Oakland County Parks: Springfield Oaks

Experience one of Oakland County’s best places to play with today’s feature: $20 for 18 Holes with Cart at Springfield Oaks Golf Course in Davisburg ($40 Value. Expires December 31, 2015.)

Springfield Oaks Golf Course in Davisburg is a fantastic 18-hole municipal course, a local gem that has earned recognition as one of the "Best Places to Play" by Golf Digest since its opening in 1974. Prized for its high standards in golf and personal service, it is easy to understand why so many golfers come back week after week. The course is well-known for its superb conditions, and if you're tight on time, Springfield Oaks is perfect for you: Pace of play here ranks among the best.

Springfield Oaks Golf Course plays to a par of 71 with its farthest tees playing to about 6,000 yards. With a course rating of 68.4 and a slope rating of 118, Springfield Oaks is not the most challenging course in Michigan, but it is still a great course with enough bite to keep you on your toes.

The front nine play slightly easier than the back, as it features a more wide-open approach, with slow rolling hills and fewer obstacles to overcome. However, the back nine plays the opposite side of the coin, with tighter fairways and smaller landing zones, and more numerous and difficult hazards. Water comes into play on some holes in the back nine, and avoiding the trees throughout can be slightly challenging, so shot placement is the name of the game here. Focus on the landing zones and refrain from overshooting the green to succeed.

Be sure to take advantage of Springfield Oaks' putting greens to help hone your on-the-green skills and lock down those birdies. Also, the chipping area affords an excellent opportunity to practice recovery from any bunkers that might get in your way.