Analysis
Some things to consider prior to looking at the spreadsheet:
Food
Apparently, it is illegal for us to have beer on the premises of any venue (golf or otherwise) that has a liquor (beer) license. Apparently this violates the terms of the license. Furthermore, if they serve food, then we aren't allowed to bring food either (health dept. code).
Having said that, I'm not sure why Leslie allowed us to have our picnics there. Furthermore, Rolling Meadows has a shelter specifically for this purpose, and they said we'd be welcome to use this for any after-golf activities, with the only caveat that we might have to share the shelter with any other groups.
All of the other courses said "no food/drink to be brought in" but most offer discount on beverages and food to the leagues.
Driving Range Facilities
Everyone except Leslie has a driving range (well, Hickory Sticks has a net, but it's at least a place to warm up). Driving range is very nice at Rolling Meadows, Pine View and Links of Whitmore Lake.
Availability
Availability varied, and many courses couldn't be specific until they knew that we were comitted, and how many golfers we'd have. Having said that, the only course that didn't have something for us around 5:10 PM was Pine View in Ypsi, but even they said to check back as things change.
Cost
To keep everything on an even playing field, I used 20 weeks for calculations. This was done because some courses (Whitmore Lake) gave a discount if you golfed 20 weeks or more. Last year, we had 19 weeks at Leslie.
Also, according to Vic Leslie was $17.50 per round last year. When I checked with them, they said it would likely be $18 per round next year.
Carts are mandatory at Whitmore Lake. At all of the other courses, carts were option. I've included total costs for both options (again to try and compare apples to apples).
| Golf Course Analysis | |||||||||||
| Foxfire Golf League | |||||||||||
| 9 holes | |||||||||||
| Course | Cost/Wk | Cart | Weeks | Total - Walking | Total - Riding | Miles from Foxfire | Driving Range | Picnic Area | Days Avail | Time | Phone |
| Hickory Sticks | $ 12.00 | $ 6.00 | 20 | $ 240 | $ 360 | 21.87 | No | No | W | 5:10 PM | 734-913-8140 |
| Rolling Meadows | $ 14.00 | $ 6.50 | 20 | $ 280 | $ 410 | 9.35 | Yes | Yes | Tue | 5:02 PM | 734-662-5144 |
| Pine View | $ 14.00 | $ 7.00 | 20 | $ 280 | $ 420 | 14.15 | Yes | No | n/a | n/a | 734-481-0500 |
| Leslie Park CC | $ 18.00 | $ 6.50 | 20 | $ 360 | $ 490 | 2.11 | No | No | Thur | 5:10 PM | 734-994-1163 |
| Links of Whitmore Lake | $ 21.00 | Inc. | 20 | n/a | $ 420 | 13.67 | Yes | No | W | 4:52 PM | 734-449-4653 |
My Thoughts
Having played all of these courses, I'd be happy to play the league on any of them. While Hickory Sticks is really the best value (great course, very low cost) it's likely too far away to be practical. Rolling meadows is a very nice course, and it's essentially just as close to the neighborhood as Leslie when you consider driving time. While it's an easier course, the back 9 does have some really tricky holes. Pine View in Ypsi is nice, but they really don't have any availablity right now. Leslie we all know. Links of Whitmore Lakes is very nice, but as I like to walk, I don't particularly like that option.
So, for me, I'd vote for Rolling Meadows. The money I'd save over Leslie would pay for a new Hybrid club (or maybe better spent on lessons). It would however, likely mean moving our league night to Tuesday.
Please drop me an email at dan@redlog.com with your comments/concerns. We can even have an on-line vote if folks prefer.
Thanks!
d