MI
Located in Lakeside, Michigan, Chikaming Country Club is a private 18-hole, par 71 golf course spanning approximately 6,600 yards. The layout was originally designed by Harry Collis, a respected groundskeeper and course architect, who opened the property in 1914 as the Lakeside Golf Club before it was acquired by Chikaming Country Club in 1919. The course is characterized by a classic parkland style, featuring narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, old-style greens that demand precise approach shots. The terrain is defined by rolling hills, significant changes in elevation, and mature hardwoods that frame the fairways. A master plan implemented in the 1990s transformed the property, adding dozens of trees, bunkers, and native areas while maintaining the original character. Modern drainage and irrigation systems were installed to ensure playability, but the course retains the challenging, family-friendly atmosphere of its early days. Difficulty is a defining feature of the Chikaming layout, with visitors frequently noting that the course plays much harder than its modest yardage suggests. The small, sloped, and often fast greens require exacting shots, and wayward drives are frequently penalized by tight tree corridors and deep bunkers. The course is known for its demanding nature, where even short putts can be difficult due to subtle undulations and false fronts. Several holes stand out for their specific challenges and history. Hole No. 2, a par 4, is often cited by members as the most difficult hole on the course due to a menacing pond at the front left of the green and difficult pitch shots from the right rough. Hole No. 6, a 421-yard par 4, is considered the most challenging overall, requiring a demanding tee shot to a pinched landing area followed by a precise second shot to a green perched above the fairway. Hole No. 5, a 175-yard par 3, features a kidney-shaped, redan-influenced green complex fronted by a pond and guarded by a large overhanging oak tree. The course has a rich heritage dating back to 1913, when it was one of the first private clubs in what is now known as Harbor Country. The original clubhouse was replaced in 1925 by the historic Shakespeare House, which remains a central feature of the club. The course continues to be a private venue where tee times are not required, and members often have the course to themselves.
