Orchard Lake Country Club
Golf Guide
This Golf Guide was created to serve as a one-stop shop for basic information relating to the golf program, and we hope you find it a useful reference. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions on these or any other topics.
bsleeman@orchardlakecc.com
ddilisi@orchardlakecc.com
Golf Course Access
Tee Sheet Access Schedule:
Active/Life Members & Spouses - 10 Days
Junior Members & Spouses - 7 Days
Dependents - 5 Days
Tee sheet access begins at 7:00 am each day.
Please reference tee sheets for specific days regarding course access and programming blocks (tournaments, walk-in, etc).
Walk-In Periods:
Wednesdays & Fridays (11:30 am - 1:00 pm)
Saturday, Sunday, Holiday Mornings (Timing Varies)
Walk-In Golf is available only to Life, Active, and Junior members - spouses, guests, and dependents are not permitted. Singles will be grouped by the starter, and groups will be assigned a position in the queue once all members of the group are present. Please contact the starter or golf professionals with any questions on the walk-in periods or policies.
Reserving a Tee Time:
Tee times may be scheduled via the Orchard Lake website, smartphone app, or by contacting the starter or Golf Shop. When booking a time, please include all members of your party, and note that members are responsible for registering every guest by their first and last name each time they visit.
Transportation:
When booking your time, please note your plan for walking, riding, walking with a caddie, or using an OLCC push cart. Please note that carrying your own clubs or using an OLCC push cart is only permissible when caddies are not available.
Player Responsibilities
All players are responsible for helping maintain our golf course and practice areas for the benefit of all. Please take note of the club customs below, share them with your family and guests, and do your part to help keep Orchard Lake at its very best!
DIVOTS
Spring & Fall:
• Gather the divot and/or its pieces and replace them, using your foot to stamp it back into place.
Memorial Day - Labor Day:
• Use the sand/seed mix bottles to refill the divot and smooth it out with your foot.
TRASH
• Please use the dedicated receptacles on the course to dispose of any trash.
• If smoking, please ask our Golf Services team for an ash tray to take onto the course.
BUNKERS
• Enter at the lowest point and use the rake to smooth out the divot and any footprints using the shallow push and rake method.
• Leave the rake outside the bunker and parallel to the line of play when finished.
• See our video via the link/QR code for more:
BALL MARKS
• Using a tee or repair tool, insert at the back of the ball mark and gently push the impacted turf forward - do not lift the turf as this would damage the roots.
• See our video via the link/QR code for more:
BUNKER RAKING:
BALL MARKS:
Golf Program Fee Schedule
Standard Guest (9 Holes)
Family Guest* (9 Holes)
Holes)
* Family guests are defined as siblings, parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren only ** Access restricted to non-peak days and times at the discretion of the Head Golf Professional Caddie rates vary by caddie level and are detailed on the next page of this Golf Guide.
Caddie Program Overview
REQUESTING A CADDIE:
• When reserving a tee time, simply select “caddie” from the transportation menu, and our team will coordinate with our pool of caddies to assign one for your round.
• During walk-in periods, caddies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note your interest to the Golf Services team and we will do our best to accommodate you.
• Please note that walking and carrying your own bag and/or using a push cart is only permissible when caddies are not available.
CADDIE PAYMENT:
• Caddies may be paid directly in cash, billed to your club account, or paid electronically using a credit card.
• Following your round, you will receive a text message from ClubUp with a secure link to complete payment, share feedback, and rate your caddie’s performance.
All caddies are expected to provide basic bag carrying service, track shots to minimize lost balls, rake bunkers, share yardages, tend the flagstick, and keep your golf clubs and balls clean at all times. Please take a moment to rate your caddies and share feedback via the ClubUp link following each round to assist in their improvement.
CADDIE PAY RATES:
Caddie Level 9 Holes 18 Holes
$50.00
Class A: $30.00 $60.00
Captain: $35.00 $70.00 Honor $40.00 $80.00
Caddies matriculate through these four tiers based on their experience level and member feedback on their performance. These rates are considered “all-in,” though additional gratuities are permissible at your discretion when provided outstanding service.
