Shepherd’s Hollow is a 27-hole facility located north of Detroit. Although all were designed in tandem by Arthur Hills, most conclude that the combination of holes 10 through 27 are the better 18 of the group.
One of the defining features of this somewhat hilly property is a series of hollows (note the title) that can create hazards much more frightening than any bunker. During No. 20 (or No. 11 for those playing 18 holes), the first-time player might be encouraged to hit within 50 yards of the green, for no hazards can be seen up ahead from the first shot. They may be alarmed if their second wandered to the left side of the fairway, however, as it may have rolled more than 30 feet down.
A similar fate awaits those who feel good about a smash down the No. 16 fairway (No. 7 on the scorecard here). Many familiar with Hills’ work will be looking for his signature centerline tree...those a little left on this fairway will find it, at the bottom of a penal collection area built into the hollow. The golf course is on property leased from an abbey, so it might be worth a prayer if you end up down here.
