My childhood golf course, Leslie Park in Ann Arbor, just named 'best muni in Michigan'

Not every city can have a municipal gem worthy of professional tournaments like Harding Park in San Francisco or Chambers Bay in Seattle-Tacoma, two munis I just played on a Pacific Northwest trip I’m still unpacking from.

I was just talking with a buddy of mine who is back home in Ann Arbor, Michigan and he said he went out and played our old stomping grounds, city-owned Leslie Park Golf Course, and was plesantly surprised at how good of shape it’s in.

It was a bit shocking to me, because I’d heard a few years ago that in the midst of budget cuts, Leslie was withering on the vine a bit, and I’d even heard some rumors about the course possibly shutting down. Not anymore it seems. In a state that’s been known for budget cuts in the last few years, the city has poured maintenance cash into Leslie Park to the tune of about $900,000, so conditions are presently superb.

In fact, Golf Digest even just named it Michigan’s best municipal for 2009, giving it a 4.5-star rating (Click here for the state-by-state list). I’d agree with the “Best muni” part, because when the layout is in good shape, it’s got great hole variety and is pretty tough, too. But I have a hard time believing a course with no driving range and tiny clubhouse is worthy of 4.5 stars.

Leslie Park even reduced it’s green fees in the last few years to $25 weekday walking thru $42 riding weekend.

The recently revamped Ann Arbor News, now turned online-only AnnArbor.com has a nice little review of this city favorite.

Leslie was our high school course, and I’ve always considered it one of the better public access courses in Washtenaw County. A lot of the high schools we’d play had private home clubs like Tecumseh C.C., Adrian C.C. and our rival school, Pioneer, got to play the Alister Mackenzie-designed University of Michigan G.C.

Leslie is a great home course to have matches on, because there are some holes, like No. 4, 5, 9, 11 and 15 that will benefit the frequent player here. There were a few greens there that were always quicker than others, and opponents would blow their putts by every time.

So if you’re going to be in Ann Arbor this fall for University Michigan football, I’d recommend skipping the insufferable new Rich Rod spread offense, and instead go to the golf course for four hours, like Leslie Park or county-owned Pierce Lake just west of Ann Arbor.

And if you’re in Ann Arbor and don’t get a sandwich and Zingerman’s Deli in Kerrytown or a pizza sub at Pizza House on campus, you really haven’t dined Ann Arbor-style.

Leslie Park’s 8th hole, a short par 4 that is drivable, just look out for water right.

Photo courtesy of the City of Ann Arbor

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