Black Lake ranked among top golf courses for women

Face it, if you’re a woman golfer, you know what it’s like to tee off from “the ladies tees” that often appear to be an after-thought when it comes to course design.

If you’ve played Black Lake Golf Club, you already know it’s a woman-friendly course. And now it’s official: Golf for Women magazine has named it one of the Top 50 Courses for Women.

Factors included golf course design, impeccable conditions and a welcoming atmosphere. Black Lake Golf Club ranked No. 44.

In addition, courses must have at least one set of

tees under 5,300 yards and at least two under 6,000. A minimum of two tees must be rated for women. The course should have few forced carries from the forward tees, be in top condition and present a women-friendly environment.

Here are some women-friendly facts about Black Lake Golf Club:

• Tees (yards): 5,058, 5,831 and 6,401

• Golf professionals: Director of Golf Pam Phipps and Marketing Consultant LPGA Touring Pro Debbie Massey

• Programs: Women-only golf schools are held during the season; also women in golf are celebrated during National Women’s Golf Week when the course hosts a fashion show, a golf tournament and free clinics.

Pam Phipps is director of golf at Black Lake Golf Club in Onaway, Mich.

For additional information, visit www.blacklakegolf.com. For tee times, fall rates and general golf information, call (989) 733-GOLF (4653). For lodging, call (866) UAW-GOLF.