The Orchards at The Orchards Golf Club

Nestled in the rolling terrain of Washington, Michigan, The Orchards Golf Club stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of risk-reward golf. Carved from the landscape in the late 1990s, this Arthur Hills design presents a compelling blend of challenge and playability. Hills, known for his environmentally conscious approach, sculpted a course that takes full advantage of the natural contours, with gently sloping fairways framed by mature trees and strategically placed water hazards. It's a course where controlled aggression is rewarded, especially on the par-5s that tempt longer hitters to go for the green in two.

While The Orchards hasn't hosted a major professional championship, its meticulously maintained greens and thoughtfully designed layout have earned it a reputation as a premier venue for regional amateur events. The layout favors players who can shape the ball, particularly those who work it from right-to-left, as subtle doglegs and strategically bunkered fairways demand precise shot placement. Those who miss the fairway may find themselves scrambling, and the ability to recover is rewarded.

The Orchards, in many respects, mirrors the ethos of its membership – unpretentious, focused on the game, and fiercely loyal. Social interaction is high, and the club boasts a thriving group of avid golfers. It's the kind of place where you can find friendly games ongoing nearly every day of the week.

Adding to the course's distinct character, a local tale speaks of a hidden cache of antique golf balls uncovered during the course's construction, believed to have been lost by earlier enthusiasts golfing on the land long before The Orchards existed. Whether legend or fact, it adds a layer of intriguing mystery to this respected Michigan golf destination.