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54 Middle East Golfer NOVEMBER 2010

ONE COURSE MEAL

NOVEMBER 2010 Middle East Golfer 55

Golf and food photographer AdAm JAcobs critiques the world’s best courses!

ONE COURSE

MEAL

Sherpherds Hollowwww.adamjacobsphotography.com

FOOd

56 Middle East Golfer NOVEMBER 2010

ONE COURSE MEAL

NOVEMBER 2010 Middle East Golfer 57

Shepherd’s Hollow is golf as nature intended it, writes Adam Jacobs. This hidden gem in Michigan is rated as one of the top 50 courses in America. Set across 350 spectacular acres, Shepherd’s Hollow provides a unique golfing experience. You can hear a tee drop in this leafy sanctuary of pine and oak trees. It is almost worth losing a ball or two in the breathtaking woods just to view the so-called ‘red Eden’ that lines the perimetre. The course is surrounded by so much beauty, including the occasional stray cow or chimpanzee! To quote American novelist Langston Hughes it offers “escape for those who gain a happiness in eyeing the gorgeous buttocks of the ape or Autumn sunsets exquisitely dying!”

If you have a monster-drive in your armoury the signature par 5, 18th, could allow you to end your round with an eagle. The heavily sloping green is certainly reachable in two if you can carry the water - although the shimmering lake will devour cautious approaches for breakfast!

The secluded clubhouse sells a variety of culinary delights, along with almost as many gourmet snacks as holes! Shepherd’s Hollow is surrounded by scenery that will make you drool, but do save some saliva so the food can do the same!

You don’t have to be a golfer to appreciate the serenity of the restaurant as you grab a tasty bite on the Victorian veranda, with a view of the pine woods behind; and as the sun sets you can retire through the French doors to an ambient white-beamed bar with dark cherry tables and a glowing fireplace.

The clubhouse serves traditional American cuisine, and while the fairways can be stingy the portions at Shepherd’s Hollow certainly aren’t! The only disappointment (for those, like me, who enjoy both a cheesy potato and pun) is the lack of shepherd’s pie on the menu!

The reputed chef recommended the salmon piccata ($21) and the 8oz filet mignon ($28). The zesty salmon was exceptionally fresh and a much lighter choice than the impeccably presented filet, which came accompanied by a near-orgasmic blue cheese crumble!

Since the filet is really filling, I shrewdly ate the fish for lunch and steak for dinner! Trust me, only order the filet as a post-round treat or you’ll really struggle to play the course!

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Wild-caught salmon pan-seared with artichokes, mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach served with whipped potatoes and lemon buerre blanc.

Medium-rare filet mignon with steamed asparagus, garlic whipped potatoes, blue cheese crumble and zip sauce.

Name: Shepherd’s Hollow, Michigan Address: 9085 Big Lake Road, ClarkstonPhone: 001 248 922 0300Website: www.shepherdshollow.com