COURSE IMPROVEMENTS

Investing in the Future of Shepherd’s Hollow

For more than 25 years, Shepherd’s Hollow has offered a golf experience defined by its extraordinary natural setting, thoughtful design, and distinctive character.

We are now beginning a phased course improvement program designed to preserve those qualities while enhancing playability, course conditions, and the overall golf experience at Shepherd’s Hollow.

Shepherd’s Hollow will remain open throughout the program. On select days, only 18 holes will be available to provide our crews greater access to active work areas.

Please note tee times are made available two weeks in advance.

Continuing to Care for an Extraordinary Course

Shepherd’s Hollow has always been committed to high maintenance standards and continually improving the quality of the golf experience.

At approximately 25 years old, the course has reached a natural point for further reinvestment in targeted areas to maintain and enhance that experience.

The work ahead is not a wholesale renovation of the course, but a thoughtful program of improvements intended to protect what makes Shepherd’s Hollow distinctive while meaningfully enhancing playability, conditions, and presentation.

Areas Of Improvement

Tees & Playability

New tees on select holes, expanded teeing options, and targeted improvements designed to strengthen playability throughout the course.

Bunker Renovation

A multi-year renovation of approximately 125 bunkers, incorporating the Better Billy Bunker system and targeted redesign of selected bunkers.

Course Maintenance & Visibility

Shepherd’s Hollow is blessed with 350 acres, much of which is wooded. Periodic underbrushing and strategic tree trimming help improve sightlines, presentation, and playing conditions throughout the course.

Hole-Specific Improvements

Targeted improvements to individual holes as opportunities are identified and plans are finalized.

Longer-Term Infrastructure

Future improvements to cart paths and other course infrastructure as later phases of the program are developed.

Currently Underway

September 2026

Work beginning this fall includes:

  • New tee construction on holes 2, 5, and 8
  • Underbrushing in targeted areas
  • Bunker work in select locations
  • Removal of the bunker on hole 5


On select September dates, only 18 holes will be available to allow crews additional access to active work areas.

What’s Ahead

Additional phases are expected to include continued bunker renovation, new and improved teeing areas, strategic tree trimming and underbrushing, and future infrastructure improvements.

Details will be shared as individual projects and schedules are finalized.

Course Improvements Information

Is Shepherd’s Hollow open during the course improvement work?
  • Yes. Shepherd’s Hollow will remain open throughout the Course Improvement Program.
  • Not always. On select dates, only 18 holes will be available to allow crews greater access to active work areas.

  • Current tee-time availability will be reflected in our booking system, and we will also share significant operational updates on the Course Improvements page.

  • Please note that tee times are made available two weeks in advance.

  • The program includes new and improved tees, bunker renovations, extensive underbrushing, strategic tree trimming, targeted hole improvements, and future infrastructure work.

  • The Better Billy Bunker system is a modern bunker construction and drainage method designed to improve drainage, bunker consistency, and long-term performance.

  • The system uses a layer of precision-graded gravel bonded together with a specialized polymer, creating a durable drainage layer beneath the bunker sand. This helps water move quickly through the bunker while also helping prevent native soil and material beneath the bunker from contaminating the sand.

  • That is particularly beneficial at Shepherd’s Hollow, where naturally rocky soil can work its way upward into bunkers over time. The Better Billy Bunker system will help create a more stable barrier between the bunker sand and the underlying soil while improving overall bunker performance.

  • Approximately 125 bunkers are expected to be renovated across the first two years of the program.

  • Golfers may occasionally see active work or encounter changes in course availability. We will communicate significant impacts in advance whenever possible.

  • The improvements will take place in phases over multiple years. We will announce specific projects and schedules as they are finalized.

  • The program is focused primarily on renovation and targeted improvements rather than changing the overall character of the course.

  • Some individual areas, including tees, bunkers, and selected holes, may evolve as specific projects are completed.

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Connect With Us

Shepherd's Hollow

9085 Big Lake Rd.
Clarkston, MI 48346

Phone: (248) 922-0300
Fax: (248) 922-5675