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

Nine flagsticks are strategically placed across 2,274 yards of fairways and greens lined by sand traps and water hazards, beckoning golfers to seek them out in a competitive spirit. The executive layout of Hampton Golf Club features six par 4s and three par 3s for a par-33 track that presents diverse challenges. Interconnected ponds and streams figure prominently on six holes, including the 316-yard fourth hole, which plays toward a green that has concealed itself behind the edge of a pond in a never-ending attempt to win a game of hide-and-seek with a local soccer field. Before rounds, guests can stock their bags with cold drinks, snacks, and course necessities such as tees, balls, and dueling gloves at the course pro shop. Course at a Glance: * 9-hole, par-33 course * Length of 2,274 yards from the farthest tees * Course rating of 31.2 from the farthest tees * Slope rating of 113 from the farthest tees * Three tee options * Scorecard

In Royal Oaks Golf Course, the city 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.

After completing the fourth hole at Hilltop Golf Course, players ascend to an elevated tee box on the fifth, where a sweeping vista of the rest of the course awaits. Gazing out over the 18-hole, par 70 track, they can spot the pristine fairways slithering in and out of pine tree groves and around rolling hills. Upon sinking their putt and waiting for the referee's goal signal on the 18th hole?a short par 5 at 479 yards?players can head to the clubhouse to peruse the equipment and apparel in the well-stocked pro shop.

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.