Western Michigan course opinions.

Alright.. have a trip planned, and need some help w/ opinions on several of the courses that we're planning on playing.

-Hawks Head: www.hawksheadlinks.com

-Ravines: www.ravinesgolfclub.com

-Arcadia: www.arcadiabluffs.com

-Tullymore/St.Ives: www.stivesgolf.com

-Pilgrim's Run: www.pilgrimsrun.com

Anyone have any insite/opinions in regards to this? Or, any additional places in the area that we might have missed (we're staying in Gr. Rapids)?

Thanks. :)

Arcadia is very scenic, one of the most scenic in the state, and most that have played it loved it.

Tullymore and St. Ives are both very nice and quite a challenge, a little target golf.

I will think of a few others and get back to you.

I have not played here, but i know a few guys that have an outing here every year, i will get the scoop on the courses.

Gull Lake

If you do decide on Tullymore you can play at Buck's Run, it is near Mt. Pleasant as well.

BucksRun

I used to live in the area when I went to PGM at Ferris. I have never played Hawks Head or Ravines but I have alot of experience with the others. First off Arcadia Bluffs, not the closest to where you will be but definetly worth the drive. One of the most scenic courses in all of Michigan with a good view of Lake Michigan from most of the course. Dont miss that one if you can get up there. Pilgrim's Run is also an excellent course. Definetly a must play in the area. As far as St. Ives/Tullymore go.... I think St. Ives is one of the most overrated courses on the planet. I was not impressed at all with it and had only heard good things. Very tricked up course that has 1 good hole only IMO. Tullymore is a different story MUCH better course than St. Ives I would make the trip to Canadian Lakes but skip St. Ives and save your money IMO. As far as other courses in the area, there is a new Mike DeVries course in GR that is worth checking out. I cannot remember the name however.

Well, right now, here's what we have scheduled..

Thurs, May 25:

-Hawks Head (only half the group, as we wanted to play something on the way. Early morning round)

-Ravines

Fri, May 26th:

St. Ives & Tulleymore

Sat, May 27th:

Arcadia

Sun, May 28th (last day):

Pilgrams Ridge

The last one is actually really up in the air, so we can play anywhere. So, basically, whatever looks the best.. :)

 

Sun, May 28th (last day):

Pilgrams Ridge

 

The last one is actually really up in the air, so we can play anywhere. So, basically, whatever looks the best.. :)

Do not skip Pilgrims Run. Likely the best course you would play other than Arcadia. If you find somewhere else you want to play on the last day then skip St. Ives and do Pilgrim's/Tullymore in 1 day. Its only 35-40 min drive from Pilgrim's to Tullymore very very doable I have done that 36 more than once in a day.

If you are going to be in SW MI at any time, I would suggest Angel's Crossing. It was one of Golf Digest top 5 new public courses this year.

If you really want some good golf try the Gaylord Area, There is a ton of nice courses and the driving from course to course is minimal. Treetops has 4 courses that you can play that are all top notch.

Terry

I agree with Arcadia Bluffs.

One of the most scenic courses I have ever played - You won't be disappointed!!

I too played Angels Crossing last year and it was a fun course, but rather easy. If you want to go near the Battle Creek area I would definetly try Yarrow or Binder Park. All of the Gull Lake courses are good also! You can always venture into the East Lansing area and try either Hawk Hollow or Eagle Eye.

I would re-consider -Tullymore/St.Ives: www.stivesgolf.com ... I agree with the "overated" statement above. If you took the back nine of both then you'd have something. The back nine of Tullymore was exceptional.

I may be partial but the course that bears my username is not that bad:

Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club

HI,

I went out of my way to play Pilgrims a couple years ago while doing business in the Greater Grand Rapids area and was not very impressed. I found St Ives, other than 2 quirky hopes to be much better in design and condition.

The region has so many options, with very few poor layouts, tough to go wrong.

CJD