Forest Akers

Golf Travel Guide To Greater Lansing

An Interview With Lori Lanspeary, Leisure Marketing Manager

By Brian Weis

Looking to plan the perfect golf trip to Greater Lansing? Planning a buddies trip or a romantic golf getaway can be a full time job not to mention pressure filled to deliver a memorable experience. Below is an interview with Lori Lanspeary, Leisure Marketing Manager who shares some insider information about golfing and traveling to Greater Lansing, must play courses, a sample itinerary and where you can go for more planning tools.

Give our readers an overview of your destination and why they should consider it for their next golf trip?
Location, affordability and a diverse offering of course terrain make Greater Lansing a great choice for a weekend golf getaway. Located in the heart of Michigan, the region boasts 30 courses within a 30-mile radius. Find outstanding options for the avid golfer and plenty of available tee times. Choose from a northern Michigan feel at Timber Ridge Golf Club, experience a Zagat top-rated Forest Akers, home to the Michigan State University golf program, or give it your best shot on the challenging Island Green 17th hole at Eagle Eye Golf Club. You are guaranteed to find a course that suits you to a tee. With courses designed by architectural masters Pete Dye and Chris Lutzke, you can find country club quality and public course costs that are right on PAR!

What are the must play courses in Greater Lansing?
Brookshire Inn & Golf Club Brookshire offers the finest in golf, dining, banquet and wedding facilities. The golf course is 6,300 yards of beautiful greens, grass swales, mounded bunkers and plenty of water. The restaurant and banquet facilities have long been recognized by diners and critics alike as one of the Lansing area's premier facilities.
18-hole, Par 72, 6,300 yards
205 W. Church St., Williamston,
(517) 655-4694
www.brookshiregolfclub.com

Chisholm Hills Golf & Banquet Center
Located in South Lansing, just off I-96 and within minutes of shopping and hotel accommodations. Golf course showcases mature trees, lakes, wetlands, rolling terrain, bent grass tees and greens. Banquet Center overlooks natural golf course setting. Gourmet catering services available for groups up to 400.
18-hole, Par 72, 6,577 yards. Average Course Rating 70.5/Slope 125
2395 Washington Rd., Lansing,
(517) 694-0169
www.chisholmhills.com

College Fields Golf Club
College Fields is one of the most recent golf courses built in Michigan, but it is designed with the history of golf in mind. The course topography is gently rolling. Located adjacent to MSU with easy access from I-96 and US127.
18-hole, Par 71, 6,124 yards
3800 Hagadorn Rd., Okemos,
(517) 332-8100
www.collegefields.net

Eagle Eye Golf Club at Hawk Hollow
Everything from the rolling landscape to the signature 17th Island Green was designed to create magnificent shot values and challenges from each of the four sets of tees while retaining playability. The 65,000 sq. ft. clubhouse has five banquet rooms for groups of any size. Rated #53 in America. Stay and play packages available. Contact: tlkildea@gmail.com
18-hole, Par 72, Five sets of tees: 5,200-7,318 yards
15500 Chandler Rd., Bath,
(517) 641-4570
www.hawkhollow.com

Eldorado Golf Course
A hometown favorite. Clubhouse and remodeled banquet facilities to seat up to 200 people, food, beverages, pro shop, driving range, club rental, power carts and watered fairways.
27-hole, Red-Par 36, 3,160 yards; White-Par 35, 2,892 yards; Blue-Par 36, 3,168 yards
3750 W. Howell Rd., Mason,
(517) 676-2854
www.eldorado27.com

Forest Akers Golf Course
Redesigned by renowned golf course architect and MSU alumnus Arthur Hills, the West Course is the home of the Michigan State Spartans golf programs and has been rated by Zagat as among the top golf courses in America. An all-weather practice facility was added in 2009, with 18 heated and covered stalls for year-round practice.
Two 18-hole courses: East-Par 72, 6,490 yards; West-Par 72, 7,013 yards East Course: Harrison Rd., corner of Mt. Hope and Harrison, East Lansing. West Course:
3535 Forest, East Lansing,
(517) 355-1635
www.golf.msu.edu

Grand Ledge Country Club
Clubhouse/banquet facilities, club rental, food and beverages, power carts, pro shop, all-grass driving range and PGA pro. Golf course is open to the public.
18-hole, Par 72, 6,100 yards
5811 E. St. Joseph Hwy., Grand Ledge,
(517) 627-2495
www.grandledgecountryclub.com

