Getting To Know: Eagle Glen Golf Course

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Sammie Baldwin who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.


Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Eagle Glen is known throughout the state of Michigan for its beautiful appearance year-to-year maintained by Superintendent James Halstead and staff. The course consists of large, quick, undulating greens that always roll true, well-manicured bent grass tees and fairways, environmentally protected natural wetlands, and 73 bunkers, all of which makes Eagle Glen a true hidden gem. Tucked away in Farwell and conveniently close to US-27, US-10 and M-115, Eagle Glen is a must play on your next northern Michigan golf trip! Complete practice facilities are available as well as a full-service Pro Shop and Grill! We are also one of very few clubs in the State to own a Solo Rider golf cart to accommodate disabled golfers.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
There are many things that set Eagle Glen apart from our other local area courses but we pride ourselves on being a true links style course. When people think of a Michigan course, many will envision a rolling property filled with hills and tree lined fairways. Instead, we have an abundance of bunkers, fescue, and a relentless wind that will be your main obstacles when playing. So, although there are many great courses to play here in Central Michigan, folks come to Eagle Glen for the same great game of golf but set on a different playing field than what they may be used to.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
The best pieces of advice, are to be mindful of the natural hurdles that will present themselves throughout your round. The wind can play a big role and folks should be mindful of club selection when approaching the greens. The illusion of wide landing areas created by the lack of trees lining the course may give you the false feeling of being able to pound your driver anywhere but as always, course maintenance can make or break a round. And it goes without saying, be sure to steer clear of the fescue. It has a tendency to hide golf balls and have them never seen again.

Any recent changes to the golf course? Or any upcoming changes?
Last summer the grounds crew put a lot of work into rejuvenating some bunkers around the course by means of digging them out and adding new loads of fresh, fine sand. We hope to continue these efforts into the next season as we heard some wonderful feedback from our players. We have also spent this last winter updating the clubhouse to give it a more modern and fresher feel. We are ecstatic to reveal the finished product and hope everyone enjoys the changes made.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
As someone who has grown up on this course, I hold a great amount of pride in this place and everyone on staff. Eagle Glen has a rich history as it was founded by a group of local business in the early 90's and the land that was once a family farm has now blossomed into this beautiful golf course. We are located in a rural village and operate with relatively small staff but the quality of golf and hospitality we are able to bring to the table never cease to floor me. And I am super proud of our superintendent, James, that spends countless hours pouring himself into this property to make it the best it can be. Every year I think the course is at it's peak but each year he comes back and improves upon the quality even more so.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Hole number six is one that many consider our signature hole. It is a 150-yard par 3 from our white tees. Players must hit over a large rock-lined pond with a grandiose weeping willow protecting the left side of the green. The green itself is quite wide but only about 25 paces deep in the center. From the tee box, the willow frames the green in an eloquent but daunting way depending on that day's pin position. All this culminated together makes me believe that six would be our signature hole.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
My favorite hole would have to be number two; it's a 518-yard par-5 from the white tees. You start by looking out over a slightly elevated tee box to a seemingly open fairway. But, depending on the length of your drive you can quickly find trouble for your next shot. A large maple tree protects the left side of the hole and on the right, a hillside bunker both of which can act like magnets for even the best players drives. The bi-level green sets up atop a hill that is framed by various tall pines. The hole can be played fairly simply but it also gives options for those who may want to play the long ball and attack the tiered green. That, along with it's pretty sunset scenes, makes number two my favorite hole.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
In the past few years, we have added some new staple items to our menu. A fan favorite would have to be our pizza balls, a ball of dough from a local source stuffed with all your favorite pizza toppings. We make them fresh everyday and they are the perfect thing to grab and go when making the turn. Plus, the best thing about pizza is it always pairs perfectly with a cold beer!

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels?
Although we do not have any onsite lodging, we have been fortunate enough to partner with an amazing hotel located in the heart of downtown Clare. The Doherty Hotel has been a partner with us for numerous years and we always enjoy the out-of-town groups they are able to bring to us. The hotel is only 7 miles east of the course for those late sleepers before a morning round. They have all the amenities you could want along with a full-service bar and restaurant on the main floor. It's a great place with an even more fascinating history to stay between your rounds.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
There are two gentlemen that currently hold the course record with a pair of 64's. Greg Davies in July of 2005 (31/33) and Bill MacDonald in July of 2006 (33/31). I unfortunately am not familiar with the story of their rounds but I would to see someone come out and take a jab at trying to set a new record!

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 6638
Slope: 133
Rating: 72.3

More Information
Eagle Glen Golf Course 1251 Clubhouse Drive Farwell, Michigan, 48622 9895884424