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Sean_A

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Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC New
« on: September 18, 2015, 06:13:19 PM »
Located hard on Orchard Lake, northwest of Detroit, it should not be surprising that sailing was the first activity established at Orchard Lake CC.  However, soon after the founding of the club it was obvious that a landscape as striking as the 175 acres donated by Willis C Ward would make for an ideal golf course. For forward thinking persons such as Ward the choice to use a top architect was obvious and finding this person wasn't onerous.  At the time Hugh Alison had offices located in Detroit’s Penobscot Building. The choice of Detroit for an office is likely connected Colt in that he first visited N America in 1911 to design CC of Detroit. There is some confusion over which Penobscot building is being referred to in the flyer, but since the "greater" Penobscot wasn’t opened until 1928, it seems likely that it is the original Penobscot Building at 131 Fort St (directly next door to the "greater" Penobscot Building) which is where Alison hung his sign.  Famously, Alison was in partnership with Colt for nearly his entire architectural career and due to this association, Alison has been somewhat unrecognized as a significant classic age designer.  It is generally acknowledged that any Colt & Alison work in North America post WWI should in fact be credited to Alison.  During his 10 year (1920-1929) partial residence in the US, Alison designed over 20 courses, including several in Michigan and worked on as many as 43.

As Muirfield wasn't remodeled until 1925 the likely date of this ad is circa 1925-1927.


Driven by what started out as a bunker renovation project, Orchard Lake Country Club took the momentous step to completely renovate the design. The renovation included new green surfaces using a recently created strain of bent grass, a bunker renovation, green and fairway expansion, tree removal and the creation of major areas of native fescue. Well known architect Keith Foster was engaged to help the club breath life back into the 1926 Alison design, however, as with any good renovation project, the course Superintendent is an instrumental person in the process. Speaking briefly with Orchard Lake’s Super, Aaron McMaster aka Turf, it is clear Aaron was in awe of the design since his arrival in 1996 as a young assistant and shared Foster’s vision of what Orchard Lake could become.

Anybody with a minimal understanding of Alison would note the importance of greens and bunkers in his designs. Alison generally advocated and designed tougher courses than did Colt and one of the main differences would be the depth of bunkers.  Due to his famous work in Japan, the Japanese honour the memory of Alison by calling the large, deep pits “Alisons” (though the pronunciation is more like “Arizons”).  Alison would go on to design courses on five continents (being old school I still consider Australia a continent rather than an island) before his death in 1952; a formidable legacy indeed. 

The members of Orchard Lake are fortunate that Foster had already studied some Alison designs before setting foot on the property.  The result of this experience was the initial removal of trees to allow for increased fairways (13 added acres to 35) which then made it possible to restore lost bunkers...22 in total! Perhaps more telling is the substantially increased size of the bunkers which now reflect Alison’s original design.  Not to be taken lightly, the removal of trees also opened up the course to delicious interior views which highlights the movement of the terrain. Club records indicate that between 1925 and 1927 Alison invested substantial time in the creation of Orchard Lake...upwards of 90 days on site!  It should also be noted that his associate, LE Lavis and contractor William Connellan (who partnered with Englishman and Country Club of Detroit professional, Wilfrid Reid, in the design of Indianwood Old at about the same time) were also onsite for much of the process.  It is fitting that the club should repay the efforts of these fine men with time, care and due attention to a proper restoration. The most immediate aspect of the course is not the architecture itself, but the space allowed for the architecture to thrive. There is scads of acrerage to take care of business, but it is clear where one should....and could be.

The approach to the first is a prime example of the increased difficulty that nearly all the holes demonstrate.


So much of modern design is about catching golfers out with mathematically placed bunkers.  The shortish three-shotter second has its bunkering concentrated in the landforms which can visually accomodate sand.  The effect is a more random placement of bunkers which will trouble different golfers on different days.


