The Links of Novi

The Links of Novi (now operating as Links of Novi Singh) is a 27-hole upscale public facility in Novi, about 25 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. Michigan architect Jerry Matthews designed all three nines, Red, East, and West, which opened in 1991, combining into three different 18-hole routings (West/East, Red/East, Red/West). Matthews is known across Michigan for taking inspiration from the great links courses of Scotland while adapting for Southeastern Michigan terrain. The Scottish-influenced design shows up everywhere: wide, undulating Kentucky Bluegrass fairways that track toward large sloping greens, with holes beautifully framed by dense Southeastern Michigan hardwoods. The West/East combination offers the toughest challenge (71.2 rating, 128 slope, 6,497 yards from the longest tees at par 71). This isn't links golf the way Whistling Straits is, Novi's densely wooded setting keeps the look parkland, but Matthews's mounded fairway shaping and firm-green conditioning deliver the links playing experience: run-up shots, ground-game creativity, and wind-aware approach decisions. For the Detroit-area trip visitor seeking an upscale public 18, Links of Novi is an easy choice 25 minutes from the city.