Rammler Golf Club (Sterling Heights, MI)

Rammler is a modest municipal course that plays in the Clinton River Valley which stretches from Rochester to Mount Clemons. It’s a terrific natural feature that is the main green space for everyone in the northern Detroit area. For golfers, especially beginners and those looking for a relaxing time, Rammler provides another activity that makes good use of the river. 

Rammler is the old Clinton Valley Country Club, a 1929 design that was done by Arthur Ham, a local club professional and field supervisor for Donald Ross. The heart of the course is the greens. Besides being on the smaller side, they have nice movement, often times having false fronts in various spots. This gives the course a solid defense, especially since many bunkers have been grassed over. For the better player, a good round, or even a great round, is available if you can hit your short to mid irons well. The two holes that stand out both feature shots over the river to reach the green. The ninth is a short 311 yards with the putting surface above the fairway on the high ground over the river. Golfers have to refrain from hitting driver, creating a longer shot than desired. The 536 yard par five seventeenth is the other. This is a strong hole that doglegs left and demands two strong shots to get a clear view of the green. 

(The 161 yard par three eleventh reveals a familiar view, one that looks like a green sitting in an open field. Unfortunately, this is a common trait among city course, especially older ones where financial decisions determine to keep things simple.) 

(Possibly the strongest hole on the course, the 438 yard par four twelth doglegs right before finishing at a green with a hazard down on the left side. This view shows how a shot that draws too much might could find the penalty area. A ridge that angles from the right rough does block the sight line into the green, making the approach semi blind.) 

Rammler’s penchant to grow the game can be seen from the road where a par three course occupies the property in front of the clubhouse. Holes range from 82-170 yards. It’s the perfect place to bring your kids or teach a friend how to golf. Together, both courses help Rammler make a solid contribution to the community. I give it a 3 (average)(worth driving 15-30 minutes to play). 

(The 536 yard par five seventeenth can be a card wrecker if you’re not careful. The river requires a full carry to reach the green. If you find yourself out of position, laying up even on the third shot will limit the damage.) 

(I only had time to play nine holes and choose to play the back nine which is over 400 yards longer than the front. The three longest par fours are on this side including the 438 and 435 yard twelth and sixteenth holes. Rammler ends with a long 220 yard par three.)