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By
Claudio
DeMarchi
Tiger
likes hanging out in the neighborhood,
so does Ray Floyd, and it wasn't too bad
for Michael Letzig either.
The
neighborhood is Grand Blanc, Michigan
- a suburb of Flint. Just a couple of
weeks ago, Tiger Woods coasted to a 3-shot
victory in the Buick Open for the 69th
of his career. And who is Michael Letzig?
Mr. Letzig is a 29 year-old who turned
professional in 2002, and is a sophomore
on the PGA tour this year. For those that
did not watch the Buick Open, Michael
Letzig was paired with Tiger Woods for
the final round. While most knew his chances
of catching Tiger were slim to none, it
is interesting that he had been paired
with Tiger for two of his last three wins.
While
Ray Floyd was nowhere in sight that weekend,
the former Ryder Cup Captain has certainly
left his mark in this same neighborhood.
In fact, the mark he has left is one that
is rather permanent and almost right across
the street from the long time home of
the Buick Open, The Warwick Hills Golf
& Country Club. Ray Floyd's Captain's
Club at Woodfield opened in
1994, and as a Ray Floyd Signature Golf
Course, it's a semi-private facility that
welcomes the general public. Whether you
are a guest or member, the professional
and courteous staff make you feel like
you are at home.
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playing this course, don't let the yardage
from the back tees fool you. At the
Captain's Club, accuracy is second to
none from tee to green for all 18 holes.
This is definitely a shot-makers course,
with water and wetlands present on 17
of 18 holes. I'm pretty sure my driver
only came out of the bag on four occasions
that day, but it did pay off with my
79 at the end of the round. The greens
are large and not to be taken for granted,
either.
The
3rd hole, even though it is the #1
handicap hole, has to be a personal
favorite. You can use your driver
here! Standing on the tee, all you
see are bunkers on the right side
of the fairway and water all along
the left side. The bunker side is
definitely the safer side; however
watch out for the water that also
sneaks in at the front of the green.
Just over 500 yards, birdies are possible
but par is a good score here.
The
18th is a good a finishing hole as
you will find anywhere. At 600 yards
with water all along the right hand
side, play long and stay left. Beware
of the pin placement, the green is
large and undulations abound. Three
putts are common.
After
being made to feel at home at The
Captain's Club, I learned firsthand
that while visiting the Grand Blanc
area, there is one property that goes
out of its way to welcome golfers.
This home away from home is the Wingate
by Wyndham, located only
minutes from the Grand Blanc area.
This ultra modern and award winning
property delivers both technology
and service in high speed. Just outside
of Flint, five miles from Flint's
Bishop International Airport and 63
miles from Detroit, the hotel is in
close proximity to shopping, restaurants,
golf courses, recreation areas, universities
and such attractions as Flint Cultural
Center, The Whiting, Automobile National
Heritage Area, and of course the Bavarian
Style Town of Frankenmuth.
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Captain's
Club
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Coyote
Preserve
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The
Fortress
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More
On Area Golf
I
do need to mention that the "King"
has also spent some time in the area. Yes,
another course that you will surely want
to play while in the neighborhood is the
Arnold Palmer Signature Course – Coyote
Preserve Golf Club. This spectacular
6,900-yard layout features rolling terrain,
elevation changes and incredible views.
Typical
Palmer, players have carries over wetlands,
ravines, depressions and water hazards to
deal with - though most are very reasonable,
with some margin for error. Also as with
most Palmer courses, I found that there
are too many holes that stand out to pick
a few favorites. I will say though, that
you won't forget the par 3's. I suggest
you play this course and find out for yourself.
While
in the area, another course that you will
also want to make sure that you visit is
about 20 minutes away - just outside the
neighborhood you might say. This course
is well worth the drive to Frankenmuth.
The
Fortress is one of the most beautiful,
and arguably, one of the most well maintained
golf courses in America.
Designed
in 1992 by golf architect Dick Nugent, The
Fortress reflects characteristics of golf's
early Scottish origins. Fescue-covered mounds
reveal well-guarded, sectioned greens. Bent-grass
tees, greens and fairways surround 75 bunkers.
Each of the huge greens average 7,500 square
feet. The Fortress encompasses 6,813 yards
of formidable play on an 18-hole, par 72
course.
You will want to make sure that you plan
to stay for at least one meal here as the
Fortress is owned by Zehenders of Frankenmuth
– America's largest family-owned restaurant
boasting its special and famous All-You-Can-Eat
family-style chicken dinners.
After
The Rounds
Shoppers
fasten your seat belts! Within minutes of
the Wingate by Wyndam, you will find some
of the best shopping that the State has
to offer. You will find anything from local
artisans and boutique-style shopping, to
one of the largest outlet malls anywhere
in Birch Run. (I even managed to drop a
few hundred there in less than 1 hour!)
Restaurants
are plentiful, which is one of the things
that I like so much about playing golf close
enough to cities; being able to satisfy
any appetite and quench any thirst! A personal
favourite - within a hop skip and jump and
maybe a five minute car ride - is a must
stop for anyone visiting the area - The
Redwood Lodge Mesquite Grill and Brew Pub.
The name says it all.
Great
Rates
Now
for the best part of all! Great golf and
a stay at the Wingate by Wyndham will start
at the low price of just $89.00 per person,
per day, including breakfast. You can get
more information from their website - www.wingateflint.com
– or you can contact the hotel directly
at 866-559-6949. Your host Ron Walli will
be pleased to help you with your stay.
08/09
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