CANDLESTONE INN GOLF & RESORT (616-794-1541)
Michigan Golf Course Review 9/09/06
Candlestone is an 18-hole championship golf course cut into a stand of thick mature pines and an old maple
orchard. Designed by Bruce Matthews, this layout features a variety of open and tight driving holes with some
parallel fairways separated by rows of pines and hardwoods. The topography is partly level, but also features some rolling terrain and elevated tee areas.
Facilities on property include a 25-room hotel, Bogie's Bar & Grill, banquet/outing facilities, a small pro shop,
plus grass range and practice green. Stay & play golf packages are available, ranging from $69 to $89 per person in 2006.
The golf course has served as home to the Western Michigan Amateur, and provides three sets of tees that
measure in distance and slope 6702/130, 6252/125 and 4808 with a slope rating of 125 for women playing from
the forward sets. Significant water hazards come into play on ten of the holes, and 40 sand bunkers are
strategically located near the mildly undulating putting surfaces or along the landing zones on fairways.
On course yardages are indicated by color coded stakes at 100, 150 and 200 yards, and red, white and blue
flags on the greens provide golfers with front, middle and back pin placement information. Though generally well
bunkered, most green complexes present open fronts and have sufficient room greenside for up and down opportunities.
The Candlestone golf course opened in 1978, to compliment the hotel and restaurant that came into existence in
1971. The resort is a good bargain for those seeking accommodations with golf on property. The remodeled
hotel offers cable television, room service, wireless internet and complimentary continental breakfast.
The golf course is open for public play, with 2006 prime time rates including cart topping out at $47. For more
information on the course and hotel facilities, visit our page for the property, with direct link to their website by
clicking here.
|
