Tucked just minutes from downtown, but somehow feeling miles away, is Barton Hills Country Club, home to one of Ann Arbor’s most iconic and storied golf courses. Designed by legendary architect Donald Ross and shaped by more than a century of play, it's a course that demands thoughtful strategy and rewards precision at every turn.
From August 20-23, that same course will take center stage as it hosts the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, bringing 120 of the world’s top 50 and over women golfers to Ann Arbor for a rare USGA major championship. It's the kind of moment that does not come often, and one that puts a national spotlight on a course many in the community have long admired.
We sat down with Barton Hills' head golf professional, Eric Emmel, to talk about the simple adjustments that can make a meaningful difference in your golf game. Whether you're playing Barton Hills for the first time or simply looking to improve your score, his perspective is grounded, practical, and refreshingly straightforward.
For those who haven’t played it, how would you describe the experience of golf at Barton Hills Country Club, and how does its Donald Ross design influence strategy throughout the round?
We have a tremendous Donald Ross golf course at Barton Hills that’s been here for more than 100 years. It presents a great challenge to all players, which is demonstrated by the club having hosted three USGA major championships, including the U.S. Senior Women’s Championship this August. Donald Ross courses are highly regarded around the country and require thoughtful shots throughout the round. For Barton Hills in particular, some characteristics that stand out are strategic bunkering and undulating green surfaces, which provide a challenge to all levels of golfers.
To score well, golfers need to position their ball well off the tee in hopes of setting up scoring opportunities into green complexes that have plenty of movement. I would say overly aggressive approach shots have a tendency to roll off our pushed-up green complexes, and when you miss the greens and short-side yourself, it can create very difficult up and downs. Some advice we share with golfers playing for the first time is to play to the front of the greens to try to minimize risk.
If a golfer could focus on improving only one part of their game this season, what would deliver the fastest, most noticeable results?
I would say the way golfers approach course management and how they think around the golf course. Over the course of a round, we all find ourselves out of position at some point, and sometimes it’s best to, in a sense, “take your medicine” and play the safe shot to avoid bigger numbers, which is key to having lower scores.
Driver or putter — which matters more, and why?
It depends on the player, more experienced versus more inexperienced, but in general, I would tell you putter. Consistently making shorter putts around the green will be the easiest way to save the most amount of strokes.
One club amateurs should practice with more?
I think drivers will always be a club amateurs love to hit. That won’t change. It’s important to start a hole with confidence, right? But I’d say a basic greenside chip is essential. It builds confidence around the green and carries through the rest of your round. So, if there’s one thing to practice more, it’s those greenside chips.
If you could give every golfer one piece of advice before they tee off, what would it be?
Just to have fun. You know, golf’s a game that we love and hate all at once — but enjoying your time on the course and the social aspect of the game, that’s really what it’s all about. Try not to be too hard on yourself and take in the moments you get to spend outside playing this “game of a lifetime,” as we call it.
Barton Hills Country Club to Host U.S. Senior Women’s Open
Dates: August 20-23, 2026
Where: Barton Hills Country Club
What to Expect: 120 of the world’s top women golfers, age 50+
Why It’s Special: A rare USGA major championship in Ann Arbor with some of the world’s best professional and amateur players competing for the most coveted championship in senior women’s golf.
Plan Ahead: Tickets available at usga.org.