Orchard Lake is a proud supporter of the Evans Scholars Foundation and its mission of providing full college scholarships to deserving young men and women in need. Please contact Brian Sleeman or John Gilbert if you would like to learn more or share your support for this important program. Our historical plaque is located in the Clubhouse.
Trainee: $25.00
Pace of Play Policy
Allgroupsareexpectedtocompletean18-holeroundofgolfinfourhoursorless.
BEST PRACTICES FOR A SWIFT PACE OF PLAY:
Be ready to play on the first tee at your specific starting time, working out partners, handicaps, wagers, and any other decisions prior to arriving at the tee.
Play “ready golf” at all times, preparing to hit your shot by determining yardage and club selection while your playing partners are hitting theirs. Minimize practice swings.
Disregard “the honor” when determining the order of play on the tee, deferring instead to ready golf
Watch your playing partners’ shots to help avoid lost balls, and keep the search time for errant shots to the USGA limit of three minutes. Pick up when out of the hole.
Focus socializing while traveling down the fairway, minimizing conversation when someone could play a shot.
Plan ahead whenever possible - leave your cart or bag on the way toward the next tee, record scores on the next tee, and order Halfway House items in advance for easy pickup.
Ensure all players in the group - including junior golfersare playing from the appropriate tees for pace and fun.
STAFF MONITORING & ENFORCEMENT
The golf professionals will be actively monitoring the course on a daily basis using a variety of tools, including direct supervision, digital reporting tools, and timestamping start and end times via our tee sheet software.
Groups failing to regain their position on the course after a friendly staff reminder and verbal warning may be asked to skip open holes to close the gap.
PENALTIES FOR PACE VIOLATIONS
All groups with 18-hole finish times beyond four hours and 15 minutes (and 9-hole finish times beyond 2:05) will be sent a letter from the Golf Committee with a reminder of the pace policy (unless unduly held up by other groups during the round or letting faster groups through).
Additional violations will result in play restrictions to after 2:00 pm and potential referral to the Board of Governors.
Please contact the golf professionals with any questions or for ideas on how best to improve your group’s pace for the benefit and enjoyment of all!
Practice Areas
SHORT GAME AREA
This is an ideal place to work on short shots on and around the green, but please keep in mind the following guidelines to ensure it is maintained at its best for the benefit of all:
Use the area between the tee markers for a variety of pitch and chip shots to the target green, taking divots only in the line formation, and kindly refill your divots afterward with the sand/seed mix. Longer shots are not permitted.
The large practice green is to be used for putting and lowrunning chips only. If the ball flies higher than the short flagsticks on this green, it’s flying too high.
Please use caution when practicing at the bunker green and remain aware of others in the area.
DRIVING RANGE
Please access the range tee by safely walking along the road - do not cross the ninth green or the fairway in front of it.
Our range uses limited flight balls and is primarily set up on mats. Players may tee up drivers in the turf area just in front provided it does not pose a safety hazard - no divots.
PATIO PUTTING GREEN
This green may be used for putting onlychipping and pitch shots are not permitted.
When dining on the patio, please ensure your children do not use this putting green as a play area. Running and other playful behavior damages the green and may interfere with those attempting to practice.
On both practice greens, please vary your stance and target to avoid excessive wear of the turf.
