Leslie Park Golf Course: Why This Ann Arbor Public Track Is One of Michigan’s Hidden Gems
- Metro Detroit Golfers
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Tucked just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, Leslie Park Golf Course has quietly built a reputation as one of the top municipal golf experiences in Michigan. In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, General Manager Andrew Walton shared what makes this course stand out—and why golfers across the state should take notice.
A Tale of Two Courses in Ann Arbor
Under the Ann Arbor Parks Department, Walton oversees not just Leslie Park, but also Huron Hills Golf Course—a shorter, par-68 layout stretching roughly 5,000 yards. Huron Hills serves as an ideal entry point for beginners or golfers looking for a more relaxed round.
Leslie Park, on the other hand, represents the city’s premier public golf experience.
A Municipal Course with National Recognition
Despite its low-key location, Leslie Park has earned major accolades over the years. Most notably, it received a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest and was recognized as one of the top municipal courses in the country—an honor that has significantly elevated its profile.
Set among the rolling hills of northern Ann Arbor, the course combines scenic elevation changes with a layout that rewards smart play. Its proximity—just a short drive from downtown—makes it both accessible and surprisingly secluded.
The Key to Scoring at Leslie Park
If there’s one piece of advice Walton emphasizes, it’s this: keep the ball below the hole.
The greens at Leslie Park are known for their subtle severity. Built with significant slope, they can quickly become difficult to manage—especially as speeds increase throughout the season. While the staff typically maintains green speeds around 9 to 10 on the stimpmeter, conditions can vary depending on weather and playability goals.
It’s a careful balance: fast enough to challenge skilled players, but manageable enough to keep rounds moving efficiently.
A Standout Hole Worth the Trip
Every great course has a memorable hole, and for Walton, it’s the par-3 17th.
Playing around 155 yards, the hole requires a full carry over water and sits near a historic barn structure tied to the land’s agricultural roots. It’s not just visually striking—it also holds personal significance as the site of Walton’s first hole-in-one.
Planning Your Round
Leslie Park is open for the season, with tee times currently available online up to one week in advance (expanding to two weeks as the season progresses). Golfers can book directly through their official site.
As always, keep an eye out for featured offers through Lesson on Golf and local golf deal platforms—often the best way to experience courses like Leslie Park at exceptional value.
About Lesson on Golf
Lesson on Golf is hosted by Jeff Lesson and produced by Make The Turn, the team behind Metro Detroit Golfers—one of the largest golf communities in Michigan. The show highlights courses, professionals, and insights from across the state, helping golfers discover where to play and how to improve.
👉 Explore more episodes and discover featured courses through the Metro Detroit Golfers YouTube channel.
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