The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe - Grand Rapids, MI

[sroel908]

I had the chance to play in a charity scramble last weekend at The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe in Grand Rapids, Mich. It is a very nice course with plenty of interesting challenges that await the player. 

 

Perhaps the most interesting part about this course is its nickname :"Planes, Trains and Automobiles". If you don't like a lot of outside distractions during your round, you may want to look elsewhere in the area for your golf fix.

 

The nickname came about due to the fact that the course sits on the direct flight path of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, is bisected by a railroad, and is close to major freeways leading into the city. If that weren't enough, the Thornapple River snakes it's way near several holes, and boaters cruise the waters regularly.

 

If you can shut out the distractions, a great round of golf is to be had. No. 13 has to be the signature hole; it's a par 5 with elevated tees and a fantastic view of the river. 

 

Many holes feature slight doglegs and blind tee or approach shots. The greens were in great shape when I played, and rolled true. 

 

The course also features great amenities, and quite possibly the best golf carts I've ever used (whatever that may be worth). The clubhouse features a very nice pro shop and bar/restaurant. The carts all come with GPS touch screens that do everything from help keep score to provide distances. We even had a real-time leaderboard that showed our position against the rest of the field in the scramble. High tech stuff.

 

If you're in the Grand Rapids area and are looking for a round of golf, I recommend Thornapple Pointe. Just be ready to deal with the planes, trains and automobiles during your time there.