Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
The Takeaway: A relatively easy course, Stoatin Brae is the tale of two nines with a mostly forgettable front nine before embarking on the engaging back nine that features a string of great holes. Grade B-
Quick Facts
Designer: Tom Doak 2017
Cost: $99 Click for current rates
Phone Number: 269-220-3976
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Stoatin Brae Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 15579 E Augusta Dr, Augusta, Michigan 49012 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Stoatin Brae Golf Club
What to Expect: The sixth 18-hole course to open at Gull Lake View Golf Club, Stoatin Brae is a design by Renaissance Golf Design but was done so with senior associates Eric Iverson, Brian Schneider, Brian Slawnik, and Don Placek while Tom Doak removed himself from the project and focused on The Loop. The course is a tale of two nines with the front nine being routed over flat, mostly uninspiring ground, while the back nine takes advantage of the more interesting undulated property with a series of great holes. In fact, this is a perfect example of why it is difficult to rate nine hole courses on the same scale as 18 hole courses, but if this course were just the back nine it would rival Sweetens Cove and Dunes Club; but as an 18 hole course it falls short of that benchmark. The course is more open and inviting than the tree lined courses the Midwest is known for and features very firm conditions that magnifies the ground game. The routing is mostly smooth and lends itself to a nice walk while the location on top of a hill gives maximum exposure to the wind which is why the ground game is so important at the course. Ultimately, Stoatin Brae can be classified as being a course you can score well on with non-descript tee shots and good greens with the front nine being mostly forgettable and the back nine being great.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 71 | 6722 | 71.7 | 123 |
| Black | 71 | 6227 | 69.3 | 119 |
| Green | 71 | 5707 | 66.7 | 113 |
| Blue (Ladies) | 71 | 4836 | 67.0 | 112 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 14th Hole – 144 Yard Par 3 – Just a beautiful little par three, the 14th sits flawlessly in the hillside with the golden fescue grass creating an idyllic setting. The predominant feature is the pot bunker at the front right of the green and the false front to the left of it that sucks balls back into a tightly mown chipping area. The subtleties in the putting surface create some creative putts to be executed when getting any kind of significant distance from the hole.
Best Par 3: 2nd Hole – 219 Yards – A lengthy one-shotter that is semi-blind due to the rise in the fairway between the tee and green, the 2nd is bunkerless and asks players to use the ground game for the highest percentage of success. The green slopes from left to right and can be used to work the ball to the desired location. Getting too aggressive with a back pin will likely result in the firm conditions helping send the ball off the rear edge.
Best Par 4: 10th Hole – 334 Yards – My favorite hole at Stoatin Brae, the 10th is not only a great hole, but it stands as an excellent chance to put a birdie on the card. The fairway slopes to the right and asks players to take their tee shot up the left side to yield the maximum distance, but a center cut bunker lies in wait to snag balls sloping in innocently at that distance. The approach shot plays to a green flanked by a pair of bunkers on the right while the slightly sloped front is receptive to a low, running shot that can use the contours to work back to the day's flag location.
Best Par 5: 18th Hole – 548 Yards – The closing hole, like all of the par fives at Stoatin Brae, covers mostly flat terrain with some subtle undulations delivering some variation to the hole. The southerly wind will help players get into a position to reach the green in two and have one final opportunity to go under par on a hole. The majority of trouble is on the left, so players that stay up the right half of the hole will receive the greatest benefit.
Birdie Time: 8th Hole – 337 Yard Par 4 – A hole that can often play downwind with firm conditions, the 8th is a drivable par four that gives players an excellent chance to take a stroke back from Old Man Par. The welcoming tee shot plays favorably to a baby fade around the fairway bunkers to achieve the ideal line into the green. Though it is the smallest putting surface on the course, the green is benign in its defense and can be taken advantage of.
Bogey Beware: 13th Hole – 460 Yard Par 4 – Long and asking for a draw, the 13th will live up to its unlucky reputation for many players. The tee shot needs to be spot on in order to counter the demanding nature of this hole, and even finding the middle of the fairway isn't a guarantee for success as the undulated turf yields many sloping lies. The approach shot then plays uphill to a punchbowl-like green location devoid of bunkers. Hitting this green in regulation will be a challenging feat to be sure, but if your short game is dialed in you may be able to save par in the end.