The short 3rd is a master class of deception.  Most of the greens rely on slope for their interest, yet it is often difficult to decipher the flow of the movement.  In the case of this hole, the putting surface moves imperceptively to the left...leaving a putt of any length above (right) the hole in three putt country.


More to follow.

Ciao
« Last Edit: February 02, 2022, 07:09:10 AM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Phil Young

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC 1-3
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2015, 12:45:04 AM »
Sean,

A slight correction for you. You stated "Located hard on Orchard Lake northwest of Detroit, it should not be surprising that sailing was the first activity established by the club."

The original Articles of Incorporation for "Orchard Lake Country Club" is dated 5/6/1926. Under Article III: "The purpose or purposes for which it is formed is as follows: Social and Recreational purposes, the providing of facilities therefor, and any and all incidental purposes."

Quite benign and general without any indication as to what these "Social and Recreational purposes" were. Article V: The amount of assets said corporation possesses is: A tract of land for a golf course and clubhouse site, consisting of about 175 acres in the South Half..." There is no mention of even a dock or facilities of any kind for sailing as a club.

The reason for bringing this up is that for many years it was believed that the club was formed to serve as a sailing club. While it is true that a good number of those who joined did sail on the lake, the purpose and first activity established by the club was the golf course. The sailing facilities were actually built later on.

In fact, the minutes of the first board meeting of the initial stockholders meeting, which took place over one year later on 5/26/1927, specifically mentions two recreational activities being established by the club at that time, these being the golf course prepared for the said club by Capt. C.H. Alison of Colt and Alison..." and for the creation of a "bridle trail 8 feet wide across the property of the Orchard Lake Country Club..." This bridle trail would be used by both club members and the "West Bloomfield Lakes Association..." Once again there is no mention of sailing.

The reason for mentioning this is because OLCC was founded for the purpose of land activities. There wasn't a need to found it for sailing as the West Bloomfield Lakes Association (made up by those who lived on the lake and sailed there including both Willis and Harold Ward), already existed. It would be a number of years before the club itself officially took an active role in sailing as an official club activity.

Today the docks, maintenance facilities, etc... that the club has built are fabulous and show that this "recreational activity" has been passed down through the years not only to those with homes on the lake but to many others as well.

Sean_A

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC 1-3 New
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2015, 05:04:23 AM »
Thanks Phil.

ORCHARD LAKE TOUR CONT

On the 4th we are suddenly confronted by trees.  The space for play is reduced, but visibility of the green on this legger left is shrewd.  Not only does sight of the green continue the theme of space, but in truth with a chance for recovery from the trees there is more space than it would seem. 



Riding the boundary, #5 is a flatish, dead straight hole.  Turning back on #5, the 6th has a new tee well right of the normal tee which introduces the golfer to native fescue, a brainchild of Aaron McMaster.  Many areas of native are brutally thick.  It is hoped that in a few years all of the native will be thinned out as it is left of the 3rd hole. Notice how the forward bunker is on the fold of a slope.  This same concept is used on most greenside bunkers with the bunkers set well into the pads of the putting surfaces. 


One can only assume that cutting fairway lines to the inside of bunkers is a preferred maintenance style.  I have asked the question as to why this is done for many years and never received an answer which would suggest there is a compelling reason for this style. Even in poor light it is easy to make out the severe movement of the green.


The final three holes on the front nine more or less head straight for the house.  Much like what we expect from Colt, Alison created a set of threes which is varied and ever so challenging.  The 7th is a long par 3 whose length is increased by the uphill nature of the terrain. 


More to follow.

Ciao
« Last Edit: December 03, 2018, 09:15:55 PM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC 1-7 New
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2015, 06:40:44 PM »
ORCHARD LAKE TOUR CONT

The 8th is an interesting hole.  Being downhill the hole will not play its listed yardage, but the green seems like it slides away from play. 


The 9th too is an interesting, long, tough par 4 bending hard right and uphill for the approach.  The tee shot is quite awkward looking, but there is more room than appears to be the case.


The green is well defended and quite difficult to discern its size. 


