Eight Top Rated Michigan Golf Courses

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Eight Top Rated Michigan Golf Courses

If you are planning a trip to Michigan, don’t forget to bring your clubs and book a tee

time at one of the famous, award-winning, and challenging courses we have to offer.

We have lots to choose from. Not all are public courses but a good proportion are.

There are plenty of great tracks for the low handicappers, medium tracks for the mid-ranks,

and a few cow pastures, if you just want to hack it around. Pick your challenge.

The Bear

as one of the toughest in the Midwest. You’ll quickly appreciate this beautiful par 72,

links-style course featuring Scottish terraced fairways, tiered greens, deep grassy

roughs, moguls, mounds, and deep pot bunkers. Lakes, ponds, hardwood forests,

streams, and fruit orchards are home to a variety of wildlife.

Stonebridge Golf Club in Ann Arbor

Stonebridge is a public 18 hole championship golf course designed in 1991 by

world famous golf course architect Arthur Hills.

Donald Ross Memorial, Boyne Highlands

Golf Digest named this course one of “Michigan’s Finest Courses.”

The Ross features the likeness of 18 of Donald Ross’ most famous holes

from around the world.

Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort, Bellaire

Hawk’s Eye is an example of Northern Michigan golf at its finest. Hawk’s Eye

was voted the fourth best course in Michigan by the readers of Michigan

Golf magazine.

Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, Clarkston

With 27 tour-caliber holes to challenge you, 350 acres of rolling wooded

land to inspire you, Shepherd’s Hollow golf course is truly a thing of beauty.

Located 30 miles north of Detroit in Northern Oakland County and designed

by Arthur Hills, this course has full practice bunkers, full service locker room

w/showers, and dining facility. No two holes are alike, each occupies a

roomy corridor, all are faithful to the rise and fall of the terrain.

Treetops Resort, Gaylord

Treetops has been named one of the nation’s finest golf facilities. Dramatic

views, undulating contours and rolling terrain provide a beautiful setting

for world-class golfing. Named one of the Top 50 golf courses for women.

Marquette Golf Club, Greywalls Course, Marquette

One of Michigan’s newest courses, Greywalls has received national awards

from Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, Travel + Leisure Golf and Golf Week, as

one of the best in Michigan.

St. Ives & Tulleymore Golf Resort, Stanwood

Tullymore & St. Ives Golf Courses feature elaborate, artistic bunkering,

wandering over and around 800 acres of rolling land and lakes just a short

ride from Grand Rapids. Wildlife abounds here, so bring your camera!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Golf Vacation Day at Spring Lake Country Club ~ Spring Lake Michigan

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

There are so many golf courses in Michigan, over 900 public courses,

ranking third in the nation in public golf courses and over 400 member

clubs to play. We are crazy about golf in Michigan.

With courses like Spring Lake Country Club, it is easy to see why.

Spring Lake Country Club is an old course, founded in 1911, and it is a

private, member owned facility. From the longest tees, it is 6525 yards.

“Going green” is taken seriously at Spring Lake CC. In May of 2005,

they received the honor of being named a Certified Audubon Cooperative

Sanctuary, only the 14th course in Michigan to be recognized. In 2007,

SLCC was named #1 for total number of bird species counted on the course

in the Great Lakes region and 3rd in the entire country for the Audubon

International North American Bird Watch Open, held in May each year.

Spring Lake CC is seriously into Junior Golf. Don’t be surprised to

see a few future PGA professionals hail from this course. Last year

they had 180 Junior PGA Golfers (aged 7-17) in their Annual Junior

Golf Tournament held in August.

We were invited to play this fabulous course last week by our friends,

Charles and Joann. We had a beautiful day to play golf and enjoy the

aesthetics of this picturesque golf course. Spring Lake CC is heavily

wooded, and indeed, we saw several oak trees with trunk girths of

15-20 feet or more.

75-80 degrees, sunny and a slight breeze off the Lake (Spring Lake is

open to Lake Michigan) is a perfect Michigan summer day. And we

couldn’t think of a better way to spend it. Because Spring Lake is

connected to Lake Michigan, it is a prime resort area and has many

elite homes on the lake.

We are sharing our photo montage of Spring Lake Country Club.

