#migolfcourseaerialoftheday First feature #641
I can’t believe I haven’t featured this one before! Oh wait, yes I can. An uninteresting piece of land where the neighborhood is the focal point, along with being far more walkable than the course.
📸: Google
Sadly WestWynd might be the better course, despite not being that great.
This is Westwind in Muskegon, opened in 1999. I have no other info besides that. But at least the name makes sense with the location, unlike the similar sounding WestWynd in Rochester Hills, which is just the public offering that happens to be west of Wyndgate.
#migolfcourseaerialoftheday First feature #640
Looks like a ton of Up North Feel here. But with no apparent website and a facebook page that hasn’t been updated since 2016… is it open? Do you need an old phone book to call for a tee time?
📸: Google
This is Cadillac CC, a course available to the public despite the name, at a peak rate of $75. The original design is attributed to Paul Blick in 1910. Jerry Matthews renovated the course in 1977, with some rerouting occurring in the southwest corner, per historical imagery.
#migolfcourseaerialoftheday
I would like to hear if this place is any good, but I would love to hear why there is a moat right in the middle of the course.
📸: Google 2021
It expanded to 18 holes in 1971, and was later remodeled by Ron Farris in 1997, adding the water hazards you see today. $55 peak for what I’ve heard is a decently fun track.
This is Scenic G & CC in Pigeon. Construction started in 1948 by Dave Millar, who sadly died before the course was finished. I guess you could say it shares an origin story with Pine Valley? 🙃
#migolfcourseaerialoftheday First feature #639
When you pick a generic name for your course, it better live up to its moniker. Does this place have the visuals to justify its name?
📸: Google 2016
18. Currie West - Midland - 2002 Renovation - $61
19. Sundance at A-Ga-Ming - Kewadin - 2005 - $145
20. Northport Creek - 2014 - $42
13. The Emerald - St Johns - 1996 - $74
14. Twin Lakes - Oakland Township - 1996 with Ray Hearn - $82
15. Timberstone - Iron Mountain - 1997 with Paul Albanese - $149
16. Bucks Run - Mt. Pleasant - 2000 - $185
17. The Revenge at Manistee National - 2000 - $85
7. Charlevoix CC - 1993 - $115
8. Mistwood at Lake Ann - 1993 with Ray Hearn - $65
9. Heritage Glen - Paw Paw - 1994 - $78
10. Majestic at Lake Walden - Hartland - 1994 with Ray Hearn - $105
11. Links at Hunters Ridge - Howell - 1995 - $84
12. Hawk Hollow - Bath - 1995 - $105
Here we go:
2. Timber Ridge - East Lansing - 1988 with Bruce Matthews - $90
3. Elk Ridge (Closed) - Atlanta - 1991 with Bruce Matthews III
4. Railside - Byron Center - 1991 with Bruce Matthews III
5. Eagle Glen - Farwell - 1992 with Ray Hearn - $74
6. Greystone - Washington - 1992 - $95
After guessing, tell me which courses you think best showcase Jerry’s legacy. Then see my link at the end, where I kicked off the discussion on Substack.
I’ve given you the designer, now see how many you can guess. They are ordered from earliest built to latest.
For most designers it would be a struggle to put together 19 courses in one state. For Jerry Matthews, the struggle was in narrowing down the massive list of courses in his portfolio. The man was everywhere.
2nd is in Cass City, opened in 1968. No website, but had an active facebook page. They post food specials and events weekly, even in the winter.
Rolling Hills is the name of the courses.
1st is in Lapeer. Opened in 1966, $50 peak. It used to have an active Instagram account, run by the pro/co-owner Martin Hanna. It went quiet in 2023.
#migolfcourseaerialoftheday
Two first-time features, bringing our number to 638. Both have the same (rather generic) name, and both are in the same general region of the state. They even opened two years apart. But two very different routings.
This is Lyon Oaks in Wixom, an Oakland County muni designed by Art Hills in 2002. It peaks at $82. High compared to other munis? Maybe a little. Compared to other Art courses? Not so much. Seems fairly reasonable. My bigger question would be how it compares to other Art courses in the metro.
#migolfcourseaerialoftheday Request
The reports I’ve received from this place is that it is high on “Up North Feel”. Real Up North Feel, not “it has trees” feel.
📸: Apple
This is Beeches in South Haven, a 2007 design by Bruce Matthews III that is $90 on a summer weekend. BM3 was quoted at the time of construction that there was acreage on the property for a 3rd nine. Not sure if that would make it better, and maybe the owners feel the same way.
#migolfcourseaerialoftheday Request
I’m looking to play one round in the area this August. I have one other course above this one, but it’s a pretty strong contender.
📸: Apple
This is Alpine GC in Comstock Park. It’s a 1967 design by Mark DeVries that peaks at $54. Mark, who passed away in 2012, was not related to Mike DeVries, but did have a number of courses in the Grand Rapids area. None are highly ranked, but he did seem to faithfully serve affordable local golf.
#migolfcourseaerialoftheday 1st feature #636
What can you expect here? “18 holes. Fresh air. Good times.” Keeping expectations reasonably low, I see.
📸: Apple
…enhance the original greens.
This is the Heritage course at Marquette Golf Club. The first 9 holes were built by Langford & Moreau in 1926, with the second 9 added in 1969 by David Gill. It’s semi-private, with peak access coming in at $74. I’ve heard countless good things about the work done by Craig Moore to preserve and…
