there is plenty of risk and reward."

The risk includes landing in a steep sand trap on the right-hand side of the green or losing your ball in the forest-like setting. The Strategy: The game plan on this hole is simple according to Sternburgh. He says to basically tee off with whatever club you can hit straight.

"The accuracy is what you are interested in rather than distance," he said.

Since the fairways are fast, any accurate shot will have the opportunity to roll a few extra yards and put the golfer in a better position. However, any shot to the left or the right and a battle - which is nearly impossible to overcome - with the trees and hardwoods will leave you exhausted. Don't Play: On the continuos theme of hitting the ball straight, Sternburgh urges all to be careful when attacking hole No. 13.

He has witnessed numerous golfers go for the home run on the tee shot, resulting in more trouble than they bargained for.

Remember, this hole has the potential to ruin your round. Surviving with a par - or boogie for the normal golfer - should give enough confidence to finish up the course in high fashion.

Wanna Play? CLASSIFCATION: Public
DRESS CODE: Casual, shorts are acceptable.
SEASON: April-November
TEE TIMES: Accepted weeks in advance
PHONE: (616) 946-9180