Hemlock Golf Club

Hemlock Golf Club has its share of fireworks, but some fizzle a little too quickly. ⁠⁠
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The course is briefly routed over some of the most incredible ground I’ve seen but could use a little softening to capture it adequately. The south edges of the property launch you over an imposing dune and gently push you down a ridge near Ludington’s Lincoln River. I only wish those features were a little more apparent while you plod your way through crowded pine thickets.⁠⁠
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I recognize not every course can be perfect, so each round pushes me closer to one that is.

Wow. Where to start. Hidden gem indeed. Price was reasonable on a holiday weekend. Played 18 holes and didn’t see anyone else. Spectacular views and well manicured up north golf is the theme here. Will be back and making this part of our Fourth of July golf rotation.

Love this course, its a hidden gem, not sure why don't hear more about it, one of best courses in Michigan. Facilities are modest, course is awesome. Great layout, each hole is your private sanctuary, excellent greens, excellent conditioning. Highly recommend!

As state we did play under group golf coupon for $30, which was a real bargain. The course to me was two different 9's when it comes to difficulty We played the blue tees for 13 to 24 handicap. The opening 9 seemed a bit easier, only 100 yards shorter than the back 9. The back 9 starts out as brute par 4 399 yards, shortest par 5 with an elevated green with sand trap in front you can't see the green or flag and side sloping green if your on the wrong side you will not stop the ball near the hole, Next par 5 with split fairway. These three holes can sink your round. All the greens have more slope than undulation, being in the below the hole is a premium. Staff is very friendly, club pro took the time to go thru the holes where to and not to play. I gave average on the amenities we did not see the beverage cart until we started the 10th hole and only saw it once more on the back 9, after being advertised cart was on the course. Comment was made group of 16 on back were getting extra attention. Fortunately we purchase something to drink and there are many coolers on the course with water. This should not be reflective of the staff, they all treated everyone well. Just a little misstep not taking into consideration those others on the course and perhaps something to avoid in the future by management. Overall this is must play in Michigan and should be on your bucket list golf courses. It was one of mine and I was not disappointed and neither were others in our group.

Hemlock is a must-play course if you are in the area. The design is fantastic, and definitely forces you to think. Accuracy is a premium off the tee, but the course has decent width and is playable as long as you select the right tees for your game. Highly recommend, and hope to return again.

This place has the best conditioning. I had a blast playing here. The tee boxes were perfect. The greens were perfect. Please play here. It was my favorite round this year.

This is a challenging course with lots of tee box options. The course uses massive sand waste areas to create a unique look and challenges. Split fairway on one hole is fun and difficult. Highly recommend this course.

The Hemlock gets lost in the crowded northern Michigan golf landscape, simply because there's such limited nearby hotel options in the summer and the clubhouse is still temporary. The golf course, though, stands out as one of the best examples of architect Ray Hearn's creativity. He used the sandy dunes in one section of the property to build its most interesting holes - the par-4 third and the controversial par-5 12th. The third green can be driven, but only by a great shot that avoids a massive sand hazard. No. 12 needs some tweaks to make it better, but I'm a fan of the approach shot over a shapely sand dune. If you chose the right side of the fairway on your second shot, it leaves a blind approach to find the hidden green. It's not any easier even if you can see the green from the left side of the fairway. Tall trees and a few elevation drops (like the par-3 13th hole) provide the traditional northern Michigan ambiance golfers love.

Fantastic golf course, conditions were exceptional. The golfing experience and uniqueness of the course immediately vaulted it into my top 5 in the state. The course definitely has the "up north" feel, but with a distinctly "southern coast" influence. There are quite a few holes that, if you dropped someone off that didn't know where they were, would immediately think they were playing a course in the coastal Carolinas or Georgia. Tall pines and hardwoods, large waste areas and wetlands, and dunes and bunkering that are unlike any other course in the state, with maybe the exception of The Grande in Jackson being close behind. The course feels very natural in the sense that I didn't feel any holes were shoehorned in or contrived, each one is different and many are very memorable. Because of it's location, the course is relatively flat, with subtle undulations. Greens are large and receptive, and were in beautiful shape. The fairways were also in great shape, and are well proportioned - landing areas are generous but not huge.

Very challenging, monstrous sand traps, huge waste areas. Beautiful and fun, if you're hitting well. If not, bring lots of balls.