University of Michigan Golf Course

Originally I greatly enjoyed this course and would have given it a 4 star rating. It’s maintained very well, the holes are challenging, and it’s a close and convenient course to play.
Unfortunately, they recently increased their student prices from 25 to 35 and increased cart fees from 10 to 15. This is a big detractor for me. There are several course within a short drive that include a cart for only 35. I play once or twice a week, so the price increase really adds up for me over time. Also, it is always packed, so you’re usually in for a slow round.
Is it a great course? Yes, but it’s no longer the value it once was.

The University of Michigan Golf Course has a lot of things going for it. Designed by one of the most famous golf-​course architects in history? Check (Alaster MacKenzie). In fantastic condition? Yep. A very pretty course, devoid of the always annoying house-​lined fairways? For sure. Cool finishing hole? Definitely (downhill, long par four with a second shot over water, probably my favorite hole).
Despite these positives, I don’t really enjoy playing at the U of M course. The pace of play at this course can be EXCRUCIATINGLY slow. I’ve had several rounds in the 6 hour range, which is ridiculous in my opinion (come on course marshalls!). Another gripe is that there are quite a few blind tee shots on this course — such blind shots probably contribute to the slow play, since it is impossible to follow where your ball lands. Final gripe, there are just some design features on this course that aren’t fun — impossibly sloping greens, the aforementioned blind shots, one green that essentially has a sand-​trap in the middle of it, and several holes with impossibly narrow elevated greens. Challenging for sure, but not so fun.
This course is a great deal for UM students, but for a fun, well-​paced round of golf, I prefer Leslie Park.