The Jackal Golf Club

Enjoy championship golf tracing undulating topography without travelling out of Southeastern Michigan with today’s feature: $22 for 18 Holes with Cart and a Large Bucket of Range Balls at The Jackal Golf Club at Mt. Brighton in Brighton ($50 Value. Expires June 1, 2013.)

This lush bent-grass and white-sand Michigan gem was brought to life in 2001 following the vision of master architect Bruce Matthews III, a Michigan-based authority on designing top-tier golf courses in the state. As with his other works, Matthews III incorporated the land's natural form, and the hilly topography of The Jackal can be attributed to its placement upon the grounds of a ski resort. In addition to the challenge afforded by its dynamic topography, the philosophy behind the design of The Jackal also provides quite a sight to behold.

First, the vital statistics: The Jackal measures out to 6,702 yards from the tips — quite a bit to bite off given the terrain — with a course/slope rating of 73/139. As a par-71 with a fair amount of difficulty, the course offers four different tee locations, allowing golfers to scale the challenge to the state of their game.

You’ll start off on the par-4 No. 1, which drops dramatically downhill with a dogleg right. You’ll want to aim that downhill tee shot at the bunker straight away and try to move the ball from left to right, setting up a relatively short second shot to the green. Moving on, you’ll run into another par-4 at No. 5, which presses golfers to carry water on the way to the fairway, then strike a premium approach shot to a green heavily guarded by water.

The back nine at The Jackal Golf Club will test your stamina with holes like the par-4 No. 12, a visually intimidating hole requiring a bit of luck and a long carry over water to set up your second shot; and the par-5 No. 16, where you’ll find a long fairway capped by a beautiful oak tree guarding the approach to the green. This tree, coupled with water to the left, will force you to either cut or draw your second shot.

Prepare for the day by making use of The Jackal’s first-class practice facility, featuring real grass tees and high-quality range balls, unlike so many public tracks. And while you're improving your game, perhaps you'll wish to introduce some new additions from the fully stocked pro shop into your bag. Lastly, tally up the days scores at The Bauery Bar & Grill, giving you more than just a great steak and a cold pint — have dinner and a "show" with scenic views of The Jackal Golf Course and Mt. Brighton.