Rackham Golf Course

I grew up in southeast Michigan but never played Rackham. It's always had a reputation of being very busy and not always in the best shape. Drainage has been an issue and there has been some improvement in maintenance in recent years, I'm told. The course is on a flat, square piece of land next to I-696 which creates a consistent hum during the round.

This is a very popular course among locals and it has Donald Ross roots. I"m always glad to see munis being supported. That said, I am approaching this review as a visitor with a lot of choices in a deep market for affordable public golf. I didn't see enough Ross here to really feel it warrants a visit over a lot of the better public (and mostly modern) experiences in the metro area. Facilities are pretty modest too. There is cool clubhouse architecture but inside there is a very basic grill and pro shop. Perhaps one reason to play it is that it is right next to the Detroit Zoo, so you could drop kids off for the day and go play some golf.

Course lost about 7 holes to 696 expansion in the 80s, Mathews did new holes and greens do not fit in. Back nine and several holes on front are still Ross and have a lot of character.

Conditions are what I would expect for a Detroit public course. Layout is on mostly flat terrain, several holes on back nine close to zoo have some movement. Clubhouse is amazing and on national historic register and if you go in had a copy of Donald Ross’ plans.

I started playing golf again after a 20+ Years hiatus. When I use to play regularly we played Rackham quite often, mostly twilight because the price was right. The course was nice and seemed better kept than now. With the condition of the course I won’t be going back. The course is a shell of its former self.

Showed up 15 minutes before tee time, group of 18 was let in front of 2, big group was not there 40 minutes after that. Ranger was disrespectful and not helpful at all. Just a waste of time that place

packed way to tight and bring a helmet for all the balls raining from the sky

I have played this course a few times, it’s fun and not to crowded in the mornings. I had 18 holes reserved on GolfNow and paid beforehand but They only allowed me to play nine and they said they credited my card but they have not. No real complaints other than that. The greens were a bit sandy and slow but fairways and tee boxes in good conditions.

Front 9, no holes designed to use driver aside #1 par 5. Back 9, more direct, some fairway pot bunkers. Played on a Sunday and it was PACKED and delayed. Only complaint is that those greens are pretty hard and yield not many birdie tries unless you stick it within 7 feet.

Very nice and friendly staff members. Great course and very well kept.

Played as a single today, greens were great and I flew around that place!!

Over 5 hours to play.... called pro shop, they didn't seem to care... many tees appeared chewed up... could use TLC and water...

Torn up in alot of spots, but nice course to play. Hit and miss if its going to be a slow round, but be prepared for a slow one.