Groesbeck Golf Course
Ranked among the top municipal courses in Michigan, Groesbeck Golf Course is Lansing's best value for quality golf. This 18-hole course will challenge and entertain players of any skill level. Located near downtown Lansing off of E. Grand River Ave. and Otto St. Features: putting green, pro shop, weekly specials, casual eatery with full bar, club and cart rental.
18-hole, Par 71, 6,166 yards
1523 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave, Lansing,
(517) 483-4333
www.groesbeckgolfcourse.com/

Hawk Hollow
Hawk Hollow offers a clubhouse, bar/lounge, snack bar, banquet facilities to seat up to 600, power carts, pro shop, two full-size driving ranges, club rental and PGA pro. Stay and Play packages available. Contact: tlkildea@gmail.com.
27-hole, Par 72, Four sets of tees-from 5,200-6,974 yards
15101 Chandler Rd., Bath,
(517) 641-4295
www.hawkhollow.com

Ironwood Links Golf Course
A beautifully crafted 18-hole golf course featuring a front nine with open rolling terrain and a back nine carved through scenic woods and hills. The superbly conditioned Par 64 layout has an equal mix of holes of all lengths, stretching as long as 400 yards, and is enjoyable for all levels of golfers. Facility available for meetings, banquets up to 160.
18-hole, Par 64, 3,974 yards
742 N. Eifert Rd., (21/2 miles south of Holt Rd.), Mason,
(517) 676-3116
www.ironwoodlinks.com

Royal Scot Golf, Bowl and Banquet Center Named in Golf Digest's "Places to Play" from 1995-2001. Bar/lounge, banquet facilities, club rental, driving range, restaurant, power carts, pro shop, snack bar and watered fairways. Call ahead for tee times. Also includes 60-lane bowling center.
27-hole course: Inside-Par 36, 3,301 yards; Outside-Par 35, 3,267 yards; North-Par 37, 3,530 yards
4722 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing,
(517) 321-6220, (517) 321-GOLF (4653)
www.royalscot.net

The Emerald Golf Club
The Emerald, "The Gem of Mid-Michigan Golf" is looking forward to serving all of your golfing needs. Located just a short drive north of Lansing. Designed by Jerry Matthews, the course provides quality playing conditions and one of the best values in the area.
18-hole, Par 72, 6,619 yards
2300 W. Maple Rapids Rd., St. Johns,
(989) 224-6287, (800) 924-5993
www.emeraldgolfcourse.com

The Falcon at Hawk Hollow
The Falcon is a nine-hole "links style" walking course with carts available. FootGolf (soccer ball golf) is also available. Contact Wally Dutkowski for details: wallydut@gmail.com.
9-hole, Par 31, 2,363 yards
555 Quarter Horse Ln., Bath,
(517) 371-3484
www.hawkhollow.com

Timber Ridge Golf Club
Up-North golf, down home service. Lansing's most enjoyable, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course with grill room, full bar, banquet facilities, club rental, power golf carts, practice facility and golf shop. Recently received a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest. Call ahead for reservations.
18-hole, Par 72, 6,585 yards
16339 Park Lake Rd., East Lansing,
(517) 940-8095
https://eagleeyegolfclub.com/golf-courses/timber-ridge-championship-golf-course/

Woodside Golf Course
One of the few 12-hole courses in America, Woodside winds through beautiful hardwoods, with interesting green complexes and a variety of shot-making options. Stay and play packages available. Contact tkildea@gmail.com.
12-hole, Par 47, Three sets of tees from 4,221-3,672 yards
14400 Wood Rd., Lansing,
(517) 242-8527
www.hawkhollow.com

What is the hidden gem and/or best value course?
Both a hidden gem AND an incredible golf value is Lansing's only municipal course, Groesbeck. Ranked among the top city-run courses in the entire state, this course challenges and entertains golfers of every skill level. Located near downtown Lansing and a few blocks from I-127, Groesbeck offers plenty of free parking, a putting green, pro shop and a casual eatery with a full bar. Keep on top of your game with the golf simulator with 95+ courses available to choose from. There is also a par 3 course for beginners and juniors. Typical play time is 45-50 minutes for 9 holes and two players. Golf balls are provided.