We now cross Orchard Lake Trail for the next six holes.  Again, the theme of space is present on the 10th. That isn't to say there isn't trouble in the form of trees, but importantly, the balance of trees, rough, sand, hills, length and sloping putting surfaces is finely tuned.  I particularly appreciate the greens matching the lay of the land using slopes rather contours.  This style of greens usually means it will require a good handful of plays to learn.  This is a feature from the archie's bag of tricks which should be celebrated. 


More to follow.

Ciao
« Last Edit: December 03, 2018, 09:16:11 PM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Sean_A

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC New
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2015, 05:07:45 AM »
ORCHARD LAKE TOUR CONT

The 11th is for me the entirety of Orchard Lake contained within a single hole.  All the elements which make the course a compelling design are present.  Knowing the bunkers are cut into hills will offer a clue that there is a dip over the brow. 




The approach shot too is over hill and dale.  Once again, the bunker is cut under the lip of the green.


This side view demonstrates how rolling the land is. The native and trees are present, but kept appropriately to the wings of play beyond a wide expanse of first cut rough. 


The tee shot for the long 12th indicates the extra space available on most holes.  How often do we see dogleg bunkers adjacent to trees...thus reducing one of the most important aspects of bunkering...temptation? There is an opportunity for recovery should the golfer be tempted by the short-cut and fail. 


The player who errs too cautiously right will find recently expanded fairway shifting tee shots toward trouble. 


The 13th is effectively a knob to knob par 3.  There is a creative area left and short of the green for shorter hitters.  Although, one has to wonder if that area were part of the green if this wouldn't make for an impressively colossal putting surface. 


One of my favourite holes on the course, the simplicity of the 14th is infectious. 




By providence or design, a peachy gap in the trees gives the golfer a lovely view of the house cupola. The rear berm is new and doesn't quite fit in with the other green complexes, but it does block views of traffic. 


More to follow. 

Ciao
« Last Edit: August 16, 2016, 05:32:54 AM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC New
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2015, 04:56:01 AM »
ORCHARD LAKE TOUR CONT

Straight-away, the 15th is the final hole before crossing the road.  This hole may have changed more than any other due to the green being moved away from Orchard Lake Trail.  The left side of the fairway has been drastically opened up with the removal of a tree which enabled the tumbling nature of the terrain to be revealed. Finally, a stand of native has been planted down the right.  The 16th, the shortest par 3 by some distance is a straight-forward hole with a raised green.  We now reach the finale with two gratifying holes, both of which use the hills exceptionally well.  Neither hole is terribly long, but 17 is deceptive. Because of the heaving terrain, well struck drives can get caught in a wee valley. There is no respite with the uphill approach which requires an all carry shot. 



Playing initially well down-hill, the home hole has unusual bunkers carved into the side of the hill.  As with all the greens, it takes a thoughtful approach to leave a relatively simple par.  Be caught on the wrong side of the hole and it will take an exceptional two-putt to take care of business.






With all its many positive elements such as suberb natural greensites, expert bunkering, broad sweeping greens and superlative terrain, Orchard Lake stands out among Detroit clubs.  In keeping with Alison's skillful golf ability, Orchard Lake plays far from easy, however, Alison's intention was for it to be very difficult to lose a ball.  If the native is properly thinned out as planned, I see no reason why that intention cannot be fulfilled. Foster's work nurtured by the ever so ardent Aaron McMaster should see Alison's vision continue to be a jewel of Detroit golf.  I certainly hope to revisit the course some day.  1* 2015

Franklin Hills
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,53933.0.html

Birmingham CC
www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,63580.msg1514178.html#msg1514178

Ciao
« Last Edit: June 20, 2018, 09:23:04 PM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Niall Hay

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2015, 09:00:51 AM »
Outstanding tour Sean, thank you!

Jeff Bergeron

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2015, 09:15:07 PM »
Sean, you are always welcome when your travels take you back to Southeastern MI. Thanks for your fine posts. Berge.

