Walk onto the first tee at Stony Creek Metropark golf course and you’ll notice something immediately: it’s quiet. Not just "suburban quiet," but that deep, woods-heavy silence you usually have to drive three hours north to find. Most golfers in Metro Detroit are used to the hum of M-59 or the sight of rooftops lining every fairway, but Stony Creek is different. It’s a 6,928-yard beast tucked inside a 4,400-acre park, and honestly, it’s one of the most misunderstood layouts in Macomb County. People see the "Metropark" label and assume it’s a flat, easy muni where you can spray the ball anywhere and still card a par. They're wrong.
If you don't respect the elevation changes here, the course will absolutely eat your lunch.
The back tees carry a slope rating of 131. That’s not a joke. While it’s technically a public course managed by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks system, the design—courtesy of L.C. Lambrecht—feels way more like a private club in northern Michigan. You’ve got massive, undulating greens and fairways that twist through mature hardwoods and pines. It opened back in 1974, and unlike many courses from that era that have been "dumbed down" or shortened to accommodate modern play, Stony Creek has kept its teeth.
The Terrain Nobody Prepares For
You’ll hear regulars talk about the "Stony Creek bounce." Because the course is built on glacial moraines, the ground is rarely flat. You might hit a perfect drive right down the middle of the fairway on a hole like the par-4 5th, only to find yourself with a side-hill lie that feels like you’re standing on the side of a mountain. It’s frustrating. It’s also brilliant. It forces you to actually think about where you’re landing the ball rather than just swinging for the fences.
The elevation isn't just a gimmick. It’s the core identity of the place. On several holes, you’re looking at 30-foot drops or climbs from tee to green. If you aren't adjusting your club selection for the wind coming off Stony Creek Lake, you’re going to end up in a bunker—or worse, the thick fescue that frames the rough.
Why the Back Nine is a Mental Battle
The front nine is challenging, sure, but the back nine is where the round usually falls apart for most people. The 10th hole starts you off with a downhill tee shot that looks inviting until you realize how narrow that landing area actually is. Then you hit the stretch from 13 to 16. This is where the "Metropark" vibe disappears and the "championship" vibe takes over.
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Hole 13 is a par 5 that requires two very specific shots just to see the green. You’re navigating trees, bunkers, and a green that slopes more than it looks. It’s common to see players get aggressive here and walk away with a double bogey. Honestly, the best advice for the back nine at Stony Creek is to play for the middle of the green. The pin positions can be diabolical, especially on the 18th, which finishes right near the clubhouse with a view that makes you forget how many three-putts you just had.
The Reality of Maintenance and Pace
Let’s be real: public courses can be a crapshoot when it comes to conditions. However, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks staff generally keeps the turf here in surprisingly good shape. The greens are almost always faster than you expect them to be. Because it’s a popular spot, pace of play can occasionally crawl on weekend mornings, but that’s the price you pay for a $40-$60 round on a championship-level layout.
- Practice Facilities: They have a full driving range with grass tees (on specific days), a large putting green, and a chipping area. It’s one of the better spots in the area to actually work on your game without feeling rushed.
- The Clubhouse: It’s functional. Don't expect a five-star dining experience. It’s a place to grab a hot dog, a Gatorade, and maybe a sleeve of balls before you head out. It’s classic Michigan golf.
- Nature: You will see deer. Lots of them. You might also see wild turkeys, hawks, and the occasional turtle crossing the cart path. It’s a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which basically means they manage the land in a way that doesn't kill off the local wildlife.
Dealing With the Metropark Entry Fee
One thing that catches out-of-towners off guard is the park entry fee. Since the golf course is inside the Stony Creek Metropark, you need a vehicle pass. If you don't have an annual pass, it’s currently $10 for a daily permit. Some golfers complain about this "extra" cost, but if you look at the total price of a round compared to a high-end daily fee course in nearby Oakland County, you’re still coming out ahead. Plus, that money goes back into maintaining the massive trail system and the lake, so it’s hard to stay mad about it.
Strategic Tips for Your Next Round
Don't just grip it and rip it. If you’re playing Stony Creek for the first time, leave the driver in the bag on a few of the tighter par 4s. The rough is thick enough to swallow a ball whole, and the trees aren't forgiving.
Pay attention to the 7th hole. It’s a par 3 that plays significantly shorter than the yardage because of the drop. Trust the number, not your eyes. On the greens, everything tends to pull toward the lake, even if it looks like it’s breaking uphill. It’s a subtle trick of the landscape that has ruined many a "good" round.
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The course also offers several sets of tees. If you’re a double-digit handicap, do yourself a favor and play the white tees. The gold and blue tees turn the course into a much more grueling experience that requires carries over hazards that most casual golfers simply can't make consistently. There is no shame in playing the right yardage for your game.
Actionable Steps for Playing Stony Creek
If you're planning a trip to Shelby Township to play this course, here is how to handle the logistics and the game:
1. Book in Advance
Teetimes at Stony Creek Metropark golf course fill up fast, especially on weekends. Use the Metroparks online booking system up to a week in advance. If you're a single, you can often find "orphaned" spots between larger groups if you check 24 hours before your desired time.
2. Check the Wind
The course is situated near the lake, and the wind can swirl. Use a weather app to check wind speed and direction specifically for Shelby Township. A 10mph wind on the 16th hole can turn a 7-iron into a 5-iron real quick.
3. Factor in the Entry Fee
If you aren't a frequent Metropark visitor, add that $10 to your budget or carpool with a friend who has an annual pass to save a few bucks.
4. Focus on the Short Game
Since the greens are large and tiered, your lag putting will be tested more than your driving accuracy. Spend 15 minutes on the practice green before your round to get a feel for the speed—it usually matches the course perfectly.
5. Pack Bug Spray
Because the course is heavily wooded and near water, the mosquitoes and gnats can be brutal in the early morning or late evening during the summer months. Don't let a swarm of bugs ruin your birdie putt on the 12th.
Stony Creek remains a staple of Michigan golf because it offers a high-level challenge without the high-level price tag. It isn't a "easy" park course; it's a legitimate test of golf that rewards patience and punishes ego. Whether you're a scratch golfer or just looking for a scenic place to lose a dozen balls, it's a track that deserves a spot on your summer rotation.