FINEST FAIRWAYS
Lakeview Hills
by Janis Stein

Looking for a unique golfing experience on a championship course? Located one mile west of the traffic light in Lexington on M-90 (Peck Road), Lakeview Hills Golf Resort is a golfer's paradise with two courses to choose from and amenities surpassing the competition.

Opened in 1928, Lakeview Hills Golf Resort began as a nine-hole course with a clubhouse; the front nine holes were added in the late 1960s. Lexington soon became the hot spot for golf with the legendary superstar Walter Hagen frequenting Lakeview Hills in the late 1930s and mid-1940s. (More recently, Stephen Ames, winner of the 2006 Players Championship, played the North Course in 2004.)

Emilio Fabbri, an Italian immigrant who came to America during The Great Depression with nothing more than the clothes on his back and speaking no English, purchased the course in 1976. Fabbri worked hard and became very successful in the cleaning business, offering window cleaning and janitorial services in the Warren-Detroit area. When Fabbri desired to get away from the stress and the city, he invested his hard-earned dollars in Lakeview Hills and, at the same time, instilled in his children the importance of offering patrons quality service and an outstanding product.

Fabbri's children learned well; Dennis, Rick and Tom Fabbri, along with their sister, Sue Willis, ensure every visit to Lakeview Hills is extraordinary. Each of the four owners fill the key positions at Lakeview Hills, and Dennis Fabbri, Chief Operating Officer and PGA Head Professional invites one and all to experience fine dining, clean accommodations and a great game of golf at Lakeview Hills Golf Resort.

The Fabbri family constructed the North Course in 1991, offering the public and members alike an opportunity to play 36 holes at one facility.

"We purchased the land across the street and installed a tunnel underneath the road to connect the two adjoining pieces of property," said Dennis Fabbri. "We also added a 29-room hotel, with golf-themed decor; a 16-lane bowling center; a health club; and three racquetball courses."

Golfers will find the original South Course a bit more forgiving than its neighbor to the north. While the South Course allows more room for error, golfers will still face challenges.

"We're a mile and a half from Lake Huron, and the greens break toward the water. The South Course has smaller greens; you don't have a lot of flat lies on it. Even though the South Course isn't real long, putting is a challenge," said Fabbri. "Hole No.17 is another challenge. It's a par 3 and 190 yards over water, with water in front and water behind."

From the top of the hill, golfers will also delight in the view.

"You can see the lake from both golf courses," said Fabbri. "Looking down, you can see the freighters passing, and the blue water in summer is picturesque."

Golfers looking for an even greater challenge should visit the North Course. Four sets of tee boxes enable golfers to play at a level that meets their talent. Add in the beauty of trees, heather grass and water, and the North Course is a golfer's dream come true.

"The North Course is the more challenging of the two," stated Fabbri. "People tend to lose a lot of golf balls over there!"

Hole No. 7 on the North Course will test any golfer's game. Holes 8 and 9 add to the challenge; these three holes combined are often dubbed the "Amen" corner.

"Hole No. 7 is 459 yards, and it's the hardest handicap hole. It's a long par-4 dogleg…it's very difficult to hit it," added Fabbri.

With membership rates comparable to other courses in the area, golf memberships continue to rise at Lakeview Hills with golfers enjoying 36 holes instead of the traditional 18.

"We're the only golf course in the area with 36 holes, and we have one of the finest golf courses within 70-80 miles. Lakeview Hills offers amenities beyond the other local golf clubs," said Fabbri.

While local golf enthusiasts enjoy all Lakeview Hills Golf Resort has to offer, out-of-town guests thrill at the experience.

"We are the closest resort to the Metro-Detroit area, and our accommodations are very clean, all the way down to the restrooms. Visitors enjoy the convenience of having everything in one place: lodging, fine food, a bowling alley, health club, racquetball courses and two golf courses," said Fabbri. "We are unique in what we have to offer."

Lakeview Hills boasts a 2000-square foot pro shop where golfers can choose from six brand names of equipment. In addition, they offer golf lessons to sharpen your game, and a driving range to perfect it. Lakeview Hills also offers boaters free shuttle service, transporting visitors to and from the harbor.

Be sure to check out the newly-remodeled banquet facility, appropriately named Emilio's. With seating up to 400 people, the banquet facility is one of the nicest halls in the area. Whether you are planning a large golf outing; a wedding reception; a business meeting; seminar; corporate getaway; a family reunion or a class reunion, Lakeview Hills can accommodate any function.

Lakeview Hills will also ensure a quality meal at the Bobby Jones Watering Hole. A staple for area residents, all-you-can-eat perch is served Friday and Saturday evening for just $10.95. After dinner, be sure to whet your whistle and enjoy the beat of live entertainment at the Walter Hagen's Sports Pub. Bands play weekly from 8 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday night from Memorial Day through the end of September, and Friday nights only from October until Memorial Day.

In 2002, Lakeview Hills built six condos, and phase two of the project had another 12 condos springing up, with 11 left for sale. Originally priced at $215,000 - $240,000, the condos are now a steal at the reduced price of $199,995. Live for golf? Why not live where you golf!

Visit Lakeview Hills Golf Resort for a superior golfing experience, and while you're there be sure to enjoy all the amenities they have to offer. For more information or to make tee time or restaurant reservations, please call 810-359-8901 or visit their Web site on www.lakeviewhills.com. To read additional editorials on the North and South Courses at Lakeview Hills visit www.twoguyswhogolf.com.