Championship at Pine View Golf Course

Pine View would be what I consider my home course. It's the one I've played the most since moving to Michigan 20 plus years ago. It certainly is the closest in proximity to where I live. It's where I got my hole-in-one back in 2018. And with all that said, I have a love hate relationship with it.

The negatives first. The course does not drain. Too many times you'll see standing water on 6 and 8. The bunkers are awful in my opinion. Not consistent from one to the next. The dandelions in the spring are ridiculous. I don't like playing there until that passes. When wet, the mowing on the fairways leaves a lot of clippings behind which become dead clumps. The tees are marginal, but playable. Overall, it could be so much better, which is frustrating.

The positives though, far outweigh the negatives. Rounds are slow on weekends is a big complaint. Guess what. That's every course, because no one knows golf etiquette and how yo play ready golf anymore. I don't blame the course for that. I've had a ranger tell a group in front of me they had to let us play through. That is rare. Staff is friendly, and they have fun outings. The ones for parents and young kids on 'Little Pines' were a huge hit when mine were of age.

The greens are some of the best in the area. They hold. They're quick but not glass. They roll perfect. They have some character to them. I've played there enough to be familiar with where to be and where not to be.

I love the front nine, and don't care for the back nine personally. And surprisingly it's not because 'Open Pines' is open, and 'Rolling Pines' is tight. I like the front because the holes have more shape to them. Three holes seem straight, but 3 and 9 both have yee shots that really aren't. And while 4 isn't as difficult as it used to be due to storm damage that reduced the size of the tree that guards the left side on your tee shot, it's still there to be dealt with. The back nine... well, 11 through 15 all feel like I'm playing the same hole. Straight. Pines trees on both sides. No graceful curves to shape it. I do love 16 though. That dogleg is such a fun challenge. And 18 green is as well. I play 1 though 10, then kinda tune out for several holes til I get to 16. Its a minor issue, and it's mine, but I've played some really good front nines and know I won't score well on the back not because it's tougher per say, but because I lose focus.

And part of that is because the pace of play drags on th the back nine because players won't change tactics and hit shots they can be successful with. The just hit drivers into the woods. I'd love to see them take out a third of the pines between 12 and 13, 13 and 14, 14 and 15, and 15 and 16. Clean up the brush. Let the pine straw be there... make it like Augusta that way so am errant shot cam be found and played out. It would speed up play greatly and make for more fun all around. But that's me. Other than that, I'll play it many times because of convenience, the good price, and the greens.

Nothing fancy about the course. Average design, with a few fun and challenging holes and greens. Course maintenance was a little shaggy, but acceptable. I would compare it to a comfortable old shoe that is worn for its familiarity rather than its quality. The course seemed to attract a loyal crowd of regulars.

I love the course layout. It needs some work on the back nine which I love.

Can't post how I really feel. Vandal's on 13th green took care of whether I will ever be back.

Course is in bad shape otherwise.

Better off as future Housing development.

Pace of play is good Mon-Thurs....Poor pace on wknds.

Wine and Nine is a good deal. Prices are very good which makes them busy on wknds. Back 9 is tough and causes duffers to look for balls in the woods...which really slows pace of play. Most of the greens are in good shape. Tee Boxes need a little work but, passable. Carts old & are hit or miss on speed & reliability. Younger crowd which means Music & lots of errant shots and lack of golf etiquette and slow play. Pack your patience or play Mon-Thurs, like all the employees preach.

Has the up north feel - challenging for all level players.