As February wrapped up its final week, Michigan finally had a breather from the relentless cold, making way for a round of golf, thanks to the snow melting away. This marked an impressive milestone for me, stretching my streak to 120 consecutive months of golfing at least once a month in Michigan.
Keen to hit the green, I made my way to Huron Hills in Ann Arbor. This course constantly keeps its doors open, even if it’s just the lower seven holes that remain playable. Designed by Tom Bendelow back in 1922, Huron Hills is split by Huron River Drive. One side features seven holes, while the other, more hilly side, houses eleven. During winter, those hilly areas are off-limits.
Winter rounds don’t come expensive here, with greens fees at just five dollars. They operate on a charming honor system, asking players to pay using a box located near the entrance. I happily contributed, not wanting any bad vibes shadowing my game. However, the course was a bit soggy, with patches of standing water and lingering snow, especially in shadowed areas.
For the occasion, I donned my trusty Oregon Mudders golf boots. While they might not be the most flexible choice, these boots certainly excel at keeping my feet warm and dry. They boast screw-in cleats for grip, and I have another pair without cleats that’s more ankle-high. Given the conditions, I opted for full coverage and was glad I did.
Playing in the winter means I don’t fixate on my performance; instead, it’s about enjoying the day out. Despite not having swung a club for a few weeks, I thought my game was more than decent under the circumstances.
With only seven holes open, the winter route at Huron Hills is a bit unconventional: you play holes 1 through 7, then loop back to play holes 1 and 2 twice. The first hole is a par 5 that takes you away from the clubhouse, and the second circles back towards it. For convenience, I carried a light Sunday bag, ideal for maneuvering around the wet and icy turf.
Oddly enough, I had the course to myself that day. The warmer weather forecast probably had others holding off until the temperature hit the mid-50s. Winter isn’t over yet, but there’s a sense of optimism as spring is just around the corner. We’ll likely encounter more chilly days and snow, but soon, everything will thaw, and the course will buzz with activity.
In the meantime, this solo winter outing was a serene reminder of the joys of golf, regardless of the season.
