[Nathaniel Amrine]

Good afternoon! I had the privaledge this past weekend of playing the Westwynd course at the Wyndgate Golf Club in northern Oakland County (northwest of Detroit).

Although a newer course, the history behind it's current condition is somewhat of a legend. The pro-shop staff informed me that initially the design was to compliment it's sister course Wyndgate (Eastwynd) as a private facility but during construction it was decided it would be semi-private to accomodate the failing auto industry in the nations wealthiest county per capita.

Westwynd opened to decent reviews, novices balked at it's difficulty, cost and routing while golf enthusiasts loved the natural layout, challenge, and classic layout (there is no turn, a true out and back).

Last year a mistake was made during green fertilization and someone on staff killed all 18 greens. Killed to dirt. A restoration took place immediately and at that time Westwynd dropped their rates to $25-$35. Normal rates were suggested at $75-$100. Since that time 16 of the greens have grown in beautifully and 2 are still temporary. However, after playing the course for $45 I can tell you that the 2 temps have little if no effect on value.

Westwynd features forced carries on 15 of 18 holes, several blind tee shots and approaches, incredible depth deceptions, and heather lined bunkering. I do not have time to write much more, maybe more of the members here can add details about design elements, course background, etc. Thought you might enjoy the pictures though. Have a good one!

[Chris_Blakely]

Nathaniel Amrine:

I am glad someone else on the site thinks highly of The Westwynd course at Wyndgate.  I have played there several times and have always been very impressed.  The pictures show the course to be in great condition.  I played there earlier this year and took a bunch of pictures (maybe I will try and post some?).  Is the uphill par 3 on the front 9 still a temporary green, I believe it is the 6th hole.  The course has very good elevation change for the area and is a blast to play.

Chris

[Nathaniel Amrine]

Chris -

Yes, the 5th and 6th greens are currently temporary.

What is the ruling for a hole like 6? We counted anything on the green as an automatic birdie because although the 5th was a legit green in size, cut and conditioning, the 6th green is a hidden circle with a diameter of roughly 10 paces.

I felt as though the original green on the 5th is almost unfair. The same can be said for the 6th green.

I agree though that this course is AMAZING! I played Greystone in nearby Romeo earlier in the weekend and felt like I was playing at a circus - it was so gimicky. The final three holes, while impressive around the former gravel pit, seem very far fetched and distant from the rest of the layout.

[Chris_Blakely]

Nathaniel Amrine:

I do not know the ruling, but I remember the tiny temporary green on the 6th hole.  I did not hit the green on my tee shot - that is one heck of a tee shot to hit that temp.  If I remember correctly, I chipped on.

I have not played Greystone, but I believe it is a Jerry Mathews course.  This has made me less motivated to get over there and see that - not that this means it will be a bad course (b/c I have played several JM courses that I enjoyed), just that there are others I still want to play above it.

Did you play Twin Lakes or Blackheath?  Both are in Oakland County?

Chris

[Nathaniel Amrine]

No I didnt have the opportunity to play either of those courses but considered both of them. I remember a few weeks back there was a series of posts on Westwynd so I wanted to give it a whirl.

You may remember my post last month about Milham Park Municipal in Kalamazoo. With my fondness of this course in mind it was recommended by a friend that I play at least 9 holes at Stony Creek Metropark. So I did.

And then I played 9 more. Although not a superior layout or piece of property, it was a fun round of golf for $25. It appears as if the new ownership there is instituting several changes for the better. The staff was very friendly, the conditions were above average, and the greens were well cared for. It was not a course I would drive very far to play again though.

I walked the property at the Glacier Club and although they open this month I didnt feel as though things have come together yet. How do they compete with Greystone and the Orchards? Hell - how do any courses in the metro Detroit area stay in business? Most seem to be within blocks of each other - and Westwynd, we didnt even see another group on a Saturday morning at 10:00!!!

[Steve Okula]

That looks like a fabulous course.

I wonder who designed it.

[Nathaniel Amrine]

The designer is Craig Schreiner, from Kansas City I think. I do not know much about him.

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