Can you provide our readers with an ideal itinerary for a long weekend?
A long weekend in Greater Lansing for golf is certainly worth the drive. Find a good variety of championship golf courses at affordable prices, diverse local dining options, first-rate lodging plus great entertainment options. Start you weekend with both of Forest Akers' offerings, rated by Zagat as two of the top golf courses in America. Play Forest Akers West on Friday (18 holes of championship golf and the home of the Michigan State University golf team) and Forest Akers East on Saturday. Both courses are meticulously kept and present challenging holes winding through scenic old-growth woods and natural areas. Close out the weekend with 18 holes on Sunday at Eagle Eye Golf Club. From the picturesque rolling landscape to the signature Island Green on the 17 the course offers magnificent shot values for a round of golf to remember.

After golf, what are the "must do" things or attractions to see?
Golfers may love the game, but a little down time and some alternative kind of fun entertainment can be added into the mix. Still up for some competition? Check out the new indoor high-speed go-karting, axe throwing and pocket soccer available at High Caliber Karting and Entertainment complete with bar and bistro. And if you're in search of some refreshing libations, Greater Lansing is home to over 20 artisan and craft breweries, wineries and distilleries on the Makers & Shakers Trail. Add in an abundance of lodging choices and delicious dining options ranging from high-end steakhouses to great local burger and pizza joints. Altogether this makes planning a golf getaway to Greater Lansing easy and satisfying.

Anything else you would like to share about the Greater Lansing?
Lansing is not only the capital of Michigan, it is also home to two of the most state-of-the-art General Motors assembly plants in the country manufacturing the Cadillac CTS, Chevy Camaro, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and the Chevy Traverse. In addition, find Michigan State University, home to the Big Ten Spartans in neighboring East Lansing, great touring Broadway shows, world-class museums. That's big city amenities, but with a small town feel.

For something a bit different or if there's time between rounds, check out Little Hawk, located adjacent to Hawk Hollow. This 18-hole natural bent grass putting course is one of only two in the state. It comes complete with sand traps, water hazards and bridges. A links style course, it's fun for the whole family, for beginners or those who may just need to work on their short game.

Where can golfers go for more information to research and plan their trip?
Browse the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau's golf course directory to find out more about golf packages at nearby golf courses. http://www.lansing.org/visitor/things-to-do/golf/

Greater Lansing
888-252-6746
www.lansing.org

Revised: 01/29/2016 - Article Viewed 30,820 Times

About: Brian Weis

Brian Weis is the mastermind behind GolfTrips.com, a vast network of golf travel and directory sites covering everything from the rolling fairways of Wisconsin to the sunbaked desert layouts of Arizona. If there’s a golf destination worth visiting, chances are, Brian has written about it, played it, or at the very least, found a way to justify a "business trip" there.

As a card-carrying member of the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA), International Network of Golf (ING), Golf Travel Writers of America (GTWA), International Golf Travel Writers Association (IGTWA), and The Society of Hickory Golfers (SoHG), Brian has the credentials to prove that talking about golf is his full-time job. In 2016, his peers even handed him The Shaheen Cup, a prestigious award in golf travel writing—essentially the Masters green jacket for guys who don’t hit the range but still know where the best 19th holes are.

Brian’s love for golf goes way back. As a kid, he competed in junior and high school golf, only to realize that his dreams of a college golf scholarship had about the same odds as a 30-handicap making a hole-in-one. Instead, he took the more practical route—working on the West Bend Country Club grounds crew to fund his University of Wisconsin education. Little did he know that mowing greens and fixing divots would one day lead to a career writing about the best courses on the planet.

In 2004, Brian turned his golf passion into a business, launching GolfWisconsin.com. Three years later, he expanded his vision, and GolfTrips.com was born—a one-stop shop for golf travel junkies looking for their next tee time. Today, his empire spans all 50 states, and 20+ international destinations.

On the course, Brian is a weekend warrior who oscillates between a 5 and 9 handicap, depending on how much he's been traveling (or how generous he’s feeling with his scorecard). His signature move" A high, soft fade that his playing partners affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) call "The Weis Slice." But when he catches one clean, his 300+ yard drives remind everyone that while he may write about golf for a living, he can still send a ball into the next zip code with the best of them.

Whether he’s hunting down the best public courses, digging up hidden gems, or simply outdriving his buddies, Brian Weis is living proof that golf is more than a game—it’s a way of life.