Golf Calendar
MEN’S EVENTS
April 17 Men’s League Begins
May 3 Early Bird Tournament
May 30 Nine, Wine & Dine
June 7-8 Tin Lizzie Member-Member
June 19-21 Players Invitational
June 28-29 Senior Club Championships
June 23 OLCC Charity Pro-Am
June 26 Men’s League Finals
July 6 Red, White & Blue Event
July 11 Nine, Wine & Dine
July 17-19 Blue Coat Invitational
August 5 Member-Caddie Tournament
August 8-10 Club Championship Weekend
August 14 Carp Invitational Member-Pro
August 17 Family Scramble Tournament
August 29 Nine, Wine & Dine
Sept 11 Past Governors Golf & Dinner
Sept 12 Ward Cup Invitational
Sept 19 Nine, Wine & Dine
Sept 21 Colt & Alison Member-Member
October 3 Glow Golf Event
October 11 Haggis Cup Tournament
October 19 Hard As It Gets Tournament
October 22 Caddie Banquet
WOMEN’S EVENTS
May 8 Opening Day
May (Weds) Ladies’ Night Out Golf 101
May 13 Women’s League Begins
May 21-22 Ringer Tournament
May 30 Nine, Wine & Dine
June 23 OLCC Charity Pro-Am
June 26 Member-Member Tournament
July 9-10 Blue Lake Cup Invitational
July 11 Nine, Wine & Dine
July 30 Pink Shirt Invitational
August 5 Member-Caddie Tournament
August 9-10 Club Championship Weekend
August 17 Family Scramble Tournament
August 21 Solheim Cup
August 26 Women’s Charity Event
August 29 Nine, Wine & Dine
Sept 11 Past Governors Golf & Dinner
September 19 Nine, Wine & Dine
Sept 25 Closing Day Golf & Gathering
October 2 Women’s Golf Closing Meeting
October 3 Glow Golf Event
October 22 Caddie Banquet
JUNIOR EVENTS
April (TBD) PGA Junior League Registration
May (TBD) Motown Cup Registration
May (TBD) After School Golf
June 19 Summer Junior Golf Begins
August 6 Motown Cup @ OLCC
August (TBD) Summer Mini Camps
August 9-10 Club Championship Weekend
August 17 Family Scramble Tournament
Sept (TBD) After School Golf
PGA Junior League Registration will begin in late April once this year’s tournament and practice schedules have been finalized.
Motown Cup Registration will begin in May once this year’s tournament and practice schedules have been finalized.
Spring and Fall After School Golf and August
Mini Camp schedules will be announced once finalized.
Event registration for all tournaments and leagues will be done online through Golf Genius or per specific instructions provided in their promotional messaging. Please see the Club Calendar or contact the Golf Shop for more information. Thank you!
Tournament Basics
Our tournament and event calendar is crafted each year to provide an engaging mix of programming for the whole family and from new players to competitive veterans.
Registration for all events is conducted onlineplease watch for promotional emails and contact the golf professionals with any questions any time.
USGA Rules of Golf apply to all golf events, with local rules noted on an event-by-event basis.
Several of our events make use of Golf Genius tournament software, which usually includes the opportunity to participate in live scoring with the rest of the field. Download the Golf Genius app from your smartphone’s respective store below:
All competitors are responsible for complying with the following tournament best practices:
Accurately and legibly recording gross scores via the official scorecard for each event.
Verifying the gross scores with playing partners and opponents following each round, and then signing your card before submission. The golf staff will not be responsible for any player errors.
Complying with all USGA and other specified rules and maintaining sportsmanship and camaraderie with fellow club members and guests.
Handicap Policy
Orchard Lake complies with the updated World Handicap System. Please note the details below as several changes have been implemented within the last year.
Every round played under the USGA Rules of Golf with a minimum of nine holes played must be posted for handicap purposes.
Rounds of 10-17 holes will automatically be converted into 18-hole scores via the handicap software (the old formula adding expected handicap strokes to par is no longer applicable).
Any hole begun but not completed may be scored with the player’s “most likely score” for posting.
The maximum postable score for any player is still “net double bogey” - par plus two strokes plus any handicap strokes allocated on that specific hole.
It is strongly recommended that all players post their scores in a hole-by-hole format (rather than nine or 18-hole totals) for automatic calculation of maximum scores and system completion of unfinished rounds.
Scores may be posted hole-by-hole using the handy GHIN smartphone app, available at the links below:
Please contact the golf professionals with any questions, including getting started with your first handicap. It’s easy and included in your Orchard Lake membership at no extra charge.
For more information on the World Handicap System, including helpful videos illustrating these topics and many more, please visit the WHS website here.
Golf Shop
One-stopshopforallofyourOrchardLakemerchandiseneeds!
