You’ve probably driven past a dozen suburban golf courses that all look identical—flat grass, a generic brick building, and a menu consisting of lukewarm fries. But tucked away in White Lake, Michigan, there is a spot called Brentwood Golf Club and Banquet Center that actually breaks the mold a bit. It’s not trying to be Augusta National, and it’s not pretending to be a five-star hotel. Honestly, that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
The place has a split personality. It was built in 1995 and designed by Jim Ludwig. The front nine and the back nine feel like they belong to two completely different states. One minute you're weaving through dense Michigan hardwoods on a "trail design" layout, and the next, you're standing in an open, wind-swept Scottish-style links. It’s a weird transition, but it keeps things from getting boring.
The Island Green and Other Layout Quirks
If you’re going to play Brentwood Golf Club and Banquet Center, you have to talk about the 9th hole. It’s only 125 yards. Basically a wedge for most people. But it’s an island green. There’s something about a tiny patch of grass surrounded by water that makes even a seasoned golfer’s hands shake. You see a lot of "hero shots" end up in the drink here.
The back nine is where the strategy changes. Since it's a links-style setup, there aren't many trees to block the wind. You have to play the ground game more. Marshes and wetlands are everywhere—thirteen holes have water in play. It’s a par 72 that stretches to 6,424 yards from the tips, which isn't huge by modern standards, but the 136 slope rating tells you it isn't a walk in the park either.
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Tee boxes can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on the season. Some years they're pristine; other times they've seen a lot of traffic. But the greens? Usually, they roll surprisingly well for a public course. People often call it Oakland County’s "hidden gem," which is a cliché, sure, but it fits when you realize how secluded the entrance is, hidden back in a residential area off Havenwood Road.
Weddings Without the "Hotel Ballroom" Stale Air
The "Banquet Center" part of the name isn't just an afterthought. A lot of golf courses treat their banquet room like a glorified cafeteria. Brentwood doesn't. The clubhouse has these massive floor-to-ceiling window walls that let in a ton of light. It makes the space feel way bigger than it actually is.
If you’re planning an event, they can fit about 200 people. It’s more of an "intimate" vibe than a "grand gala" vibe. You’ve got a mahogany bar that looks like it belongs in a private study and a brick-paved patio that’s basically built for cocktail hours.
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What the Wedding Industry Doesn't Tell You
Most venues charge you for every single fork and napkin. At Brentwood, they tend to bundle things into all-inclusive packages. We're talking:
- Plated or buffet dinners (the filet/chicken duo is the local favorite).
- A dedicated bridal suite that’s actually large enough to breathe in.
- An outdoor pergola overlooking a fountain for the ceremony.
- Late-night snack options (because everyone wants a slider at 11:00 PM).
The food gets a lot of hype. Seriously. People talk about the wedding food here more than the actual wedding. They do a garden salad with a specific house dressing and warm rolls that people actually remember months later. It’s weirdly consistent for a high-volume event space.
The Reality of Playing and Planning Here
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking for a country club experience where someone wipes your clubs down every three holes, this isn't it. The clubhouse restaurant is basic—hot dogs, chips, cookies. It’s fuel for the turn, not a culinary destination.
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But the value is hard to beat. You can usually snag a round with a cart for under $60, even on weekends. For Oakland County, that’s a steal.
One thing to watch out for is the communication. Most people have a flawless experience, but a few reviews over the years mentioned that event planning can get a bit hectic if there's a management transition. It’s always smart to have a clear, written timeline if you’re booking a big Saturday wedding in June.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're headed to Brentwood, keep these three things in mind to make the most of it:
- Club Selection on the Back Nine: Don't just hunt pins. Because of the links design and the wetlands, the "miss" is almost always short or to the side. Take an extra club if the wind is kicking up off the lakes.
- Booking Weddings: Ask about the "ceremony-only" vs. "ceremony-with-reception" fee structure. There’s often a food and beverage minimum that can save you money on the actual room rental fee if you’re planning a large dinner anyway.
- Tee Time Strategy: They take bookings 30 days in advance by phone but only 14 days online. If you want a specific Saturday morning slot, pick up the phone. Don't wait for the website to update.
The staff here—specifically names like Jackie or Megan who've been mentioned by locals for years—really run the show. They’re known for "bending over backwards," which is a refreshing change from the robotic service you get at larger corporate-owned courses. Whether you're there to lose a few balls in the marsh or watch a friend walk down a brick-paved aisle, Brentwood keeps it grounded and local.