Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Brian Clark
Grand Haven
2023-06-29
$176 (cart included), played on Sunday, June 2023 at 8:30 AM
I played the former Grand Haven GC in 1983 & 1990 and was not impressed by its toughness just by having narrow tree-lined fairways. With the limited sunlight in some areas, you had many thin/hard pan lies that the average golfer struggles with, me included. My business friend Jim B called me and said, "Jack Nicklaus is redesigning GHGC, and they're removing A LOT of trees," I said that that's the only reason I'll ever play there again.
For Father's Day / my Birthday, I decided to take my three (3) boys for a round of golf and see the changes.....WOW!!!! From the time you leave your car in the parking lot, walk to the clubhouse, in the clubhouse, bathroom, and tee boxes, you are reminded of Veterans (and their families) that have "They Gave it All" so we could enjoy the Freedom they believed in. Some of the trees are still here, but if you get in them, you had to have missed the 80-100yd wide landing areas, bordered by very playable firm sand.
The five (5) tees allow you to play from 7,213yds / 75.4/148 down to 4,772yds / 68.4/120 on this rolling, sandy, beautiful layout with top-notch conditions that would pass any Master Sargent's inspection. The approach shots to these firm and undulating greens are where the trouble lies, so sharpen those wedge grooves and ability to read 9-11 fast rolling putts. I normally write about the holes, but let's face the facts.....it's a Jack Nicklaus design. Need I say more? My mind and heart are still focused on the walk to the clubhouse, reading the tee box memorials, and being with my sons, who, like me, believe that our Freedom came at a price. We all played from the Freedom tees 6,131yds / 70.3 / 133 with Kevin 87/36putts, Me 90/35putts, Jeremy 91/37putts, and Barry 94/31putts. We will return this Fall to give it another shot and you should too.
Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Expensive and worth it, Best course in the area
Condition of Course, Price, Pace of Play, Food/ Bar facilities, Difficulty, Ambiance, Staff, Pro Shop, Layout, No Houses on Course, Clubhouse
$176 (cart included), played on Sunday, June 2023 at 8:30 AM
I played the former Grand Haven GC in 1983 & 1990 and was not impressed by its toughness just by having narrow tree-lined fairways. With the limited sunlight in some areas, you had many thin/hard pan lies that the average golfer struggles with, me included. My business friend Jim B called me and said, "Jack Nicklaus is redesigning GHGC, and they're removing A LOT of trees," I said that that's the only reason I'll ever play there again.
For Father's Day / my Birthday, I decided to take my three (3) boys for a round of golf and see the changes.....WOW!!!! From the time you leave your car in the parking lot, walk to the clubhouse, in the clubhouse, bathroom, and tee boxes, you are reminded of Veterans (and their families) that have "They Gave it All" so we could enjoy the Freedom they believed in. Some of the trees are still here, but if you get in them, you had to have missed the 80-100yd wide landing areas, bordered by very playable firm sand.
The five (5) tees allow you to play from 7,213yds / 75.4/148 down to 4,772yds / 68.4/120 on this rolling, sandy, beautiful layout with top-notch conditions that would pass any Master Sargent's inspection. The approach shots to these firm and undulating greens are where the trouble lies, so sharpen those wedge grooves and ability to read 9-11 fast rolling putts. I normally write about the holes, but let's face the facts.....it's a Jack Nicklaus design. Need I say more? My mind and heart are still focused on the walk to the clubhouse, reading the tee box memorials, and being with my sons, who, like me, believe that our Freedom came at a price. We all played from the Freedom tees 6,131yds / 70.3 / 133 with Kevin 87/36putts, Me 90/35putts, Jeremy 91/37putts, and Barry 94/31putts. We will return this Fall to give it another shot and you should too.