THE BEST BRANDS
Men’s, women’s, and junior golf, fitness, and lifestyle apparel from Peter Millar, Greyson, Straight Down, Garb, KJUS, Helly Hansen, and LuluLemon; equipment from Titleist, Callaway, Ping, Bettinardi, XXIO, Srixon, and Taylor Made; accessories from Yeti, Bushnell, Smathers & Branson, Winston, PRG, Seamus, Sterling Cut Glass, ...and many, many more!
PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Our experienced team is here for you and can assist with almost any request you imagine! From ski to swim, athleisure to formal wear, and from corporate gifts to wedding favors, we’ve done it all and would love to assist you. Time for new clubs? We offer a variety of special vendor club-fitting dates and inhouse fitting service through our talented team of golf professionals.
COST & CONVENIENCE
Special member pricing at or below vendor minimums ensures you’ll always receive the best value for all of your purchases. We are also adding more opportunities for online shopping to break out of our physical space and bring you a host of options on your phone, tablet, or computer. You may be surprised by everything we can do for you!
CONTACT OUR RETAIL MANAGER, JASMINE POPPY, WITH ANY QUESTIONS!
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for updates throughout the season
@orchardlakegolfshop
Located in the Women’s Locker Room and stocked with a variety of attractive gifts in a spa-like setting!
Instruction
PRIVATE AND GROUP INSTRUCTION
Our team of golf professionals brings over 150 years of experience and is here to help you make the most of your game. Reach out to any instructor to set up a lesson or gather a few friends and arrange your own private golf clinic. For your convenience, lessons may also be booked online using the OLCC member app!
Brian Sleeman - bsleeman@orchardlakecc.com
Ben Poppy - bpoppy@orchardlakecc.com
Drew Jenkins - ajenkins@orchardlakecc.com
Brandt Kierczynski - bkierczynski@orchardlakecc.com
Dominic DiLisi - ddilisi@orchardlakecc.com
David Liblang - davidlibl@hotmail.com
Scott Patterson - scottyp@pga.com
Private Lesson Rate - $120.00 / Hour
Group Lessons - Contact the Professional
Watch for our new video tips all season long!
Ladies’ Night Out - Golf 101 (Wednesdays in May)
Back by popular demand, this program is specifically designed for novice and beginner players and covers all elements of the game in an easy, fun, and simplified format. Registration begins in April.
Junior Golf Program
Summer Golf Program (Ages 5-17)
The summer program is a seven-week instructional series covering all elements of the game, including dedicated full swing and short game instruction, oncourse play, etiquette and rules tips, and in a schedule that blends into tennis, swimming, and sailing. Our goal is to create golfers and prepare them for time on the course with their family and friends. We use concepts from US Kids Golf, Operation 36, and other programs with game-based instruction tailored to each age and ability. Four instructors will be available for each session to maintain effective class sizes. This program will follow the schedule below:
Age Group Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays
Ages 5-6 OFF 1:45 - 2:45 1:45 - 2:45
Ages 7-8 1:15 - 2:15 12:30 - 1:30 12:30 - 1:30
Ages 9-10 9:00 - 10:00 10:00 - 11:15 8:00 - 9:00
Ages 11-12 12:00 - 1:00 7:45 - 9:15 10:30 - 11:30
Ages 13 & Up 10:45 - 11:45 8:45 - 10:45 9:15 - 10:15
After School Golf - May & September (Ages 5-17)
We’re pleased to offer a full-season experience for those kids interested in staying engaged with the game with special clinics in May and September and mini camps in August. Registration is separate for each.
PGA Junior League Teams (Ages 8-13)
We offer two PGA Junior League teams for kids who are interested in light competition in a scramble-based, interclub format. This program is modeled after Little League baseball, with personalized jerseys and a focus on teamwork and camaraderie. Watch for registration to begin once the practice and match schedules are finalized in early May!
Motown Cup Interclub & Academy (Ages 14-18)
The Motown Cup takes it to another level, with high school style interclub tournaments throughout the area. We’re also excited to launch a new academy concept for those participants interested in high school and college competition, with personalized instruction on a detailed level. More information will be announced in May!
