Country Club of Lansing

The Country Club of Lansing was one of the rare instances where William Langford constructed a course without his partner Theodore Moreau. The latter landscaper was noted for his skills with a bulldozer, and the relative absence of steep faces at Lansing is no doubt in part due to his own absence. This allows a fresh look at Langford’s role as designer, however, and has no impact on his overarching knack for strategy.

One interesting trend at Lansing is the use of double-dogleg holes, requiring shots in both directions to get home in regulation. Two of the par fives show this feature: No. 6 is a true three-shot long hole, but No. 15 is just a hair over 500 yards and will allow the player who can work the ball both ways to putt for eagle. On the par four side, No. 9 shares the double-dogleg concept.

Even without Moreau’s dramatic features, Langford’s tendency toward quality par threes, and the fast-moving greens at Lansing ensure they live up to his expectations.