A buddy and I are going to the Buick Open in Grand Blanc later this summer. We're staying in Flint. Would like to play something good but not pay a fortune. Any suggestions.

Nothing nice in the Flint area is publc. If you stay in the GB area you will be better off. Better bars, nicer hotels. Most of the players stay at the Holiday Inn Gateway Center because there is a really nice restaurant/bar within walking distance and they throw a big party for the tournament. The rest stay at the new Holiday Inn Express off of Holly Rd., which is very close to the course.

If your looking for a great course take a 30-40 minutes drive and play Katke Cousins at Oakland University. Very nice course, always in good shape. For the most part Michigan is known for its great resort courses up north. All of the great courses in Mid- Michigan/ Metro Detroit are private.

Where are you wanting to stay in Flint?

Katke isn't a public course, but if you'd like to get out there, let me know.

Shepherd's Hollow is only about 15 minutes from Grand Blanc. It's a premier course, with a Northern Michigan feel.

I don't know about anything in Flint.

Flint is a dead town, I dont really know of anything in that area but if you want to make an 1hr trip to the Lansing/East Lansing area you can find some nice courses, i.e Timber Ridge, College Fields, Forest Akers, Hawk Hollow and Eagle Eye. These courses are real nice and are open to the public. Hawk Hollow, Forest Akers, and College Fields are not too pricey. Eagle Eye has the mock hole of # 17 at TPC Sawgrass which is really awesome, but expensive. Timber Ridge is a tight and long course (lots of trees) $65 on the weekends w/cart (includes GPS)
Just throwing it out there.

The Preserve in Fenton is a pretty good Arnold plamer Course and the majestic is decent and has 27 holes.

Absolutely play Shepherd's Hollow.

North of Flint in Frankenmuth I've been recommend a course called the Fortress. I haven't played it yet, but it has been recommended. Maybe someone here can comment. I believe it would be less than half an hour from Flint.

Welcome to Flint, Home to one of the oldest running junior golf
programs in america. When you get in town, get the local phone book
and find golf in the yellow pages, you will be able to choose from an
assortment of fine public courses. I would suggest The Preserve, an
Arnold Palmer Design, The Captains Club, A Raymond Floyd Design.
Genesee Meadows, all public and under $30.00 for 18 and cart. In
fact, Flint has some of Michigans better golf values. Good Luck.

Thanks, we're staying at the Gateway center where the players stay. I'll start looking these up.

I'm surprised... I thought Buick had cut all golf sponsorships?

there is still a contract for this year, who know about next

The Fortress is nice...its well maintained and presents a challenge, but I found some of the holes to be a little too densely packed for my tastes. Some elevation changes too, which I did like.

If you are looking for a muni, the Jewel (in Grand Blanc) isn't bad for the money. Other than that, you are looking outside of Flint. I have heard good things about Heather Highlands and The Preserve. I believe the Majestic is in the vicinity too. I'm planning to play there later this summer, so can't comment just yet.

The Fotress is a very solid track. Yeah, a couple holes run paralel {why can't I spell this morning?} but they are seperated by mounding covered in native dune type grasses. It's always in great condition. I've only played the Captains Club once but think it's a POS! The Captains Club was concieved to sell real estate, not golf. And it was in lousy condition a month ago. The 1 hr. drive to Lansing is worth it. Every course mentioned is quality. I've never played Shepherds Hollow but have heard good things.