Club Repair
Our Club Craftsman, David Liblang, is a well-regarded expert on all things relating to the repair and maintenance of golf equipment. His studio office is located in the lower level of the Clubhouse and he offers a wide variety of services with attractive pricing and quick turn-around times:
Re-gripping service
Re-shafting and re-epoxy service
Length adjustments
Loft and lie measurement and adjustments
Cosmetic refinishing and touch-up
Shaft adapter installation
Call or stop by with questions to ensure your clubs are performing their best!
(248) 682-0100 x. 154
Locker Room Services
Our men’s and women’s locker rooms are stocked with all of the essential services (and then some) to complement your golf and club experience. Contact Beth Deaton in the Women’s Locker Room or Daniel Barr in the Men’s Locker Room with any questions or requests!
COMPREHENSIVE SHOE SERVICE
Thorough daily cleaning and polishing of golf, dress, and casual shoes as appropriate
Golf spike and lace replacement as needed
Detailing services by request
FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICE
Cocktails and bar service (pre-batched and poured beverages available by request in both locations)
Wide array of complementary self-service snacks, coffee, water, and tea
A la carte menu available in the Men’s Locker Room
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dedicated prep space and service for wedding parties and other large groups
PERSONALIZED GUEST LOCKER TAGS
To arrange personalized locker tags for your guests, please contact our staff and we will be pleased to assist:
Dan Barr - lockerroom@orchardlakecc.com
Beth Deaton - bdeaton@orchardlakecountryclub.com
DRY CLEANING SERVICES
We are pleased to partner with GM Dry Cleaners to offer regular pick-up and delivery services for all of your drycleaning needs! Please contact our staff with any questions or to get started.
On-Course Food & Beverage Service
HALFWAY HOUSE
The Orchard Lake Halfway House offers a delicious and diverse menu of breakfast and lunch items as well as snacks and beverages on a daily basis.
Golf attire is required for all Halfway House visitors, with service prioritized for those playing the golf course. Please plan accordingly.
When playing a round of golf, please order in advance whenever possible using the Visage system on your golf cart or by calling 248-481-3378.
Should your items require more time when making the turn, our team will be glad to deliver them to you in order to maintain a swift pace of play.
Junior Golfers: Please note that special food service is available in the Racquet House and Lakehouse for participants in our summer program. Please be mindful that the Halfway House is a busy place with a small seating area for golfers.
SNACK STATIONS
For your convenience, coolers are stationed near the restrooms on Holes 13 and 4 and stocked in-season with a variety of bottled water, apples, dry snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Bottled water and apples are complementary - please use the blue paper chits provided to record your purchases of other items.
ON-COURSE BEVERAGE SERVICE
Our locker room staff is happy to assist with on-course beverage deliveries. Please contact the Men’s Locker Room at 248-682-0100 x.137.
Frequently Asked Questions
TIPPING POLICY
Orchard Lake is a non-tipping club with exceptions for the golf services team, locker room staff, and caddies.
MUSIC ON THE GOLF COURSE
Music may be enjoyed at low volumes provided that it is only audible to those within your specific golf cart, and turned off or muted when traveling through high-traffic areas including the staging area and Halfway House.
ADVANCE GROUP RESERVATIONS
All groups must be arranged via member tee times between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Special requests for multi-group bookings in the spring and fall should be directed to the Head Golf Professional for consideration.
RECIPROCAL PLAY
If you are seeking an opportunity to play elsewhere during a trip or when a tournament occupies the course at Orchard Lake, please direct your requests to the golf professionals at least a week in advance whenever possible. Should we be able to arrange a round for you, the respective club’s guest, cart, and caddie fees will likely apply.
GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Our superintendent and his team work diligently to maintain the golf course at its highest standards. Occasional maintenance projects (aeration, bunker work, etc) are scheduled and completed as needed with the goal of minimal impact on course playability, and will be communicated in advance whenever possible to aid you in planning.
SMOKING AND CIGARS
Please request an ashtray from the starter if you plan to smoke a cigarette or cigar on the golf course, and make use of trash receptacles when finished. Cigarette butts, cigars, and other trash must not be left on the golf course.