Portland's Willow Wood Golf Club will Host MGA Outing on June 16, 2011

How can a golf course be “out in the boonies” but less than three miles from a busy exit on an interstate? Well just ask most people who have been to Willow Wood Golf Club because that’s the description often used when talking about this best-kept secret in mid-Michigan golf.

Michigan Grocers Association’s 24th annual outing will be held on Thursday, June 16 with a morning shotgun start. All outing proceeds, after expenses, support MGA’s government relations programs. The event is a 4-ball scramble and everyone is welcome to play.

Opened for play in 1998, the 18-hole course is located south of downtown Portland, just minutes off I-96, features creeks, ponds, expansive meadows, and gently contoured hills with several pronounced elevation changes.

A practical and welcome change from the excessively long courses that have become so prevalent, Willow Wood is a more sensible 6,200 yards from the tips, emphasizing quality shot-making rather than exceptional length.

The real hallmark of Willow Wood is the extensive variety of shots necessary, encouraging golfers to use virtually every club in the bag. The course offers a tempting mix of risk/reward opportunities sure to test the mettle of any golfer – even the most accomplished players have fallen in love with this scenic and challenging “little” championship golf course.