I am thinking about purchasing a membership to the Oakland University Golf Course(s). Wondered if anyone has experience with the memberships (especially the Gold membership), the condition of the courses and the speed of play.

My goals are to get around as quickly as I can (especially on the weekend afternoons with my 10 year old son) and to golf more to improve my handicap next summer. They offer a savings on the Gold Membership if you purchase it before December 31. Is it worth it to pay more to get access to the R & S Sharf course in case the Katke-Cousins course is crowded? I also figured I would golf more if I bought the gold membership.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

stabbinatit, pm larrybud, he is a member there.

I am not a member there but have played both courses and really liked both. Not sure what it's costing you but if it's somewhat reasonable you can't go wrong. My rounds at Katke Cousins were always in the 4 hour ish timeframe, although I always walked with my buddy....

Didn't realize you posted a public message. feel free to post my response.

Sum it up: Great deal. Katke's an awesome course and we have an unreal short game area. Pace of play is great at Katke and I can often fit 18 holes in after work.

Here is larrybud's message regarding Oakland Univ Golf. Thank you for your efforts, larrybud.

Hey, I think it's the best deal around, even though they've raised the price a bit in the last couple of years.

Pace of play is awesome. Even on weekend mornings, a long round is 4:30. But I often go after work (getting there around 4:30 or 5pm) and can easily fit in 18 holes on the weekdays during the summer. Tee times are not a problem, I just show up. There is a men's league for a couple of months during the summer (I think it's on Wednesdays) that starts at 5. I like to play on Sunday afternoons too, and it's usually empty. Deer are everywhere, and you'll see wild turkeys on occasion. I've even see wild fox.

Did you know they have a great short game area? It's free with membership. Bring your own golf balls. 3 greens set up about 80 yards apart, and you can play all different kinds of shots. From the rough, fairway, hills, bunkers, you name it.

I only play Katke, but I hear the Sharf is great. I really joined because I thought $32 for 9 at Pine Trace was steep.

If you like to walk, it's a tough walking course, but I do it all the time. While we had a problem with a couple of the greens last winter, I think the greens are the best around. They're always fast and very smooth. They're lengthing the 2nd hole (moving the green back 40 or 50 yards) so it will be interesting to see how that takes.

I really don't have any complaints except for the driving range. They have no range deal, and it's $6 for something like 50 balls. Too bad too, because it's a great range. Really good grass to hit off of.

Lots of nice people there so. I go as a single often and join up with people all the time. Since it's not a country club, you'll find just GOLFERS there.

I highly recommend it, and I will be coming back again next year.

Hope that helps!

--Bob

I would have to agree with Bob, for the money it would be hard to beat. Both courses are very nice and i never miss a chance to play either one.

The only complaint that i have ever heard is that there is no clubhouse. Usually not very busy, once in a while you will get a bunch of the college kids, but not a big deal. My neighbor is a member and he has mentioned alot of the different events they hold, and they sound like some pretty great competitions. They do have alot of scrambles and outings there if that bothers you.

From what i know about it, i would recommend it.

Boy, I wish they wouldn't lengthen #2, I think it is a great, short par-4. They don't need to mess with it.

Katke is one of my faves. Great course. I actually prefer it to the Sharf. I got my MBA from OU, so I can play a few times each year as an alumni. As an alum I can play Katke 3 times a year for $105 total (pre-paid, does not include cart, though I walk anyway). I don't think that's a bad price, but I think it's terrible that as an alum that's all the access I get.

My office is literally 5 minutes away. I've considered getting a membership except that, although I work close by, I actually live far away in Brighton and I'd rather my home course be closer to my house. Also, I don't personally think the membership package are that great a deal. It's an okay deal, but not a great deal. If I lived close and could play there a lot I might go for it and get the bronze. I really do love playing the Katke course. It has some wonderful holes and a kind of old-school feel that isn't easy to find at a lot of the new upscale daily fee tracks.

Bob couldn't have summed up the golf experience any better. I have been a member of Katke for three years, having left a local CC to join Katke. Strictly golf and practice, no frills, just a great course. RS uses different grass and may be a little more "groomed," but I believe Katke to be the better test.

Katke does not favor any type of game, and with your young son there are a variety of tees from which to choose and not a lot of forced carries for him, other than the third hole (he will have to carry the stream crossing fairways now and then on certain holes, however).

One of the things I like best is the number of great people you will meet -- very polite, there to play golf, not pretentious, good etiquette, etc. You will also enjoy the burgers at Danny's Cabin. Great group of guys in the Wednesday night Men's League, using a different format each week. All the staff is friendly and helpful.

If you're going to walk, prepare for the hike up the slopes to most greens and make sure you have enough water in the summer.

The short game area is a great place to take your kids for practice out of bunkers, chipping around the greens, and short pitch shots.

Lastly, I also agree the only down side is the cost of the range. The range is great for practice, but I wish they would offer a seasonal range package instead of $6/bucket. I know I would gladly pay a seasonal fee to have unlimited balls versus only using the range on a limited basis -- would make more money for OU, also, I believe, to do so.

My decision is made . . . see you at Katke-Cousins when the snow melts here is SE Michigan.

I greatly appreciate the thoughts and efforts put forth by those that make this forum great.

Happy holidays to all.

Congratulations, i think you will be a very happy guy come spring. After reading all the positives you guys are making think i should join there as well.

Happy Holidays to you as well.

Katke is a great place and a great golf course. You will enjoy your membership.

I am also very sorry to hear that they are moving the 2nd green. That was one of my favorite holes and green complexes. Every par 4 does not need to be more than 420y........