The Emerald Named 2022 Michigan Golf Course of the Year
By Greg Johnson
The Emerald Golf Course in St. Johns has been selected as the 2022 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).
The popular mid-Michigan public venue opened in 1996 after the late Michigan Golf Hall of Fame architect Jerry Matthews designed a new 18 holes on the property that included the site of a previous nine-hole private facility, and it has been ranked and regarded among the state’s top courses for public play since.
“We are pleasantly surprised but we also feel like it is well-deserved because our crew has worked together to maintain our facility inside and out while also making us a welcoming family friendly place,” said Katie Eccleton, the director of golf operations. “We have always felt like we are a hidden gem here in mid-Michigan and our crew is excited and proud that we are being recognized.”
The MGCA Course of the Year Award honors a member course that meets four criteria: unique characteristics of the course; exceptional quality of ownership and management; outstanding contribution to its community; and significant contribution to the game.
Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA, feels The Emerald fits the criteria perfectly.
“The MGCA is thrilled to announce The Emerald as the 2022 MGCA Course of the Year,” she said. “The Emerald is known as the “Gem of Mid-Michigan” and they attract golfers from all parts of the state and those golfers are welcomed with warmth and hospitality from The Emerald team. It’s clear their surrounding community and others benefit from their passion and commitment to the game. They are a great representation of Michigan golf.”
Variety is the calling card of the Matthew’s design that is 6,619 yards with multiple tee options. The course offers various dogleg holes, including a double dogleg hole, trees and water on some holes that demand precise play and others that offer the golfer room and multiple angle options for shots. Troy Looney is the golf course superintendent.
“We are known for our excellent course conditions and our playability, and we strive to serve golfers of all ages from every group, especially families,” Eccleton said. “Golf can be intimidating, but our course is a fun place to play. We feel like we are a great representative of Michigan golf because we greet the golfers in the parking lot and then treat them great inside, outside and when they are back inside again.”
