(A great view of the bunkering style employed to protect the greens. From the fairway, one doesn’t see the sand but rather the shadow.)
Pine Trace provides a nice challenge while being devoid of housing. The interior holes are somewhat reminiscent of northern Michigan with stands of hardwoods and tall pines. Sixty acres of wetlands are present and are incorporated on several holes as well. For a course still in the city, it’s a good golf experience.
(The 609 yard par five third has an elevated green that demands the third shot to come in high in order to stop quickly.)
Pine Trace has five par 3s and five par 5s. This leaves eight par 4s, and six of them are short iron approach shots. Hills doglegged many of the holes and employed an unusual tactic where the inside corner leaves the player in an inferior position. Often the view will be blocked or the green will be angled away. The outer corner sets up a great view and gives the best opportunity for birdie.
Pine Trace has five par 3s and five par 5s. This leaves eight par 4s, and six of them are short iron approach shots. Hills doglegged many of the holes and employed an unusual tactic where the inside corner leaves the player in an inferior position. Often the view will be blocked or the green will be angled away. The outer corner sets up a great view and gives the best opportunity for birdie.
(The 337 yard fourth is a good chance to steal a stroke if one can avoid the hazard down the left off the tee.)
(The 375 yard par four sixth hole has a wonderful green with several exciting places to put the pin. The green is tipped in the front right corner with bunker guarding the front left.)
(The 183 yard seventh is a nice par three over the wetlands. A pine tree forty yards short of the green is the biggest challenge. A draw fits perfectly towards the pin.)
Pine Trace boasts a stiff slope rating. Much of this is due to the lack of ground game available. Bunkers guard the front of most greens or they’re slightly elevated. Granted, many of the approaches are short irons, but poor tee shots are given little respite. 
(The 340 yard eleventh is a good birdie opportunity.)
(The 376 yard twelfth showcases the beautiful hardwoods found throughout Pine Trace.)
(The 543 yard par five fourteenth demands accuracy all the way to the green. Hit it a little crooked and you’ll be scrambling to save your par.)
(The 363 yard fifteenth doglegs left around the wetlands. This view from the center of the fairway makes every pin accessible.)
Pine Trace is considered one of the better courses in metro Detroit. I played it on a Sunday afternoon and it was crowded with people. As much flak as I give Art Hills, courses such as this are giving players an opportunity to play and enjoy golf. It has a nice practice facility too. I wish it was more walker friendly. There are some long drives in between holes. I give Pine Trace a 5 (good)(worth driving an hour).
Pine Trace is considered one of the better courses in metro Detroit. I played it on a Sunday afternoon and it was crowded with people. As much flak as I give Art Hills, courses such as this are giving players an opportunity to play and enjoy golf. It has a nice practice facility too. I wish it was more walker friendly. There are some long drives in between holes. I give Pine Trace a 5 (good)(worth driving an hour).
(Eighteen is the toughest hole on the course. It’s 428 yards uphill over wetlands. The approach is a long iron to a green guarded by water left, right, and short. A four is a good score.)
Link to Shephard’s Hollow
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