The Monarch is called the “ruling layout at Garland”, which is more than just a clever play on words. At 7,188 yards, the course is a behemoth that has challenged all levels of golfers, including the state's best players as a qualifying venue for top amateur events. Full-throttle is the only way a golfer is afforded the chance to score well on the this tough layout, which boasts a lethal combination of hazards at every turn. With water on 14 of 18 holes, as well as the aforementioned length and a smattering of bunkers, Monarch is certainly the championship test in Garland’s stable of courses.

Out of the gate, the golfer faces the most challenging hole on the golf course – the 451-yard first. The player must traverse water with both the tee shot and the approach, before reaching a rare unprotected green. Two long shots are required; while accuracy can be allowed to suffer slightly, any chance of reaching the green in two shots will require expert positioning.

Following up on the demanding opener is the equally challenging 413-yard second hole. Another hole without a bunker, though this does not mean relief for the golfer that must avoid the water left and the coniferous trees right. Upon finding the fairway, the approach is relatively easy, with contouring being the green’s main defense.

After another bear of a par four at seven, the golfer has a chance to get one back at the 549-yard, par-five eighth hole. While the hole is long, two good shots should leave a short shot to a green that is slightly elevated and protected by two bunkers in front. With a short iron in hand, the bunkers should not pose any difficulty and a birdie chance awaits.

If the golfer is slightly beleaguered by the time they reach the 11th hole, they can be forgiven. However, at 451 yards, the tough par four is not the place to rest, as two good shots are the only way to sneak away with par. After a solid drive, the golfer faces an approach to a beautiful green complex with a waterfall-adorned stream to the right and a bunker and long fescue left. The golfer is afforded little room in front through which they can play a running shot to this large green.

One of the most beautiful holes on the property is the 435-yard par four 13th hole. With a lake framing the left side and a large trench bunker in front, the beauty of the hole is often overridden by the challenge. Regardless of the score on this, the second hardest hole at Monarch, the view back from behind the green is worth the battle.

Monarch sheds its warrior image for a brief moment at the charming 15th hole, which plays 152 yards from the tips to a fortified green. The green is set in a cathedral of pine trees and encircled with four bunkers, requiring a delicate touch to get close. This peaceful setting is the last chance to catch a breath, before the trio of long par fours that await to finish.

Providing one of the sternest tests in Michigan, the Monarch Course has the ability to disarm even the strongest golfers. However, as with the other Garland courses, the resort guest is guaranteed a fun round, assuming the proper tees are chosen. Set among linear planting of pine trees, which date back to FDR’s make work projects, the course offers the golfer sweet solace of nature throughout the round, and while it packs a mighty punch, it is often considered to be the most tranquil setting of all the Garland courses.