Legendary prize fighter Joe Louis regularly played Rackham, and it was home to Ben Davis, one of the country’s first African American PGA pros.

Rackham immediately became of the country’s finest public facilities. The Donald Ross design was commissioned in thanks to Horace Rackham, who donated the land to the city. Rackham Golf Course – Donald Ross – Huntington Woods, MIįew public golf facilities have the rich history of Rackham. The Bendelow design’s greens have shrunk significantly, and the course doesn’t fully take advantage of its site, but it’s worth a stop. Manistee gets little acclaim but boasts stunning Lake Michigan bluff views. Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake – Renaissance Golf – Kalamazoo, MI Set in sand hills, Diamond Springs has terrific natural land that DeVries was able to take advantage of. This keeps maintenance costs down and allows the golf course to be affordable and sustainable. Diamond Springs maintains a single cut of grass across its entire property. The Mines is a mere 8 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.ĭiamond Springs Golf Course – Mike DeVries – Hamilton, MIĤ0 minutes from Grand Rapids is Diamond Springs, a prime example of what golf needs more of. DeVries’ natural bunkering sits perfectly into the landscape, providing strategic interest and beautiful aesthetics.

Set on some severe land, the Mines delivers some dramatic holes that flow with the natural topography. Mines Golf Course – Mike DeVries – Walker, MI DeVries, with the help of superintendent Kris Schumaker, put all of the ideas together to create a great public option, 30 minutes from Grand Rapids. The golf course had an interesting founding with DeVries working with owner Bob Van Kampen and his six employees who each designed three holes. The par 73 course had 18 great green complexes on a nice piece of land. Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club – Mike DeVries – Pierson, MI It’s also home to three designs from one of the world’s most underappreciated modern architects, Mike DeVries. Grand Rapids has an airport and a city filled with restaurants and breweries to choose from. Destination resorts are fantastic but secluded and often difficult to get to. Perhaps the most underrated and affordable golf trip is in the Grand Rapids area. Must have architectural interest beyond your typical local course.Must have regular tee times available to the public.The highest rate charged for walking is less than $100.00.

This is meant to be a guide to help golfers find affordable and architecturally-interesting golf courses that might be overlooked and underappreciated. Over time, courses will be added and removed depending on research and experience. It boasts a combination of excellent high-end and affordable options for the golf nut. Michigan is one of the greatest states for public golf.

Eagle eye golf course