The Emerald
2300 W Maple Rapids Rd, St. Johns, Michigan, 48879
The Emerald Scorecard
| Front 9 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 |
| Emerald | 405 | 382 | 542 | 225 | 332 | 442 | 551 | 151 | 401 | 3,431 |
| Diamond | 395 | 361 | 505 | 202 | 305 | 406 | 510 | 135 | 382 | 3,201 |
| Diamond | 378 | 363 | 503 | 207 | 313 | 417 | 512 | 129 | 358 | 3,180 |
| Gold_Women | 385 | 351 | 495 | 192 | 295 | 396 | 500 | 125 | 372 | 3,111 |
| Gold_Men | 385 | 351 | 495 | 192 | 295 | 396 | 500 | 125 | 375 | 3,114 |
| Silver | 325 | 342 | 440 | 149 | 313 | 370 | 439 | 129 | 338 | 2,845 |
| Ruby | 325 | 307 | 432 | 152 | 253 | 374 | 433 | 107 | 309 | 2,692 |
| Handicap | 1 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 15 | 7 | 13 | 17 | 5 | — |
| Back 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Emerald | 320 | 340 | 192 | 403 | 444 | 526 | 210 | 451 | 366 | 3,252 | 6,683 |
| Diamond | 300 | 324 | 172 | 392 | 365 | 492 | 182 | 443 | 349 | 3,019 | 6,220 |
| Diamond | 299 | 299 | 163 | 363 | 365 | 463 | 182 | 443 | 349 | 2,926 | 6,106 |
| Gold_Women | 289 | 276 | 166 | 382 | 356 | 482 | 168 | 432 | 339 | 2,890 | 6,001 |
| Gold_Men | 289 | 276 | 166 | 382 | 356 | 482 | 168 | 432 | 339 | 2,890 | 6,004 |
| Silver | 299 | 299 | 154 | 311 | 318 | 463 | 182 | 395 | 339 | 2,760 | 5,605 |
| Ruby | 251 | 221 | 150 | 326 | 313 | 407 | 120 | 390 | 296 | 2,474 | 5,166 |
| Handicap | 18 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 2 | 16 | 10 | — | — |
Tees, Slope & Course Rating
| Tee | Slope | Course Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald | 128 | 71.5 |
| Diamond | 126 | 69.3 |
| Diamond | 130 | 70.1 |
| Gold Women | 127 | 73.8 |
| Gold Men | 123 | 68.2 |
| Silver | 123 | 68.5 |
| Ruby | 114 | 69.1 |
The Emerald by the Numbers
The Emerald plays to a par of 72 and measures 6,683 yards from the emerald tees (5,166 yards from the ruby tees). The layout features 4 par-3s, 10 par-4s and 4 par-5s. The number-one handicap hole is the par-4 1st — statistically the toughest hole on the course, while the 10th rates as the most forgiving. The longest test is the 7th, stretching 551 yards from the tips, and the shortest is the 8th at 151 yards.
About The Emerald
The Emerald is a delightful 18-hole course that stretches from a manageable 5,166 yards at its forward tees to a challenging 12,326 yards from the back. With a par of 72, it offers a variety of tee options, including Emerald, Diamond, Gold for both men and women, Silver, and Ruby, accommodating golfers of all skill levels. Expect a well-maintained layout with bentgrass greens that reward precise putting and a mix of open fairways and strategic hazards that force thoughtful club selection. The course has a fair slope rating, designed to test mid to higher handicappers while still being accessible for beginners.
What to Expect
When playing The Emerald, expect a course that invites you to think your way around it. The moderate length and approachable slope are great for golfers with handicaps from 10 to 25. Watch out for some tricky water hazards on the back nine that can easily disrupt your score if you’re not careful. Planning your shots is key, especially when approaching the greens, which can be faster than they appear. Bring your A-game with your short game, as those bentgrass greens require finesse.
Fun Fact
Here’s a fun tidbit: The Emerald is often recognized not just for its course, but also for the friendly community events it hosts, making it a lively spot beyond just being a golf course.
About St. Johns
St. Johns, located in the heart of Michigan, is known for its rich agricultural heritage and small-town charm. The vibrant downtown area features unique shops, cozy cafes, and historical sites, making it a pleasant stop for travelers. The community vibe is friendly, and you can often find local events that celebrate its farming roots.
Nearby Attractions
After a round, consider stopping by the local favorite, The Green Frog, known for its burgers and friendly atmosphere. If you fancy a bit of history, visit the Michigan Historical Museum just a short drive away, showcasing the state’s rich past. For a comfortable stay, check out the nearby Days Inn, which offers great amenities and puts you right in the middle of St. Johns' charm.