Grab a cart and ride along!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTsK7IknFR0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6]

Spring Lake Country Club

18496 Fruitport Rd

Spring Lake Michigan 49456

616-842-4200

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Local Kentwood Golfer Plays at 2009 Buick Open

Posted on August 1, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We all love a success story. This one is about a local Kentwood

graduate, Matthew Harmon, who was Michigan’s Mr Golf 2002-3,

went on to play golf for Michigan State University

and is now on the Nationwide and NGA Hooters Golf Tours trying

to make it to the PGA Tour. He got a big break this week.

Let us tell you his story:

He was 2 under par playing his final qualifying round for the Buick

Open when his caddy (and brother-in-law) Nick, stepped into a

bunker and then raked his tracks. Matt was in the other end of

the bunker hitting out and didn’t see what Nick did until it was

too late. He thought it was a 2 stroke penalty. He consulted the

officials. They didn’t know for sure either, but to be on the safe side,

assessed the 2 stroke penalty, which put Matt at 4 under and

1 stroke over qualifying for the final Buick Open.

Oh, well, another day of golf, and on to Houston, Texas to play in

another tournament. He was at the Minneapolis airport when he

got the call from the officials at the Buick Open. They had received

a play cancellation and because of the penalty Matt assessed himself

(which is still in contention), they offered him a spot in the Open.

Now all he had to do was get back to Grand Blanc and get his

clubs and equipment there – which were on their way to Houston

by this time. He got a ticket back to Grand Rapids and drove to

Grand Blanc, and his clubs and gear arrived in time, somehow.

He is performing like a champion at this tournament. He was 4 under

yesterday and had the daily record for the longest drives. He is 2 under

today, tied for 18th place. This could be his very first major tournament

to place in the money. Our local TV channel had an interview that aired

on the 11:00 pm newscast last night. We are watching closely, this

could be his big break into the PGA events.

A few pictures I took yesterday of Matt and that other guy, Tiger Woods

playing at Warwick Hills, The final Buick Open.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnGaCBLoiEc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

Did I mention I used to play with Matt and his Dad when he first started

to play golf? He must have been 10-11 years old. He could hit the ball

a long way even back then. I never dreamed he would one day play on

the PGA Tour and I would be in the crowd cheering him on!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Photos by Terry Westbrook

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2008 ~ Crystal Springs

Posted on September 17, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

Crystal Springs Development in Caledonia, MI is a large, residential

suburban housing development that was started in the late 1980’s and

most construction was finished in the 1990’s although some newer homes

have been built since 2000. There are also a few vacant lots left to develop.

This development covers a large area around the Crystal Springs Golf Course

grounds south of 68th Street to 72nd Street and encompassing Kalamazoo

Avenue on the east and west. This development has single family homes and

condos, many located right on the Crystal Springs Golf Course. (See related

article on the acquisition of Crystal Springs Golf Club)

The public school system is Kentwood, even though the address is Caledonia.

Crystal Springs is close to the shopping plaza at 68th and Kalamazoo,

Kentwood High School, and a short hop to M-6, which is the south beltline for

the Greater Grand Rapids area connecting US 131 on the west and I96 on the

east side of the city.

birdhouse in tree

September 2008 Real Estate

Residential Market Report

Crystal Springs Neighborhood

29 For Sale, 2 Pending, 17 Sold

Address Price Sq Ft $/SqFt DOM

FOR SALE:

