Metamora isn't exactly the first place people think of when they talk about Michigan golf mecca. Everyone looks toward Traverse City or the high-end private clubs in Oakland County. But honestly, if you skip over Oxford Hills Golf Course MI, you’re missing out on one of the most honest rounds of golf in the state.
It’s local. It’s hilly. It’s got that specific kind of Lapeer County charm where the starter might know your name, but the greens will still absolutely wreck your scorecard if you get cocky.
Established back in the late 1950s, specifically 1958, this course has lived through the boom and bust of Michigan’s golf obsession. While other tracks tried to become "resort style" and priced themselves into oblivion, Oxford Hills stayed grounded. It’s a par-72 championship layout that manages to feel both expansive and claustrophobic at the same exact time. You’ve got these massive, rolling fairways that look inviting from the tee, but the second you push a drive ten yards right, you are deep in the hardwoods.
It’s a vibe.
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The Geography of Oxford Hills Golf Course MI
Most people assume "Oxford Hills" is just a catchy name. It isn't. The elevation changes here are legit. You aren't playing on a flat pancake like some of the municipal courses closer to Detroit.
The front nine and back nine feel like two different personalities. The front is a bit more open, letting you find a rhythm, while the back nine starts to tighten the screws. If you’re walking, bring extra water and maybe a spare set of calves. Most people take a cart. Honestly, even the fit guys usually opt for the gas-powered help because some of those climbs from green to tee are steep.
- The Signature 14th: This is the one everyone talks about at the 19th hole. It’s a par 3, but it’s a beast. You’re hitting over water to a green that feels way smaller than it actually is. The wind catches everything here.
- Total Yardage: From the tips, you're looking at over 6,500 yards. It’s not a "monster" by modern standards, but the slope rating of 127 tells the real story. It’s tricky.
The turf quality is usually solid, though like any Michigan course, it depends on how much rain we got on Tuesday. The grounds crew works hard to keep the bunkers playable, which is a thankless task given the drainage challenges of hilly terrain.
What Most People Get Wrong About Metamora Golf
There’s this weird misconception that everything north of M-59 is "cow pasture golf." That’s just wrong. Oxford Hills Golf Course MI is a calculated design. You can tell whoever laid this out—originally Don Childs—wanted to use the natural glacial carving of the land.
You aren't just hitting balls into a field. You’re navigating chutes of oaks and maples.
The greens are the real equalizer. They aren't "Pro Tour" fast, but they are undulating. If you leave yourself a downhill putt on hole 9, good luck keeping it on the surface. It’s that old-school architecture where being below the hole isn't just a suggestion; it’s a survival tactic.
Why the Price Point Matters
Let's be real: golf is getting stupidly expensive. You go to some "signature" courses in Southeast Michigan and they want $115 for a Saturday morning. For what? A GPS in the cart and a fancy sandwich?
Oxford Hills usually keeps things in the $40 to $60 range depending on the time and day. That’s the sweet spot. It’s high-quality enough to feel like a "treat" but affordable enough that you can bring your teenage son or a buddy who still loses six balls a round without feeling like you’re burning money.
They also do a ton of outings. If you’ve worked for a mid-sized company in Lapeer or Northern Oakland County, you’ve probably eaten a lukewarm burger in their banquet room while waiting for the raffle results. It’s a community hub.
Dealing with the "Hills" Part of the Name
If you’ve played enough Michigan golf, you know the "blind shot" problem. Some courses use them as a gimmick. At Oxford Hills, they are a necessity of the land.
There are a few spots, particularly on the back, where you’re aiming at a pole or a tree because the fairway just disappears into a valley. It can be frustrating for first-timers. My advice? Don't try to be a hero. This isn't the place to try that 280-yard carry over the corner of the woods. Just hit a 7-iron to the flat spot you can actually see.
Basically, the course rewards the "boring" golfer.
- Keep it in the short grass.
- Aim for the center of the green.
- Two-putt and get out of there.
If you try to overpower this place, the trees will eat your lunch. The rough can get thick, and because of the hills, a ball that’s only five yards off the fairway can easily catch a slope and disappear into the heavy brush.
The Clubhouse and the 19th Hole Experience
The clubhouse isn't a Taj Mahal. It’s a classic Michigan golf building. It smells like leather, cart grease, and fries. And that’s exactly what it should be.
The bar—officially known as the Greene’s Oxford Hills area—is where the real stories happen. They do a Friday Night Fish Fry that is legitimately famous in the Metamora area. You’ll see people there who don’t even play golf; they just want the perch. That tells you everything you need to know about the atmosphere. It’s welcoming.
There is a sense of history here. You see the old trophies and the photos on the walls, and you realize this place has been the backdrop for decades of father-son rounds and retirement leagues. It’s got soul.
Technical Specifications for the Nerds
For those who care about the numbers:
- Tee Options: Blue, White, Gold, Red.
- Par: 72.
- Slope: 127 from the back.
- Rating: 71.4.
It’s a fair test. If you’re a 10-handicap, you’ll probably shoot an 82-85 here on a good day. If the greens are dry and the wind is kicking off the hills, add five strokes.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Round
If you’re planning a trip to Oxford Hills Golf Course MI, don't just show up and wing it.
First, check the weather. Because of the elevation, the wind can be deceptive. It might feel calm in the parking lot, but once you get up on those exposed ridges, it’s a different story.
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Second, utilize the practice range. It’s nothing fancy, but you need to get your timing down. The transition from a flat range to side-hill lies on the course is jarring. If you haven't warmed up your core, those hilly lies are going to result in a lot of topped balls.
Third, pay attention to the pin placements. The greens are large enough that being on the wrong tier can mean a 50-foot putt with three feet of break. Seriously.
The Local Vibe
Metamora is "horse country." You might literally see people riding horses on the roads near the course. It’s a slower pace of life. People at Oxford Hills aren't usually in a massive rush, but that doesn't mean pace of play isn't a priority. The rangers are generally pretty good about keeping things moving without being jerks about it.
It’s the kind of place where you can wear a slightly faded polo and nobody’s going to give you a side-eye. It’s accessible.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
Don't just head out there without a plan. Here is how you actually tackle this course:
- Book online: Their website is usually the best place for "hot deals," especially for afternoon tee times.
- Club down on the downhill shots: Gravity is real. On the big drops, you’re often playing one or two clubs less than the yardage suggests.
- Eat the food: Seriously, don't just grab a bag of chips. The kitchen here punches way above its weight class.
- Watch the 18th: It’s a finishing hole that can ruin a good round. It requires a precise approach to a green that is well-protected.
Oxford Hills isn't trying to be Pinehurst. It’s trying to be a great Michigan golf course that people can afford to play every week. In 2026, with the way the world is going, that’s actually a pretty rare and beautiful thing. Whether you're a scratch golfer or a weekend warrior just trying to break 100, the hills are waiting. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the 14th hole.