Grandview Golf Course: The Name Says It All
By Robert McIntyre
Former head coach at state champion, Grosse Pointe South High School
Some courses fly under the radar of non-locals.
The type of course that someone has to tell you about.
Grandview is one of those golf properties.
Mike Schultz (former Traverse City West golf coach) filled me in on one of the best courses in Michigan’s north, near Kalkaska.
I know, that doesn’t sound quite right. He was more than correct about this course though. This hidden gem has a new addition to my “top ten you’ve never heard of in Michigan”. That sounds better.
Stepping out of your car you will gaze west to the forested valley that seems to extend to the horizon. Being late in the season, the fall colors were just starting to pop. It was 80 percent of the way to being one of those Scenic Overlooks off a state highway. I can’t wait to play this course at this point. Even the range is mildly scenic. The clubhouse was not. It was under renovation. The staff was pleasant and clubhouse amenities are not on my mind.
I’m ready for some golf.
The first hole starts you out with a fair, forgiving introduction to a scenic round. No tricks or gimmicks, just like the rest of the course architecture. By the time you get through the second hole you have an accurate feel for the course. It is not overly bunkered. The hazards are there to keep you honest and are completely fair. The landing zones are identifiable and obtainable. There are risk/reward opportunities that are legitimate and fun. The greens are mature and well maintained. The greens were also well suited for the designed approach shot for each hole.
Is the course easy? Nope. It’s fair. The skill level of the group fit a variety of tees. That is what we played. From the 6600 yards of blue tees; well, it was a nice test. No whining, no complaining and only a little swearing. Lots of great holes in its up-north atmosphere.
Grandview is a course that is a great blend of scenery and tempered challenge. It is not some bougie, top 25, Up North resort course that you brag to people how you survived. Instead, we discussed how “if I played that one hole better...” and “if I didn’t cut that corner so much...”
Grandview is a solid design that utilizes the natural views and scenery. “Every par three we play was my new favorite” comments my retired shop teacher friend (I’d guess to be a 10 handicap). “I was thinking the same thing” states his retired math teacher friend (I’d guess to be a 25+ handicap). It was a fun round where we could try to do our best.
As I left, I knew that I would write this review. So, let me say this: I hope Grandview continues to be the home course for Kalkaska High School golf. I hope they still host high school tournaments. Grandview is a course that fits what coaches look for in a home course. I hope it continues to have that local feel.
Finally, I hope to come back to have that scenic golf experience at one-third the cost of most resorts.
You stay gold, Grandview Golf Club.
