You’ve probably seen the signs while driving down 25 Mile Road. Or maybe you've caught a glimpse of that massive, sprawling clubhouse from a distance. If you live in Metro Detroit, Cherry Creek Golf Club Shelby Township is one of those places that everyone seems to have an opinion on, whether they’re golfers or just people who’ve attended a cousin’s wedding there. But honestly, beneath the polished exterior and the "Best of Hour Detroit" awards, there is a lot more going on with this course than just fancy greens and expensive golf carts.
It’s a Lanny Wadkins and Mike Messer design. That actually means something. It’s not just a flat piece of Michigan dirt with some grass thrown on top.
Most people think of public courses as either being "muni-level" beaters or overpriced "resort" tracks that don't justify the greens fee. Cherry Creek sits in a weird, hyper-competitive middle ground. It’s a daily-fee course that tries—and usually succeeds—in acting like a private country club. But is it actually worth the drive when you have dozens of other options in Macomb County? Let’s get into the weeds.
The Layout: More Than Just Flat Fairways
The first time you step onto the first tee, you realize this isn't a typical parkland course. It’s got this "Woodlands" feel that sneaks up on you. You're basically playing through a mix of wetlands, meadows, and some pretty dense timber. It’s challenging. Really. If you’re a high handicapper, bring an extra sleeve of balls. Or two.
The designers didn't just move earth; they used the natural roll of the Shelby Township landscape. You have these significant elevation changes that force you to actually think about club selection instead of just grabbing the driver and swinging for the fences.
- The Par 3s: They are arguably the soul of the course. Several of them require carries over water or protected wetlands.
- The Signature 18th: This is the hole everyone talks about. You’re finishing right in front of the massive terrace of the clubhouse. If you shank it here, people having lunch are going to see it. No pressure, right?
The greens are usually kept at a speed that might surprise you. They aren’t "Pro Tour" fast, but they are significantly quicker than your average public track in the area. If you’re used to banging the ball to the hole, you’re going to be three-putting all day.
Why the Clubhouse at Cherry Creek Golf Club Shelby Township is a Local Icon
It’s huge. Honestly, the clubhouse is almost 25,000 square feet. That’s not a typo. It was built to handle massive outings and weddings, which is both a blessing and a curse for the average golfer. On a Saturday in June, the place is a literal hive of activity. You’ll see golfers in polos walking past bridesmaids in silk. It’s a vibe.
The Lakeview Room is the crown jewel here. It’s got these floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the lake and the 18th green. If you’re looking for a place to host an event, it’s hard to beat the aesthetics. But for the person who just wants a burger after nine holes? The Champions Grill is surprisingly down-to-earth.
They do a Sunday Brunch that has become a bit of a local legend. It’s not just eggs and bacon; it’s the whole nine yards with carving stations and omelet bars. It’s the kind of place where people show up in their "Sunday best" even if they’ve never touched a golf club in their life.
Dealing With the "Public Course" Realities
Let’s be real for a second. Cherry Creek Golf Club Shelby Township is popular. Like, really popular. Because it’s a premier public destination, pace of play can sometimes be an issue during peak weekend hours. You might find yourself waiting on a tee box for five or ten minutes if the group ahead of you is struggling with the marshy carries.
Is it expensive? Compared to a municipal course, yes. You’re paying for the conditioning and the atmosphere. But compared to some of the high-end resort courses in Northern Michigan, it’s a bargain for the quality of the turf.
- Maintenance: They take pride in the bunkers. You won’t find many "concrete" sand traps here.
- Staff: They actually have starters and rangers who try to keep things moving.
- Practice Facility: This is a big one. They have a massive driving range with both grass and mat options, plus a dedicated short-game area. It’s one of the better places in Macomb County to actually work on your game, not just play it.
The Strategy: How to Actually Play This Course
If you want to score well at Cherry Creek, you have to leave your ego in the parking lot. The par 5s are tempting, but the risk-reward ratio is often skewed toward "risk." Many of the fairways are bordered by environmentally protected areas. If your ball goes in there, it’s gone. Don't go looking for it; the ticks and the mud aren't worth the $4 Pro V1.
The wind often kicks up in this part of Shelby Township, especially on the more open meadow holes. A two-club wind is common. If you aren't checking the flags on the nearby holes, you’re going to end up short on those water carries.
Specific Hole Insight: The 17th
This is a par 4 that requires a very precise tee shot. You can't just blast it. There’s water on the left and trees on the right. If you can find the fairway, you’re left with a nervous approach into a green that is well-guarded. Most people lose their round here right before they get to the "glory" of the 18th.
Beyond the Fairway: The Social Impact
What most people don't realize is how much this club anchors the Shelby Township community. It’s a massive employer. From the grounds crew to the banquet servers, there’s a small army of people keeping this place running. It’s also a hub for charity outings. If there’s a local non-profit or a high school sports team raising money, there’s a high chance they’re doing it at Cherry Creek.
The club also hosts the Michigan PGA Section events occasionally. This speaks to the caliber of the course. If the pros are willing to play their championships here, it’s probably good enough for your weekend foursome.
Realities of Booking and Planning
Don't expect to just roll up and get a tee time at 10:00 AM on a Friday. You need to book in advance. Their online booking system is pretty straightforward, but the prime slots go fast.
- Outings: If you see a large corporate outing on the calendar, maybe pick a different day. The course gets a lot of wear and tear during these events.
- Weather: Because of the wetlands, the course can hold moisture after a heavy rain. If we’ve had a week of storms, expect "Cart Path Only" rules.
The "kinda" annoying thing? The dress code. They do enforce it. It’s not "stuck up," but they expect collared shirts and no denim. It keeps the atmosphere consistent with the "private club" feel they are going for.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head out to Cherry Creek, here is how you make the most of it without getting frustrated or overspending.
First, arrive at least 45 minutes early. You want time to use the chipping green. The transition from the practice green to the actual course greens is very consistent here, so getting the "feel" for the speed is vital.
Second, check the event calendar. If there is a massive wedding starting at 4:00 PM, the clubhouse area is going to be chaotic. If you want a quiet lunch after your round, aim for a weekday or an early morning weekend slot.
Third, play the correct tees. This is the biggest mistake golfers make at Cherry Creek. The back tees are over 6,700 yards. That doesn't sound like much until you factor in the forced carries and the wind. If you’re a 15-handicap, play the whites. You’ll actually have fun and might even see a birdie or two.
Fourth, utilize the GPS. The carts are usually equipped with high-quality GPS units. Trust the yardages to the front of the greens, especially on the holes with water. Being long is almost always better than being short here.
Finally, stay for a drink on the terrace. Even if you had a terrible round, watching the groups come in on 18 while sitting on that patio is one of the best "golf vibes" in Michigan. It makes the greens fee feel a lot more justified.