The Orchards Golf Club (Washington, MI)

Consistently rated as the top public course in the Metro Detroit area, The Orchards was on my short list when I was visiting my daughter. Robert Trent Jones Jr designed it in 1994, and it’s been hosting big tournaments ever since including the 2002 USGA National Amateur Public Links Championship won by Ryan Moore. 

(The short par four sixteenth plays downhill with wetlands guarding the green. A series of bunkers guard the right side of the fairway where the best angle is found for the approach.) 

The Orchards rests on an expansive piece of land with campground road dividing the front and back nines.  RTJ II strayed a bit from his usual “hard par, easy bogey” philosophy and left a particular side open for a running approach. He kept the forced carries from the tee to a minimum, and focused on position rather than length. It is very playable, and different from the last course I played of his, Heron Lake’s Great Blue Course in Portland. 

(The par three second can’t play any easier than the pin in this picture is located. Look at all the short grass too.)

(The par five sixth is a risk/reward hole. It can be reached in two shots if one challenges the turn off the tee, otherwise players will layup to this view.) 

(The seventh illustrates the beautiful tee boxes and driving lines found here...

...with the hazard crossing the fairway and the hole doglegging to the left, the drive must be accurately placed to have a good angle to the green.) 

I really enjoyed driving the ball here. The driving lanes are presented very well with the grass lines and bunkering. There is never a doubt which way a hole moves. I particularly like how the tee boxes feel isolated with the wetlands just in front. 

(The drive on the uphill ninth needs to be hit far and straight...

...the approach is to a green where the flagstick is barely visible from the fairway. It’s a difficult hole and possibly the toughest on the course.) 

(The tenth plays uphill to well positioned green. A good drive up the right side leaves a nice angle in while the left side forces you to come over the bunker.) 

Every green is well bunkered at the Orchards and the pin can be tucked behind the sand on all of them. While a running approach can be played, it’s not always at the flag. Thankfully, the greens have a nice tilt to them, and not portioned into bileveled sections. It gives it a  classic look! 

(The par five eleventh perfectly illustrates the presentation of the driving lines. It’s just beautiful!!) 

(The uphill par five fifteenth is well defined by bunkers. The long grass in the background is not in play but it frames the hole in a golden hue much different than the vivid green and white.) 

(The eighteenth hole plays downhill and a good drive will catch the speed slot and  propel forward...
...it’s the only green anchored next to the water. Hopefully the drive reached the bottom, if not then it’ll be a slightly downhill lie which is the perfect recipe for a push. It’s a lovely finishing hole with many numbers in play.) 

I came away impressed with The Orchards. It challenges the accomplished player yet is still playable for the high handicapper. My girlfriend was able to play it while only losing one ball. Add in the excellent conditioning, and it’s easy to see why the course gets all the accolades.  I give it a 6 (very good)(worth driving two hours to play).