Pine Knob Mansion

Pine Knob Mansion's Hawk course occupies rolling terrain in Clarkston, Michigan, roughly forty miles northwest of Detroit in Oakland County. Dan Pohl, a PGA Tour player who won twice on tour in the 1980s and later transitioned to course design, laid out this track as part of a residential golf community. The property takes its name from the historic Pine Knob estate and sits in an area known for its glacially sculpted topography, with elevation changes more pronounced than much of southeastern Michigan's flatter terrain. The routing works through mature hardwood forests and open corridors, typical of northern Oakland County's landscape. Pohl's design philosophy generally emphasizes playability for a range of skill levels while incorporating strategic options that reward course management. The Hawk course reflects this approach, with fairways that allow recovery play but greens and hazard placement that challenge better players who take aggressive lines. The facility operates as part of a larger residential and recreational complex. Pine Knob Mansion itself serves as the clubhouse, providing dining and event space with views over the course. The setting combines golf with the amenities of a country club environment, catering primarily to members and their guests. The course sees regular member play and hosts club tournaments throughout the Michigan golf season, which typically runs from April through October given the region's climate.