1424 Silver Springs 219,900 2544 86.43 95

1285 68th St 159,900 2349 68.07 7

1481 Crystal Valley 299,900 2270 132.11 52

6958 Fairway Vista 169,900 1504 112.96 163

7535 Barn Swallow Ct 169,900 1516 112.07 119

1931 Hollow Creek 184,900 2000 92.45 171

6950 Kalamazoo 189,900 1765 107.59 150

6892 Crystal View 199,900 1714 116.62 86

1634 Sweet Grass 199,900 2000 99.95 164

2026 Blackmountain 219,000 2112 103.69 8

7211 Meadowgrass 229,900 2164 106.23 142

1563 Old Lantern Ct 234,900 2402 97.79 228

7450 Missoula Dr 207,609 2736 75.88 239

7439 Stillwater Dr 449,900 3200 140.59 18

7320 Old Lantern 249,900 2016 123.95 46

1845 Hollow Creek 224,900 2000 114.95 101

7277 Misty Morning 259,900 2270 114.49 171

7272 Misty Morning 275,000 2386 115.25 160

7036 Crystal View 279,000 1683 165.77 150

7368 Old Lantern 279,900 2390 117.11 170

7394 Old Lantern 289,000 3100 93.22 49

7387 Old Lantern 289,900 2875 100.83 45

7096 Summit Hill 299,900 3022 99.23 23

7095 Crystal View 315,000 2555 123.28 95

7350 Old Lantern 349,900 3031 115.44 53

1907 Landoshire Ct 214,900 1820 118.07 36

6882 Crystal View 249,000 1806 137.87 41

1438 Silver Springs 289,900 2628 110.31 25

7350 Heather Rdg 350,000 3500 100.00 28

PENDING:

2078 Eaststone St 169,900 1924 88.36 84

1588 Crystalline Dr 104,900 1620 64.70 148

SOLD:

1361 68th St 226,500 1771 134.10 182

1460 Crystal Valley 213,000 2652 90.12 85

6950 Old Lantern Dr 145,100 2671 54.32 6

2086 Eaststone 145,500 1644 88.50 46

2116 Glen Canyon 153,000 1368 110.38 47

7377 Misty View Ct 161,000 1407 114.42 104

1776 Spring Meadow 165,900 1592 103.95 102

7193 Meadowgrass 166,500 1536 108.39 30

7079 Old Lantern Dr 175,000 2135 81.96 8

7561 Barn Swallow 178,000 1189 149.70 88

7458 Misty View Ct 219,000 2112 103.69 36

7474 Old Lantern Dr 270,000 2500 108.00 40

7361 KingsCrossingCt 280,500 3220 87.11 71

1370 KingsCrossingDr 390,000 4954 78.72 105

7350 Royal Ridge 335,000 3900 85.89 77

7429 Old Lantern Dr 298,000 3800 78.42 77

7222 Crystal Stone 155,900 1504 103.65 48

550 homes have sold so far this year in the Kentwood

School District and the average price is $121,303.

If you would like additional information about Caledonia

or Kentwood Homes, please contact me directly at

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

photo of birdhouse by Bonnie Westbrook

Mark Wilson, Watermark Golf Pro to "Rule" at Ryder Cup

Posted on September 17, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

If you are a golf addict like me, you will be watching the Ryder Cup this

weekend.

My friend and Watermark Golf Pro, Mark Wilson, will be the Chief Referee –

The Big Cheese –The Ultimate Decider – concerning the rules of the game

of golf. Mark, along with team captains, Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo, have

formed the “captain’s agreement,” a document that covers several

contingencies: the sealed envelopes with the lineups, the pace of play,

and local rules on the host course, among other things. Mark has

officiated at the Ryder Cup before, but not as Chief Referee.

The Ryder Cup is one of the golf world’s most prestigious tournaments.

It pits an European team and an United States team against each other.

Europe & The United States each put together their “dream team” to win

the Ryder Cup.

Europe won in 2006, the United States last won in 1999, so are anxious to

reclaim the Cup. “It elevates the game and makes each player more intense

because they are playing for the team, not themselves” says Chief Rules

Official Mark Wilson.

Mark Wilson, Chief PGA Rules Official Ryder Cup 2008

Mark has officiated at other major tournaments, such as

The Masters, The British Open, and other PGA Tournaments since 1990.

The Ryder Cup Tournament takes place at Valhalla Golf Club,

Louisville, Kentucky this weekend. Hurricane Ike has dumped a

storm on the Louisville area on Sunday and they are scrambling to

clear the course of debris before the first ball is teed up. Power was

still out in the area last nite as the Ryder Cup teams flew into the airport

to prepare for the big event. Let’s hope they have power restored in

time to put this event on the air. Opening ceremonies at at 4 pm

Thursday EST will be broadcast on the Golf Channel.

All of us here at Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids Michigan

will be watching and keeping an eye out for our Pro, Mark Wilson,

to make a rules decision.

Mark Wilson photo courtesy of Watermark Country Club website

Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame 2008 Inductee ~ Mark Wilson, Watermark Golf Pro

Posted on July 31, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

We have known Mark Wilson since the late 1970’s, when he first became

the golf pro at Hickory Hills Golf Club or was it Forest Hills Golf? Lots of things

have changed at our course but he hasn’t changed a bit, he is still the

friendliest, most professional golf pro we have ever known.

