COURSE OF THE WEEK: Pilgrim’s Run GC

Just 30 miles north of Grand Rapids in Pierson you will encounter one of West Michigan’s finest upscale public golf facilities, Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club. This magnificent course bears the hallmark of premier design and construction.

Since being built in 1997-98 by Kris Schumacker and Mike DeVries, Pilgrim’s Run has been a fixture among the rankings of the best public golf courses in Michigan. Covering more than 400 acres, the course offers bent grass fairways and distinctive green complexes with views that are unmatched.

The clubhouse opened in 1999 and features cedar shake siding combined with cut stone, brick paths, and a starter’s building more than 150 years old. It has a spacious and elegant feel and is a perfect place to relax after your round.

Pilgrim’s Run offers six different yardages to play from ranging from 4,863 yards all the way to 7,093 yards, which makes it suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Golfers have the chance to play from challenging tees or can make it more fun and play from a shorter yardage. The individual tee lengths are:

Tee

Yardage

Rating

Slope

Gold

7,093

74.4

143

Blue

6,471

71.7

137

Blue/White

6,205

70.4

135

White

5,737

67.8

126

White/Red

5,280

65.5

118

Red

4,863

68.4

122

 

 

 

 

One thing that sets Pilgrim’s Run apart is the design and layout of the course. With only three par-3 holes the course plays to a par of 73.  Also, with no residential properties along the course, golfers get a true sense of seclusion and peaceful tranquility when playing.

Greens fees for Pilgrim’s Run range from around $28 to $65, making the course ideal for those who want an up-scale feel without the up-scale price.

One special feature is that after paying for greens fees golfers find a complimentary bucket of range balls awaiting in your cart. With a range featuring both mat and grass tee areas and multiple target greens, it is the ideal spot to prepare for a great round and is perfectly located right before the first hole.

Possibly the most notable hole on the course is the par 4 No. 18 hole that is appropriately named “entice.” The hole is a dogleg right that wraps around a lake, and tempts players to try to carry the water and hit the green. It is a true test of risk versus reward. For those who prefer to play it safe though, there is plenty of space on the left to lay up and avoid the lake completely. This is only one of the many unique and challenging holes on the course.

Pilgrim’s Run offers Summer Golf packages and Golf and Hotel packages for those who either live in the area and want to play the course frequently, or for those who live out of town and are looking for the perfect golf getaway.

In the end, everyone who plays a round at Pilgrim’s Run can agree that it is a west Michigan gem with plenty to offer golfers of all ages and skill levels.

To book your next tee time at Pilgrim’s Run, visit https://www.pilgrimsrun.com/tee-times/ today.

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