If you’re driving through St. Clair County, it’s easy to miss the turn. But honestly, Solitude Links Golf Course and Banquet Center Kimball MI isn't just another patch of grass in the thumb of Michigan. It’s a bit of a local legend. Located just off I-69, it occupies that weirdly perfect space where rugged nature meets a highly manicured links-style layout. Most people call it "The Moors," a nod to its former life, and frankly, that name still sticks because the course feels like something pulled straight out of the Scottish highlands, minus the salt spray and the sheep.
People get intimidated by links courses. I get it. You see the tall fescue waving in the wind and you immediately think about how many balls you’re going to lose. At Solitude Links, that’s a valid concern. The course is built on what used to be a massive peat bog. That means the ground is soft, the water is plentiful, and if you miss the fairway, you aren't just in the rough—you're in the biosphere.
The Reality of Playing the Links in Kimball
Let’s talk about the layout. It’s a par 72 that stretches over 6,700 yards from the back tees. That sounds manageable until the wind starts whipping across those open plains. Because there aren't many trees to block the breeze, a three-club wind is basically a Tuesday afternoon here.
The front nine and back nine feel like two different conversations. The front is a bit more open, giving you a chance to find your rhythm. Then you hit the back nine. It gets tight. You’ll find yourself staring at narrow landing zones with water creeping in on both sides. It’s the kind of golf that forces you to actually think, rather than just grip it and rip it. If you try to overpower this course, it will eat your lunch. Or at least your Pro V1s.
💡 You might also like: Minnesota Gophers Football: Why the P.J. Fleck Era Still Divides the Twin Cities
One thing that surprises people is the elevation change. Michigan is notoriously flat in certain spots, but Kimball has these rolling mounds that create blind shots. You’ve got to trust the yardage markers. Most carts are equipped with GPS, which is a lifesaver because your eyes will lie to you out there.
Why the Banquet Center is a Huge Deal
It’s not just about the birdies. The "Banquet Center" part of the name carries a lot of weight in the community. If you live in Port Huron, Marysville, or Kimball, you’ve probably been to a wedding here. The facility is massive. We’re talking about a space that can hold upwards of 300 people without feeling like a crowded elevator.
The wooden beams and the massive windows looking out over the 18th green give it this rustic-meets-elegant vibe. It’s popular for a reason. You get that "up north" feeling without having to drive four hours to Traverse City. The patio area is arguably the best spot in the county for a post-round drink. Watching the sunset over the water while golfers struggle to finish their rounds on the 18th? It’s pure entertainment.
Maintenance and the "Peat Bog" Problem
Managing a golf course built on a wetland is a nightmare for superintendents. But somehow, the crew at Solitude Links keeps the greens fast and true. They use a specific drainage system that manages the Michigan moisture, though after a heavy rain, you should definitely expect some "Cart Path Only" days.
The fescue is the defining characteristic. It’s beautiful to look at—golden and swaying—but it’s a graveyard for golf balls. Local tip: if you see your ball go into the tall grass, just let it go. Don't be that person spending ten minutes looking for a scuffed-up Top-Flite while the group behind you fumes.
Pricing and Accessibility
Is it expensive? Not really. Compared to some of the high-end resort courses in Oakland County, Solitude Links Golf Course and Banquet Center Kimball MI is a bargain. They run specials during the week that make it accessible for the average worker. You’ll see everyone from high-stakes business groups to retirees who have played the course every Wednesday since the 90s.
They also have a solid practice facility. The driving range is decent, and the putting green actually mimics the speed of the course. Don’t skip the warm-up. You need to get a feel for the grain of the grass before you head to the first tee.
What Most People Get Wrong About Solitude Links
A common misconception is that this is a "beginner-friendly" course just because it's open. It isn't. While there aren't many trees to hit, the hazards are everywhere. The water isn't just for show; it's strategically placed to catch a slice or a hook that goes just a bit too far.
Another thing: people think the banquet side is only for weddings. Actually, they host a ton of community events, holiday brunches, and corporate retreats. The food is surprisingly high-quality for a golf course kitchen. It’s not just burgers and fries; they do a legitimate prime rib that rivals some of the steakhouses in the area.
The Best Time to Visit
If you want the peak experience, go in late September. The Michigan humidity has died down, the fescue has turned a deep amber, and the air is crisp. The course plays firmer then, which is how a links course is supposed to play. You get more roll on your drives, and the greens are at their most predictable.
Spring can be a bit soggy. That’s just the reality of the geography. But if you don't mind a little mud on your spikes, you can usually snag some great early-season rates.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
To get the most out of your time at Solitude Links, keep these specific points in mind:
- Club Selection: Leave the driver in the bag on several of the par 4s. Accuracy is 100% more important than distance here. A long iron or a hybrid off the tee will save you four strokes a round.
- The 18th Hole: This is the signature finish. It’s a long par 4 with a stunning view of the clubhouse. There’s a massive pond guarding the green. Don’t try to be a hero; laying up is often the smarter play if you want to keep your score intact.
- Booking Events: If you’re looking at the banquet center for a wedding, book at least 12 to 18 months in advance. Their Saturdays fill up incredibly fast because it’s one of the few venues in the St. Clair area that offers both an outdoor ceremony space and a high-capacity indoor reception hall.
- The Wind: Check the forecast. If the wind is blowing over 15 mph, aim for the "fat" part of the greens and play for par. Trying to stick pins in high winds at Solitude is a recipe for a double bogey.
- Local Rules: Pay attention to the scorecard for specific local rules regarding the wetlands. Many areas are marked as lateral hazards to keep the pace of play moving.
Solitude Links remains a cornerstone of the Kimball community because it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s a challenging, honest golf course paired with a professional event space that knows how to handle a crowd. Whether you're there to shave points off your handicap or to celebrate a milestone, it delivers exactly what it promises.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the current tee time availability through their online portal, as weekend mornings usually sell out by Thursday. For those planning an event, schedule a walkthrough of the banquet facilities during the late afternoon to see how the natural light hits the room—it makes a massive difference for photography. If you're a golfer, bring an extra sleeve of balls and a windbreaker, regardless of what the weatherman says. You'll likely need both.