Golf in Farmington

Sculpted through the rolling hills of Oakland County in 1995, Brentwood Golf Club's 18-hole course tells its story in two acts. The action begins on the front nine, where fairways chart a course through thick woods and wetlands, challenging accuracy as soon as players slip their tee into the first tee box. The back nine shifts gears dramatically, as the landscape opens up into a more links-style layout, permitting more aggressive play. To make the most of the distinct topography on both sides of the course, the back nine is nearly 400 yards longer than the front.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,424 yards from the tips
• Course rating of 69.4 from the tips
• Slope rating of 120 from the tips
• Four tee options

In Normandy Oaks Golf Course, the city of Royal Oak operates a course open to the public. Aside from scenic views and lush, emerald fairways, the course offers players nine chances to hit long-distance drives and slam-dunk their ball into the hole. It also has a pro shop and a teaching professional ready to iron out rickety swings.

Whitmore Lake Golf Links is like two courses in one. On the front nine, golfers meander across scenic uplands, tackling hills and large, flat greens. In the second half, however, the landscape shifts to mostly wetlands, setting the back nine among boardwalks and teeing decks in the middle of the marsh. All told, wetlands cover much of the facility's 254 acres of property, where wildlife abounds as players conquer the par 71 course's wild challenges.

To prepare for the idyllic gauntlet, visitors can make a day of it at the onsite restaurant or the club's practice facilities. At both the driving range and a short-game area, golfers can perfect every aspect of their game, from their swing mechanics to the flute melodies they use to coax timid clubs from the bag.

Course at a Glance

• 18-hole, par 71 course
• Designed by Bill Newcomb
• Total of 6,257 yards
• Four tees per hole
• Course slope of 132 from the tips
• Course rating of 69.7 from the tips
• Click here to view the scorecard.

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is regional park system with 13 spectacular parks with eight golf courses in Southeast Michigan.

Cattails Golf Club's 18-hole course pits players against the indigenous hardwood forests and wetlands that occupy its 160-acre parcel of terrain. Opened for play in 1991, the course sprawls across rollicking land that once served as horse farm. Designer John R. William routed his vision through creeks and wetlands on the front nine and dense hardwood forest on the back, forcing golfers to adapt to the change in surroundings. The result is a tough but fair trial of cuts, putts, and strategy—one that's hosted such events as the The Michigan Amateur Qualifier and tournaments on the LPGA Futures Tour.

Course at a Glance

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Total length of 6,433 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 72 from the back tees
• Course slope of 133 from the back tees
• Four sets of tees

At Rolling Meadows Country Club, golfers find an 18-hole layout with a rustic feel etched into the countryside, where they won't be distracted by housing developments or cranes erecting yet another 100-story barn. This untouched seclusion has been the family-owned course's forte since its grand opening in 1978, followed only by its wide fairway and suitability for players of every persuasion. Though the loop stretches to 6,474 yards from the back tees, players can also choose from two other sets to adjust that number downward.