BCowan

Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC
« Reply #8 on: October 02, 2015, 10:09:45 PM »
S,

   Great job with the photo tour.  The course is outstanding and the tree management is near ideal.  I'd like to see some fairway added to left on #4 and the one tree removed to reward a proper drive when the pin is tucked on the right side of the green.  The par 3's are truly great.  I think the 9th has tremendous potential with fairway added to the right of the bunker and the tilt of the green reversed.  Would make a great finishing hole.  There are so many great holes on the course and it doesn't have a weak hole.  Even though 5 is straight away the fairway bunker on the left looks closer then it is and the back of the green makes for some nice hole locations.  The course has risen to the top of my list after 4 or 5 plays. 

Terry Lavin

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2015, 06:10:25 PM »
Beyond impressive. OL is a real gem.
Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.  H.L. Mencken

Sean_A

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC New
« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2015, 08:30:25 PM »
S,

   Great job with the photo tour.  The course is outstanding and the tree management is near ideal.  I'd like to see some fairway added to left on #4 and the one tree removed to reward a proper drive when the pin is tucked on the right side of the green.  The par 3's are truly great.  I think the 9th has tremendous potential with fairway added to the right of the bunker and the tilt of the green reversed.  Would make a great finishing hole.  There are so many great holes on the course and it doesn't have a weak hole.  Even though 5 is straight away the fairway bunker on the left looks closer then it is and the back of the green makes for some nice hole locations.  The course has risen to the top of my list after 4 or 5 plays.

B

Yes, I can see another tree coming out on 4, but its the forward bunker which I have reservations about.  I wouldn't mind seeing fairway extended right...toward a terrible angle...thus making the trees on the left more pertinent in terms of strategy.  Now the hole is basically of penal nature.  That said, its one of the few like this on the course so its not a huge issue for me. 

The 5th isn't a bad hole at all.  As with all the greens, it is interesting even if similar to many others. 

I am fine with the nines as they are because I like the final two holes and they shouldn't be very low indexes. Its hard not give the 9th a low index...its tough as old boots. 

The threes have the luxury of facing all points of the compass...quite unusual, but I think the 4s are the strength of the design. 

Berge

Very fine....cheers  :D

Ciao
« Last Edit: January 20, 2018, 04:45:23 AM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

Ryan Taylor

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC
« Reply #11 on: October 06, 2015, 09:14:26 AM »
Sean, Thanks for the awesome tour. OLCC is now the gem of SE Michigan. Let's see what OH South does in the near future to counter! The photos do an OK job of capturing the rolling and dramatic elevation changes. The approach to #1 is severely uphill and makes for one of the most difficult approaches of the day. One of my favorite opening holes in golf played.
"Bandon is like Chamonix for skiers or the North Shore of Oahu for surfers,” Rogers said. “It is where those who really care end up."

Niall Hay

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC
« Reply #12 on: October 06, 2015, 10:57:11 AM »
Sean, Thanks for the awesome tour. OLCC is now the gem of SE Michigan. Let's see what OH South does in the near future to counter! The photos do an OK job of capturing the rolling and dramatic elevation changes. The approach to #1 is severely uphill and makes for one of the most difficult approaches of the day. One of my favorite opening holes in golf played.


You’re right regarding #1, and the pictures do not do the topography justice.

Sean_A

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Re: Outstanding ORCHARD LAKE CC
« Reply #13 on: October 07, 2015, 04:57:32 AM »
Yes, I didn't have great light (I rarely do!) and all pix flatten out elevation changes.  But yes, the 1st is one of the stars of the course and among a handful of very good two shotters. I also like 6, 9, 17 & 18 a lot.  The right tee on 6 is particularly good as most holes front up to the fairways rather than offer a skewed angle.


Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Fraserburgh, Turnberry, Isle of Harris, Benbecula, Askernish, Traigh, St Medan, Hankley Common, Ashridge, Gog Magog Old & Cruden Bay St Olaf

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