FINEST FAIRWAYS
Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club
by Janis Stein

Need to get away from the stressors in your life and want to experience a golf course like no other? Nestled in the heart of Michigan's Thumb and located about one quarter mile east of Ubly is one of the area's premier golf hot spots: Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club.

Designed in 1997, Ubly Heights offers a superior 18-hole golfing experience, and is the only course in the area featuring bent grass on the tees, fairways and greens. Bent grass is far more resilient and consistent than many of its counterparts, and it accentuates the features of every tee, fairway and green.

According to PGA Head Golf Professional, Brian Natzel, "Bent grass is a very unique grass to this area."

Because bent grass is mowed short, there's not a lot of grass blade left to create grain. In addition, the blades in bent grass are tightly packed, keeping the blades upright - the end result, a consistent playing surface.

While Ubly Heights has always been open for membership and stock is available at the facility, Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club remains open for public golf and is the only championship golf course over 7000 yards in the Thumb area.

In their pro-shop, Ubly Heights offers everything from gloves to clubs to shoes, and they are also increasing their clothing line this year.

"Our fully-stocked golf shop has everything a golfer needs; we have affordable equipment on site," added Natzel.

Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club offers individual lessons as well as a series of lessons. In addition, they offer ladies' clinics and will be sponsoring a junior clinic this summer.

"Ubly Heights offers individual lessons, or golfers can purchase a package of four or five lessons. The series is spread over the course of a month or two, so it's a progressive learning curve. After learning the basics, golfers will move into more advanced areas and learn technical skills. We cover every aspect of the game, so you become a well-rounded golfer," explained Natzel.

Ladies' clinics are fun by design and offer a chance to really learn the sport.

"We have ladies who have never touched a golf club as well as advanced players. We cater to the individual. We keep it simple, and we keep it fun," added Natzel. "The ladies really enjoy themselves!"

Junior Clinics will be offered this summer for children ranging between six and 17 years of age. These young golfers learn valuable tips and develop a love for the mystique of golf.

"We separate the kids as far as age and ability. Some are inexperienced and learn the beginning stages of golf as well as etiquette. More advanced players work on technical skills. We give all of them an idea of what the game of golf is really about - to get out; have some fun; and enjoy your friends and family members," stated Natzel.

At Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club, it's all about service and anticipating a golfer's needs.

"We provide custom club fitting," explained Natzel. "We take a golfer out to the driving range and, using special equipment, we determine what set of clubs best fits that golfer's swing style as well as their body shape and size. When a golfer is matched to a certain club, that golfer will inevitably play a better game of golf."

Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club is a unique link-style golf course with mounding terrain, some open terrain and an abundance of gorgeous heather grass, a wispy grass meandering throughout the golf course.

New in 2006 are corporate memberships. Companies can pre-buy a discounted golf package of 25, 50 or 100 rounds.

"We're offering a good discount for local businesses and corporations. The program is designed for those who like to entertain their clients on the golf course or who want to reward their employees for a job well done," stated Natzel.

Along with Brian Natzel, Brad Hunt, Superintendent, and Mary Wright, Banquet Manager, will ensure your visit to Ubly Heights is unforgettable.

Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club can also make your wedding, prom, reunion or banquet event a wonderful experience.

"Our banquet facilities can cater up to 550 people. We utilize a number of different caterers so options are unlimited," Natzel said.

A bit hungry after an exciting round of golf? Stop in for lunch and a drink at the Clubhouse Bar. The lunch menu includes burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches, plus Ubly Heights has a full-service bar to quench your thirst.

Be sure to check out their recently re-designed Web site (www.ublyheights.com) to learn more about this premier golf club.

"We have a lot of information on our Web site. This year we're offering a discount for new members - you'll receive 10 percent off your annual dues when you become an Ubly Heights member in 2006," added Natzel.

"We offer a really great golf course in the little town of Ubly. Our public rates are very affordable, and our memberships, competitive. People are laid back here; everyone fits in. Stop in and join us!"

Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club is open from dawn to dusk; call now for tee time reservations. For more information, please call 989-658-2374 or visit Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club on the web at www.ublyheights.com.