The First Tee of Detroit sits on the eastern tip of Belle Isle. It’s a six hole pitch n putt course with a driving range, short game practice area and lovely view of the Detroit River. Unfortunately, the original nine hole course that was located across the street which played along Lake Muskaday closed in 2008. What a shame! It was an Ernie Way design that opened in 1924. It was said to be the course he was most proud of. It opened despite city council’s opposition. Belle Isle is such a grand place that I’m sure he was overjoyed to bring golf there and introduce the game to the public. As for the First Tee, is a pitch n putt course enough? I think not, but this concept is being pushed as a good introductory. Personally, I’d like to see more of the views opened up. Canada is on the other side of the water.
This is a diagram of the original layout. Note Lake Muskaday is one of three drainage lakes on the island. The Detroit skyline is in view from western end of the lake.
(Bert Way, who designed Mayfield, Akron Goodpark, and Firestone South, was Ernie’s brother.)
