Practice Programs
We studied this course layout and mapped exact drills around stroke index, handicap index and distances. Practice like you know The Nightmare.
Total Programs
14
14 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
70
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
6
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for The Nightmare, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Free eBook
Curated selection of drills based on The Nightmare hole-by-hole data.
Available immediately. No cost. Download link + Email Delivery
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Skill Distribution
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the flat rough.
Hit 5 balls to each randomly selected target while producing left-to-right and right-to-left shots, using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Up to 5 players hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped fairway; one bucket with balls above feet level, and one bucket with balls below feet level.
Up to 5 players hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the flat deep rough and other extreme grass types.
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped deep rough and other extreme grass types; one bucket with balls above feet level, and one bucket with balls below feet level.
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped fairway; one bucket from the uphill slope and one bucket from the downhill slope.
Everything you need to know about The Nightmare.
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
Resident Professionals
Coaching here? We'll bring you new lessons. .
Contact links shown for featured coaches.
5266 Old 76 Highway
Dream Nightmare Golf comprises three neighboring 18-hole golf courses in Michigan: The Dream Golf Course, The Nightmare Golf Course, and The Quest Golf Course. The Dream is described as a jewel carved from hardwoods near northern Michigan, offering a spectacular layout over 312 acres. The Nightmare is noted for its wide fairways and approachable play, while The Quest provides a expansive yet playable challenge in Houghton Lake. Together, they form a regional golf destination featuring varied terrain and golfing experiences in northern Michigan.
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Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Parkland
Opened
2003
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Drill Library
Explore the full on-course drill library built for this venue. Open any drill to review setup, coaching instructions, and target scoring benchmarks.
Category
Duration
Free eBook
Curated selection of drills based on The Nightmare hole-by-hole data.
Available immediately. No cost. Download link + Email Delivery
"I agree to the privacy policy and terms of service." My rewards.
Free eBook
Curated selection of drills based on The Nightmare hole-by-hole data.
Available immediately. No cost. Download link + Email Delivery
"I agree to the privacy policy and terms of service." My rewards.
Free eBook
Curated selection of drills based on The Nightmare hole-by-hole data.
Available immediately. No cost. Download link + Email Delivery
"I agree to the privacy policy and terms of service." My rewards.
Free eBook
Curated selection of drills based on The Nightmare hole-by-hole data.
Available immediately. No cost. Download link + Email Delivery
"I agree to the privacy policy and terms of service." My rewards.
Free eBook
Curated selection of drills based on The Nightmare hole-by-hole data.
Available immediately. No cost. Download link + Email Delivery
"I agree to the privacy policy and terms of service." My rewards.
Programs
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 14 Programs
% match to course practice profileSave par clutch, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Leave inside 5 feet, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for The Nightmare. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 13 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Full 52 days 71 page practice program designed specifically around this course hole by hole data.
Short Game · Mixed
Make Par Around the Green
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Short Game · Chip
Stop Chips Near Hole
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 34.0
Short Game · Pitch
Feet, hips, shoulders—are you set up for success?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 26.0
Short Game · Pitch
Pick a landing spot and stick it—pitching challenge
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Save Par From Fringe
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Driving Range · Mid irons (7,6,5)
Check your setup: avoid fat or thin shots
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Control Wedge Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Driver
Keep it in the corridor—hit within 10 yards every time
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Driving Range · Short irons (9,8)
Short Iron Distance Control
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Download Premium PDF Program
Full flagship program designed around The Nightmare hole by hole data. Contains 52 practice days and 52 unique drills.
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Get StartedConsistent mid iron contact, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Stop missed shots, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Land 3-4 feet away, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Mix short game shots, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Control the rollout distance, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Get square for strike, for a 27-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Stop within 2 feet, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Avoid three-putts, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Improve accuracy, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Master driver length, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Hit within 10 yards, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Precision from 200 yards, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
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Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about playing The Nightmare and what to expect.
The Nightmare presents a demanding test. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
With a course rating of 70 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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