5 Tips for Navigating the Toughest Holes at Huron Shores

Huron Shores Golf Club is a "classic" for a reason. Built in 1925, this Jeff Gorney-designed gem proves that a course doesn't need to be 7,000 yards long to test your mettle. With tight fairways, strategic water hazards, and Lake Huron breezes, Huron Shores rewards precision over power.

A Word on Playability

While the course offers plenty of challenges for the low-handicapper, it was designed with the total golfer in mind.

"One of the best things about Huron Shores is its universal appeal," says Owner John Kane. "We’ve worked hard to maintain a layout that challenges the seasoned stick while remaining incredibly playable for seniors and juniors. Whether you're 8 or 80, the course offers a fair test that keeps the game fun, which is exactly what golf should be."

When to Play & What to Watch For

To get the most out of your round, timing is everything.

• The Best Time to Play: Morning tee times are legendary here. As the sun rises over Lake Huron, the wind is usually at its calmest, allowing you to attack the pins before the afternoon "lake effect" breeze begins to swirl.
• Course Landmarks: Use our century-old hardwoods as your guides. On several blind shots, aiming for the lone centennial maple at the end of the fairways will keep you in the short grass.
• Tricky Transitions: Watch the "creek crossings" on the front and back nine. These natural tributaries of the lake can be deceptive; always check your yardage to the hazard, as the lush grass can hide the water's edge until you’re right on top of it.

Strategy for the "Card-Wrecker" Holes

1. Respect the Handicap: Conquer Hole #3

Statistically the hardest hole on the course (Handicap 1), the par-4 3rd hole is a true test of accuracy.. At over 500 yards from the back tees, it requires three smart shots to reach the green.

• The Tip: Don't try to "kill" your tee shot to get close. Lay up to a comfortable wedge distance. The creek is wide and lays at the foot of a steep incline where you cannot see the pin.

2. Manage the "River" Crossings

One of the unique features at Huron Shores is the presence of small creeks cutting across the fairways.

• The Tip: This is not the course to leave your 3-wood or hybrid in the bag. Many holes require you to lay up short of the water rather than forcing a long carry. Check your yardage to the hazards before you pull the driver; playing for position is the only way to stay dry.

3. Surviving the Par 3 9th hole

The iconic 9th hole is one of the toughest challenges on the front nine. It demands a straight drive and a precise approach to a green that can be temperamental depending on the wind coming off the lake.

• The Tip: Aim for the back of the green. The 9th is often where "hero shots" go to die. Too short you may roll off the front of the green and have a tough uphill lie; too far and you ball will end up on M25 highway. Taking an extra club to the top tee box will help account for the breeze, and will help ensure you don't fall short into the front-side trouble.

4. Don’t Let the Par 3s Fool You

While the yardage on holes like #9 and #7 might look short on the scorecard, they are designed to be "card wreckers."

• The Tip: These short holes are all about club selection. Look at the treetops, not just the flag, to gauge the true wind direction before you swing.

5. Play the "Course Within the Course"

Huron Shores is known for its "tight" layout. Large, mature trees line many of the fairways, meaning a drive that is just slightly off-line can leave you with no shot at the green.

• The Tip: Focus on finding the "fat" part of the fairway. At Huron Shores, a 200-yard shot in the short grass is infinitely better than a 280-yard drive in the timber.

Whether you are looking to test your skills against our historic 1925 hazards or simply want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a Lake Huron breeze at your back, Huron Shores Golf Club is the ultimate destination on the "Sunrise Side."

Experience a course where history meets playability, and every round ends with a great meal at the Grill. Don't let another perfect Michigan summer day pass you by—the fairways are calling.