Travel Michigan Golf

Moss Ridge - By Greg Johnson

The new Moss Ridge course near Ravenna is an able place -- as in playable and affordable. And those two things might not even be the best thing about the Bruce Matthews III design that completed all 18 holes last August and is set for its first full season and a probable "grand opening" July 4.

The best thing might be the versatility of the course, which features four sets of tees, just enough water to keep things interesting, no unmanageable forced carries, rolling hills but not severe hills and if you like walking, that's possible too. "The basic goal of the owners (Richard Kent & Associates) and what they asked Bruce Matthews to design was a course that would have an excellent playing condition, but the biggest thing is that it would be player-friendly," said Mike LaFrance, general manager and the head PGA golf professional.

"It's a place where the average golfer will find it nicely-conditioned, nice scenery and not be totally scared of playing the place."

Matthews built a course that measures 6,943 yards from the back tees as well as 6,357, 5,837 and 5,096 from there other sets of tee pads. It features bent grass fairways, tees and greens and promises private club amenities at a public facility. It's located on Apple Ave. in Ravenna, five miles from the junction of M-37 and M-46, less than 30 miles from Grand Rapids. Clubhouse construction continues, and it will include banquet room for up to 400 people. Plans call for the development of about 60 home sites around the area, but ownership wanted the golf course in first.

"The quality of the course was the first priority," LaFrance said, "and we feel like that's happened given the reaction we received after we opened first 10 holes, then all 18 last year. People found it playable, enjoyable and pretty, the things we wanted to hear."

The course is built on the former Thomas Moss Apple Orchard Farm, and the late Moss was involved in the start of the project in 1995. The course is named in his honor, and the orchards are among the things golfers will play through on the site. Water can be found along four holes, but little of it is in play. Hills are part of the design, but they are gentle hills. The sand traps, large and fairly numerous, are designed so that golfers can with a proper shot get out of them rather easily. "You almost have to cold top it to hit it in any water, the sand really defines the course but doesn't make it impossible to get around, and the red tees never see water or really tough bunkers in their way," LaFrance said. "Even in the orchard areas, you can find the golf balls and with some skill and luck, get in on the greens. You won't need a lot of golf balls, here. It will still be a challenge, but you don't have to worry about hitting it in some impossible place."

The course starts with what LaFrance calls a pair of comfortable holes, then offers up a challenge with a 601-yard par 5 that is sometimes against the wind. Some downwind holes follow, however, and golfers should be ready to take advantage of the "scoring holes" of 13 through 17. No. 18 is a strong 438-yard par 4.

"There are some long holes, some short holes, a real nice mix," LaFrance said. "I really think from the back tees its a challenge, and yet it should be comfortable for all golfers provided they choose the right set of tees to play from."

Once a golfer reaches the greens, except for the No. 6 hole, they should not find undulations that are especially taxing.

"It won't be a place where golfers feel like they three-putt their way around," LaFrance said. "They will be very nice greens, and if you make good putts, you will be rewarded."

Gary Spahr, the former superintendent at Cedar Chase in Cedar Springs, is the new super. He was brought on early during the design phase to work with Matthews, who also designed Cedar Chase. The opening rates this year will top out at $39 for 18 holes with cart, or $29 for 18 walking. A cart will be needed by some golfers, but only because distances between some of the tees are significant.

Call 1-888-590-6742.