Top 10 Grand Rapids, Michigan Golf Courses

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proactivemgmt

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August 06, 2021

Whether you’re an avid golfer or trying the sport for the first time, it’s important to spend your time on a good course. Lush greens, decent pars, perhaps a water hazard, all lend nicely to a day teeing off and putting balls. Here are the top 10 Grand Rapids golf courses from the team at Goodman Acker.

Thornapple Pointe

Located at 7211 48th St. SE and offering a panoramic view of the Thornapple River, you’ll find this expansive 18-hole golf course. Thornapple Pointe offers LiveGolf simulators in the off-season so that you can stay on top of your game year-round. You’ll enjoy the rolling hills, hardwood-lined fairways, and wetland areas, and the occasional wildlife spotting. Multiple tees allow everyone from the novice to expert to get in a good game of golf. They even offer golf outing packages that you can customize to enjoy a hot breakfast or lunch. You can make an afternoon of it at Thornapple.

Thousand Oaks Golf Club

This 18-hole golf course is located on a stunning piece of land with five sets of tee markers to challenge even the most skilled golfers. You may have the opportunity to meet some of the local wildlife while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature at Thousand Oaks Golf Club. They offer an extensive pro-staff if you’re looking for golf lessons. In addition to that, they also offer a golf academy with programs for adults and juniors, and private lessons. When you finish your round, grab a bite to eat at Reds at Thousand Oaks for a unique dining experience.

The Mines Golf Course

You’ll find fairways of rolling bluegrass and undulating bent green grass at The Mines Golf Course, located at 330 Covell Ave. SW. This course is built 150 feet above gypsum mines from the 1860s, and the course designers used features of the mining process and mines when they constructed this course. In fact, they pump the irrigation water for the greens from those mines. You can tee off from four sets of tees to test your skill level on this 18-hole course.

Indian Trails Golf Course

This historic golf course has served the Grand Rapids area for over 90 years, with renovations in 2017 that brought a redesign. Indian Trails Golf Course offers either nine or 18 holes with or without a cart, a 25-acre driving range, and golf lessons. You can also book their facilities for private events. Indian Trails also has the largest short game practice area in Western Michigan. Tee times are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting, and they offer discounts for students and seniors. Find them at 2776 Kalamazoo Ave. SE in Grand Rapids.

Diamond Springs Golf Course

For more than your average golf experience, check out Diamond Springs Golf Course. This 18-hole course is located in nearby Hamilton and is nestled in the Allegan State Game Area, offering 250 acres of beautiful wilderness and oak and pine trees surrounding the sandhills. You’ll find putting and chipping areas and a full-service pro shop, including merchandise sales and lessons. Their PGA staff is available for any questions or tips, or you can spend the afternoon on the driving range improving your game. The Pavilion Grill is open for lunch when you wrap up your day.

Cedar Chase Golf Club

Cedar Chase Golf Club, located at 7551 Mile Road NE in Cedar Springs, offers Scottish links-style holes surrounded by tree-lined fairways. Tee off from the elevated tees, offering five sets of tees to challenge your game. Enjoy the water hazards and Scottish-like bunkers and roughs that line this course. The clubhouse has a full bar and delicious food for you to enjoy once you’ve played this 72 par, 18-hole course. You can also plan a fundraiser, golf outing, tournament, or other special events at Cedar Chase.

The Legacy at Hastings

If you’re looking for a fun place to play golf that makes each visitor feel welcome, then The Legacy at Hastings is the place for you. Golfers have been enjoying this West Michigan course since 1921. You’ll find long fairways, smooth greens, and towering hardwoods providing you with beautiful panoramic views. This course is an 18-hole, 72-par, measuring 5,219 yards from the forward tees and 6,477 yards from the championship tees. Each hole offers three tee positions to match your skill or provide a challenge. Find The Legacy at Hastings at 1550 N. Broadway in nearby Hastings.

Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club

Another golf course within reasonable driving distance is the Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club. You can find them at 11401 Newcosta Ave. in Pierson. The course is built on over 400 acres of bent grass fairways lined with tall white pines and black oaks. You can tee off from six different yardages, creating a challenging or fun game for all. There’s also a practice range for you to work on your drive. You’ll enjoy the tranquility and beauty that Pilgrim’s Run has to offer as you chase your ball down the fairway or putt from the greens.

Meadows Club House (MCH)

The Meadows is part of the Grand Valley State University at 4645 W. Campus Dr. in  Allendale and the home to the University’s women’s and men’s golf teams. This 18-hole course offers you five sets of tees, with a total distance of 7,060 yards from the tips of the furthest tees. Well-bunkered greens and wetlands will keep you on top of your golf game as you attempt to navigate this course. The Meadows Clubhouse includes a top-notch practice facility that’s open to the public. They even offer students a discount to encourage range use.

Macatawa Golf Club

Our final course is located in Holland, on the shores of Lake Michigan. This course offers five sets of tees to accommodate the low-handicap golfer as well as the golfers with higher handicaps. Well-placed bunkers, undulating greens, and unique water features make this course enjoyable. If you want to improve your golf game, the Academy at Macatawa Golf Club offers lessons from group instruction to private lessons. This 18-hole course, located at 4600 Macatawa Legends Boulevard in Holland, is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon with friends.

Golfing is a great way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and sneak in a bit of exercise, all while basking in the beauty of the outdoors. If your favorite course didn’t make our list, reach out to the team at Goodman Acker and let us know that we need to make a tee time to test it out.