Falcon/Hawk at Pine Knob Mansion

Pine Knob Mansion's Falcon and Hawk nines form part of a multi-course facility in Clarkston, Michigan, situated in Oakland County northwest of Detroit. Designed by Lorrie Viola, a Michigan-based architect who has worked on several courses in the Great Lakes region, the layout occupies rolling terrain characteristic of southeastern Michigan's glacially-formed landscape. The property takes its name from the prominent Pine Knob hill nearby, one of the highest points in the region, and the course reflects the area's mix of hardwood forests, natural elevation changes, and open meadow corridors.

The Falcon and Hawk nines combine to create an eighteen-hole experience that navigates the property's varied topography. Players encounter elevation shifts that are notable for this part of Michigan, along with wooded corridors and strategic bunkering that define playing angles. The design incorporates natural features and requires thoughtful course management rather than relying solely on length for challenge. Water features appear on select holes, typical of courses built in this era when ponds were often integrated into routing and drainage plans.

Pine Knob Mansion operates as a public facility, serving both local golfers and visitors to the Clarkston area. The region has a strong golf culture with numerous courses catering to recreational players, and this property fits within that tradition. The mansion itself provides dining and event space, making the facility a venue for outings and gatherings beyond daily play. The course remains a familiar option for golfers seeking accessible golf in Oakland County's northern suburbs.