MICHIGAN'S 'TOUGHEST' COURSES

A scratch golfer’s guide, by gender and tee So enough with the math lessons you say? What are the toughest courses in the state? Well, if you’ve read the accompanying story, you’ll know that there’s not one true answer — and slope is definitely not the true indicator. Not convinced yet? Consider this: A course with one of the highest slope ratings in the state isn’t on this list. That’s not to say Fieldstone GC isn’t a difficult course. It is. But its 148 slope does not translate to a list-topping scratch rating (74.9) or bogey rating (102.4.)

Still need to know what’s the “toughest”? Well, for argument’s sake, below are examples of some of the top scratch ratings for men and women on two sets of tees. As a public service, we’ve included the “bogey” rating for these courses. And just to belabor the point that a higher slope doesn’t necessarily mean tougher, we’ve put in those numbers, too.