I was really excited to have the chance to review Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club in Clio since I never played it before. I heard unanimous praise about the course, but could it all be true? As it turns out, yes. Many I talked to said that it is their favorite course anywhere. What I really enjoyed was finding out what exactly makes this place so popular, since it is an hour drive along country roads from anywhere.
Hole 9 | John Dee
18 holes | Par 71
Yardage 4799 to 6955
Slope 107 to 141
Ratings 63.0 to 72.3
Whitehawk Ranch is part of a complex opened in 1996 with a golf course, townhouses and single-family homes. The designer was Arizona-based architect Dick Bailey, who has a clean, distinctive style. Most feel that Whitehawk Ranch doesn’t look like any other course. The routing is such so that you do not see too many fellow golfers and it seems that you are out on the course by yourself.
[blockquote3]
“Whitehawk Ranch is not easy, but plays very fair,
and that is why it is so popular.”
[/blockquote3]
The first exposure to Whitehawk Ranch is overlooking an amazing practice area. Once on the course, you have four sets of tees (hawks) to choose. You can also play combo tees, and some holes have additional tee grounds a number of yardage combinations. The landing areas are quite wide and while trees frame most holes, they are spaced so that they usually don’t become a hazard. The hole lays-out clearly in front of you; there is no mystery or surprise. You see more mounds along the fairways and greens rather than sand traps since mounds are easier to play. Greens are large, multi-leveled and fast. Most greens have chipping areas to aid those who miss the green.
Simply put, you have a course that is player-friendly. Not many people enjoy getting beat up, losing a lot of balls and shooting a high score. There is a fine line between hard and unfair. After all, isn’t golf hard enough? Whitehawk Ranch is not easy, but plays very fair, and that is why it is so popular.
The signature hole is No. 9 and is a drivable par 4 measuring from 238 yards to 310 yards. A stream meanders across the fairway from left to right well short of the green and then along the right side of the green. A tee shot of only 177 yards is necessary from the three hawk tees to clear the stream. It is an inviting challenge from the tee plus there is enough room around the green if you happen to stray a little.
You owe it to yourself to take the trek to Clio and experience Whitehawk Ranch. I can really say, “Please don’t take my word for it, ask anybody.”
For more information or to book a tee time, call (800) 332-4295 or visit golfwhitehawk.com.
