Inverness Club

The Inverness Club has history spilling from its seams, which are tight and barely noticeable. Its ostentatious clubhouse is decorated with a century of golf memorabilia and filled with flourishes around every corner. The staff is incredibly gregarious and treats everyone like royalty. Glimpses of the course appear on the walk to the pro shop, creating a little excitement before stepping on the first tee. It’s as if you’ve left Toledo and stepped into a fantasy where the world operates differently. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
The term “championship golf course” has been thrown around to the point of being diluted, but the Inverness Club has one that fits the bill. It looks like the club could host a major golf tournament tomorrow. It’s a great test of skill and mental stamina. If you don’t play the holes as intended, you can expect some form of punishment in varying degrees of severity. The greens aren’t ridiculously severe, but their subtleties ensure your heart rate never dips. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
It was eerily peaceful being on the course before the first group, wandering among the lingering skeleton of the Solheim Cup. The tents and stands forced a sense of perspective that was foreign to me. Despite recently hosting enough people to pack Michigan Stadium, every square inch of the course was precise and manicured exactingly. I can’t even imagine how complicated the maintenance battle plan is. It was a joy knowing the feel of the turf wouldn’t differ from swing to swing; pristine is an understatement. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
In some ways, I think the club takes itself a little too seriously; in others, it exceeds some very lofty expectations. The details mentioned above make it a little less welcoming than other private clubs I’ve visited. There were opportunities for creative golf shots, but I wish fun was a more prominent focus. Not every golf course needs to cater to my needs or desires, but I’m not used to this level of uptight. Nevertheless, it’s one of the very best golf courses I’ve played and an exhilarating adventure. Walking in the footsteps of champions is not something everyone can say they’ve done.

I had the chance to experience Inverness prior to the Solheim Cup. From that impression, this course is going to be a lot of fun to watch, both in person and on TV. There are quite a few spots on the course where you can watch a lot of action. If I was there, I would try and grab a grandstand behind the 10th green, where there are other tees and greens very close.

The course, wow, pretty special, and tactical. I played Oakland Hills South a week before (quite a heater, I know), so it was cool to see how the courses contrast following their respective renovations. Inverness' land is a lot different with some bowls and sharp falloffs in the fairway that lead down to a small creek on both nines. I found the fairway angles tougher to hit here vs. Oakland Hills and the greens are smaller with less going on, generally speaking.

Loved the 18th hole even though i butchered it. Don't let the yardage fool you and try and hit the fairway!

They love their plaques and history here, from Byron Nelson to the Hinkle Tree and a really funny plaque next to the halfway house designating an awful tee shot from a member.

For a club of such high regard I was surprised how mediocre our forecaddies were. Not much hustle in either one and the seemed to just chat with each other more than give us tips on the course.. I felt very welcome in the Oakland Hills locker room by the members and staff whereas at Inverness they kinda shooed us out when we walked in.

In a nutshell, I preferred the total package at Oakland Hills but I could see how Inverness might be a better test post-reno for the game's best players. Both clubs really, really want a men's major again and I'll be eager to see who is awarded one first.

After the Andrew Green restoration this course once again has a Golden Age feel. The restored holes feel like the have always been a part of the course.

The layout uses the creek to perfection and creates a lot of elevation change and course character. The bold Ross greens were quite difficult, but ahoy to putt on.

If given the opportunity make sure to take it.