Golf in West Michigan
Course Conditions
By: Adam Ikamas, CGCS
Executive Director
Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association
The west side of the state of Michigan is one of the finest places to not only play golf but to manage the conditions on a golf course. Ask any golfer why they go to a particular golf course and the first answer is usually the conditions were great. The western side of Michigan is blessed with predominantly sandy soils which are ideal for growing turf, which in turn makes for very ideal playing conditions. Add to the great soils the hundreds of fantastic designs and dedicated MiGCSA Superintendents caring for them and it is hard to find a bad place to play golf in western Michigan. Great golf starts from the ground up, so the next time you are enjoying some perfect fairways and smooth greens remember the Golf Course Superintendent and their staff working hard for you every day.
Notable Course Designers In West Michigan (and some awesome golf deals!):
Robert Trent Jones, Architect- Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs
Deal Alert:Unlimited Golf Package Including Choice of Eleven Courses
This package is for the serious golfer that wants to pack in the rounds! The unlimited package provides the best value for your golf dollar and starts at just $96 per night. Courses included in the package are The Alpine and The Monument at Boyne Mountain Resort, Donald Ross Memorial and The Moor at Boyne Highlands Resort, Crooked Tree Golf Club of Petoskey and Hidden River Golf and Casting Club of Brutus. Upgrade your package and add a round on The Heather or Arthur Hills courses for just $20 and Bay Harbor Golf Club for $35-$63.
Package Includes:
• Hotel lodging at choice of Boyne Highlands or Boyne Mountain
• Unlimited golf following each night’s stay
• Complimentary range balls prior to each round
• $25 Odawa Casino Resort gaming voucher with complimentary transportation provided by the casino
Richard Otto, Architect- Garland Resort, Lewiston
Bruce Matthews, Sr., Architect - McGuire’s Resort, Cadillac
Tom Weiskopf, Warner Bowen, Arnold Palmer, William Diddel, Architects - Shanty Creek Resorts, Bellaire
Arthur Hills, Architect- Double JJ Resort, Rothbury
Deal Alert: Along with being open daily for both resort visitors & day guests, the Thoroughbred Golf Club at Double JJ Resort is offering all types of leagues & events to get you excited about golf this season! Sign your kids up for Junior Golf Day Camp any Friday or Saturday from June through August & watch them learn the basics of golfing. For those of you who already know how to golf, sign up for the Monday Night Men's Golf League or the Thursday Night Beer League, both of which kick off in early May & again in August. Stop by on Tuesday nights for the "Nine & Dine" special & enjoy dinner along with nine holes of golf. Wednesday nights we challenge you to come Beat the Pros, and Sunday nights offer you the chance to show off your skills in the Sunday Night Golf Shoot-Out.
Gay Pulsipher and Jerry Matthews, Architects- Manistee National Golf Resort, Manistee
Kris Schumacker & Mike DeVries, Architects-Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club, Pierson
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course- The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor
Raymond Hearn, Architect- Yarrow Golf, Augusta
Ken Killian, Architect- Whittaker Woods Golf Community, New Buffalo