Pilgrim's Run Golf Club

Newaygo County in Michigan may be best known for its natural resources and outdoor activities, but you may not be aware of all the great and challenging golf courses the county has to offer.

Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club in nearby Pierson, MI became an 18-hole golf course in July 1998 and since then there has been no looking back. Pilgrim’s Run has received high praise and several well-deserved accolades from notable golf media sources such as Golf Magazine, Golf Advisor, and Golf Week, and a 4 ½ star rating from Golf Digest.

The golf course is the brainchild of Robert Van Kampen, a Chicagoland entrepreneur who moved to the Grand Haven Michigan area to pursue his vision of building and owning a championship golf facility. Van Kampen was a devout Christian and a student of the Bible; he also collected rare and ancient copies of the Bible. One of his favorite works of Christian literature was The Pilgrim’s Progress, a book written in the 1600s by an Englishman named John Bunyan. This is where the golf course and each hole get its name.

Van Kampen called upon six friends and business associates to help design the golf course. Each person selected three numbers out of a hat and designed that particular hole, Up and coming golf architect Mike DeVries took their designs and put together the design which is pretty much what you see today.

Pilgrim’s Run is built on over 400 acres of wooded, rolling terrain. Golfers have 4 sets of tees to choose from with 3 “hybrid” yardages listed on the scorecard. Yardages range from 4,831 yards for juniors and women to 7,021 for low handicappers and professionals. Choose the yardage that best fits your game and you’re sure to have a great time.

You’ll find a good mix of holes including several that offer risk/reward-type opportunities; odds are you’ll hit every club in the bag! Standing on several holes the course first appears somewhat intimidating, however, the spacious landing areas and no out-of-bounds say otherwise!

One of my favorites is the 4th hole – aptly named Deception. It’s the first par 3 of the day and truly lives up to its name. The hole plays slightly downhill, however, if you don’t hit enough club and find the massive false front, you can expect the ball to roll back at least 25 ft. The green is protected by four deep and challenging bunkers.

One-half hour north of Grand Rapids and it is well worth the drive. Beautiful scenery and course maintenance is top-notch. Surprising elevation changes and some wide fairway landing areas add to your visual and golfing pleasure. But, this is not an easy course. Greens are fast, undulating and well protected. Do not pass up playing this course if you are in the area.