The Links at Lake Erie

Let GroupGolfer put you Michiganders on yet another great Great Lakes State track with today’s feature: $20 for 18 Holes with Cart and a Small Bucket of Range Balls at The Links at Lake Erie in Monroe ($45 Value. Expires October 31, 2011.)

Bring your "A"-game or an extra sleeve of balls because this championship links-style course, located just minutes from Lake Erie, features water on 14 of its 18 holes. This par-72 design from course architect Scott Thacker measures out to an even 6,600 yards from the tips, with a course/slope rating of 70/120.

The Links at Lake Erie features three sets of tee boxes, prompting challenge as well as providing playability to golfers of all skill levels. You’ll start your round off with the 523-yard par-5 No. 1, a dog-leg left bordered by rough on the inside and water on the outside. If you can pure a drive down the center of the fairway to start of the curve, trying for the green in two becomes more reward than risk. Your tour through the front nine continues on, ending up with the par-4 No. 9, which is a shorter, mirror-image replica of No. 1. This par-4 doglegs to the right with water gobbling up wayward drives to the left and rough and heather to the right. You’ll find that the green is guarded by a bunker and water to boot, so harness your inner McIlroy and hit a towering fade over the bunker to the green in regulation — easier said than done!

The back nine kicks off with a long, narrow and gradual dogleg left in the par-5 No. 10. At a total of 545 yards from the championship tees, this monster hole has the hazards, bunkers and distance to break you if you let it. Long and straight will easily get you where you need to be in 5 strokes, then you’ll be moving on to the par-4 No.11. Thacker saves the longest for last, and as you prepare to head back to the clubhouse, you'll wrap up the longest par-5 of the day at 555 yards from the tips.

Be sure to utilize The Links at Lake Erie’s first-class practice facility featuring a driving range and putting greens, as well as a chipping green with a practice bunker — all of the tools you’ll need to warm up your entire bag. Furthermore, be sure to swing into the pro shop to gaze and grab at some of the best gear golf has to offer. Lastly, be sure to pay homage to the Golfer’s Grille, featuring a wide array of food from fish-and-chips to stir fry, all accompanied by your favorite cold beverages.

Next time you wander down river, stop by The Links at Lake Erie and see all that this Southeastern Michigan links-style gem has to offer.