Mark is going to be inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of

fame on Aug 21, 2008. An honor Mark has well earned.

Let me tell you a little about Mark’s accomplishments. He is a Michigan native

and has resided in Grand Rapids since graduating from college. He is also a

Rhodes scholar, lest you think golfers aren’t cerebral.

Mark has been fascinated and personally involved in the PGA Rules of Golf

for as long as I can remember. These days you might see him on TV standing

next to Phil Mickelson or Tiger Woods at any premier PGA event and

giving some unwelcome news about his golf ball and/or penalty strokes.

You see, Mark is the Chairman of the PGA of America Rules Committee.

He travels around the world to PGA golf events to be available for a ruling.

Be aware if you ask a question about the rules, he will quote the page number

or decision rendered about your question.

Members at Watermark have tried for years to stump Mark but we finally have

given up. When you see him, ask “When was the last time you played

golf? With all his duties he seldom has the time. Maybe after this year when

his term as chair of the PGA rules expires.

An excerpt from the Watermark Newsletter about Mark:

Mark Wilson, our Head Professional, has served the

membership of Watermark Country Club for over 25

Years. He is responsible for overseeing the total golf

operation at Watermark. His exceptional attention to

detail has produced years of quality and consistency

in both our regular and tournament play. Mark is

currently the chairman of the PGA of America Rules

Committee. He has served at all the PGA Tour major tournaments, several

European Tour tournaments as well as every Ryder Cup since 1995. Our

membership is proud to have him as our pro and look forward to many more

years with him in that role.

Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame

Watermark Residences ~ Cascade Township, Michigan Real Estate Market Report July 2008

Posted on July 31, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

The Residences at Watermark are on and near Watermark Golf

Course off Cascade Road. If you don’t like golf, or like to look

at a well manicured course, or get defensive when a stray ball rolls

into your “yard” you probably would be better off not buying a

home or condo here. Of course you would be missing out on the

best golf course in Grand Rapids (no prejudice here, just the facts,

folks)

Yes, I play Watermark golf course every chance I get. It is a

premier course with a friendly group of players.

The Single family homes and Condos make this a very attractive

place to live. There is access off Cascade Road and Spaulding Drive,

you are close to the airport, close to 28th Street shopping, close to

I96 expressway and close to Cascade, Ada, and Forest Hills

schools and shopping areas.

watermark residences entrance cascade mi

Watermark Residences July 2008 Market Report

2 Sold, 3 Pending, 8 For Sale

Address Status Price Sq Ft $/Sq Ft DOM

1991 Talamore Ct For Sale 475,000 1908 248.95 38

1664 Watermark For Sale 459,900 2085 220.57 177

2020 Watermark For Sale 525,000 2130 246.47 152

2064 Watermark For Sale 559,900 3423 163.56 124

1803 Watermark For Sale 599,000 2958 202.50 173

2201 Watermark For Sale 625,000 3137 199.23 125

1969 Watermark For Sale 724,900 3720 194.86 171

1908 Talamore Ct Pending 499,900 2115 236.35 10

2093 Stickley Dr. Pending 465,000 1908 243.71 116

2202 Watermark Pending 449,000 2860 156.99 85

2024 Feathery Ct. SOLD 525,000 3146 166.87 103

2096 Watermark SOLD 650,000 2388 272.19 79

If you would like further information about Cascade Homes,

please contact me directly.

photo of Watermark Residences Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Tag Archives: Michigan Golf

Eight Top Rated Michigan Golf Courses

Eight Top Rated Michigan Golf Courses

The Bear

Stonebridge Golf Club in Ann Arbor

Donald Ross Memorial, Boyne Highlands

Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort, Bellaire

Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, Clarkston

Treetops Resort, Gaylord

Marquette Golf Club, Greywalls Course, Marquette

St. Ives & Tulleymore Golf Resort, Stanwood

Golf Vacation Day at Spring Lake Country Club ~ Spring Lake Michigan

Local Kentwood Golfer Plays at 2009 Buick Open

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2008 ~ Crystal Springs

Mark Wilson, Watermark Golf Pro to "Rule" at Ryder Cup

Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame 2008 Inductee ~ Mark Wilson, Watermark Golf Pro

Watermark Residences ~ Cascade Township, Michigan Real Estate Market Report July 2008