Travel Michigan Golf

Pigeon Creek - by Terry Moore

In these times when $50 greens fees are becoming increasingly viewed as a "bargain," it's refreshing to find a few new courses with more modest wallet/purse aspirations. One such course, in the frugal environs of Ottawa County, is Pigeon Creek GC. Weather permitting, Pigeon Creek is expected to open in early June with 18-hole rates for walkers as low as $21.

But don't get ahead of ourselves. A little history is in order here. Owners John and Phil Kuyers set out to build an "inexpensive yet fun" course to play on 160 acres of family-owned farmland located just off 120th Avenue in West Olive. "From the beginning, we wanted a course with a family atmosphere," said John, a dairy farmer for the past 22 years. After playing Boulder Creek near Rockford, the Kuyers retained the services of landscape architect and Boulder Creek designer Mark DeVries to transform their nondescript farmland into a respectable and appealing golf course. "When I first saw the property, I couldn't believe how flat it was," said DeVries. "But at the same time, I saw an opportunity to design some character and personality into the terrain." After studying the prairie-flat topography, DeVries proposed creating ponds and earth berms throughout the course to lend some definition to the layout. The Kuyers accepted and the result today is a course that'll feature 11 ponds totaling 14 acres of water. Yet, aquaphobes should not be deterred in playing here as the ponds are strategically and smartly placed and are not designed as penal and demoralizing cross-hazards. "The ponds at Pigeon Creek are mostly in play for a spray shot--right or left--and are generally lateral hazards," said DeVries.

Adding teeth to the par-71 6511-yard layout (from back tees) at Pigeon Creek will be the prevailing westerly winds that should prove to be especially challenging at times. "The wind will add another dimension to how one plays this course," said DeVries. In particular, the par-4 360-yard sixth hole will be a test. It's a dogleg left around a pond that requires a good drive into the prevailing west wind. But two holes later, at the shortish par-4 330-yard eight hole, big hitters will normally have the winds at their backs and be tempted to cut this dogleg right over a pond to drive the green. "It's 260 yards to carry the pond, so the thought to go for the green--especially with the right wind--should come into play," said DeVries. On the back side, Pigeon Creek features a nice finish with downwind par-five 540-yard 16th hole, a par-three 17th back into the wind, and the par-four 365-yard 18th hole with its large pond down the right side that'll provide lots of heroics and heartbreaks in equal measure.

The fairways are a bluegrass mix while the greens are bent. DeVries says the soil at Pigeon Creek was ideal for building a course. "There was good sandy loam for topsoil and underneath it all was pure sand," said DeVries. "For sure, it will have excellent drainage." Overseeing this walker-friendly course is John Nysee who spent 22 years as the well-regarded superintendent at Fairways/Gleneagle GC in Hudsonville.

Pigeon Creek offers a large driving range and practice putting green and sports a modest, functional clubhouse selling just snacks and beverages. You won't find many "upscale daily fee" amenities that drive up the green fees. Instead, the emphasis is on providing a more affordable, convenient and yet pleasurable golf experience without all the pricey frills. Local residents, beginners, seniors and families will all find themselves especially at home here. Pigeon Creek fills this overlooked golf course niche quite admirably. For more information, call 616-875-4300.