Al Watrous was the most titled golfer in Michigan tournament history, winning nine Michigan PGA championships, six Michigan Opens, five Michigan PGA Seniors, and three Michigan Pro-Ams. He also won three national titles – the 1922 Canadian Open and the PGA Senior Championship in 1950, 1951, and 1957 – and was runner-up to the immortal Bobby Jones in the 1926 British Open. Watrous represented the United States on the Ryder Cup teams of 1927 and 1929. For 37 years, he was head professional at Oakland Hills, the famed “monster” which Ben Hogan “brought to its knees” in the 1951 US Open.

When Al Watrous designed his signature Wilderness Valley resort course in the late 1960's, he wanted to emphasize shotmaking ability rather than raw length and punishing rough. The modest USGA Slope Rating of 115 to 126 is testament that Watrous' layout is amenable to all skill levels.

The eye-pleasing terrain and scenery of Wilderness Valley are similar in nature to the Black Forest course which would follow more than 20 years later. The fairways are considered generous, the rough playable, the bunkers understated, and the green approaches areas somewhat forgiving.

To secure your preferred choice of dates and tee times, click here to book online or call us at (231) 585-7090 now!