Quail Ridge Golf Club (616-676-2000)
Michigan Golf Course Review - 8/08/02 - Photos updated June, 2007
Quail Ridge is a Raymond Hearn designed 18-hole championship course featuring upscale conditioning and
amenities. The course traverses 300 acres, with a nice combination of links style and tree lined holes, most with
generous fairways. Rolling hills, water and bunkers come into play, but with 5 sets of tees measuring from 4709
to 6883 yards, all golfers will be able to play to their skill level. We found the layout to be fun and fair, as the
ample landing areas reward good shots with level lies and provide safe avenues to the large, undulating greens.
There is enough trouble to make one think, and to lay up when necessary, when navigating the numerous marsh
areas and sand traps. During our early morning round the course was shimmering from the rays of the sun, and the surrounding views of the many natural areas were outstanding.
The is not a whole lot of water, but the high fescue rough that lines many of the fairways is hazardous enough.
Quail Ridge receives good grades for their marking system, with yardage plates on the fairways at 200/150/100
and 250 yards for par fives. Sprinkler heads are also measured to the center of the green. The pin placement
system features color-coded flags, with red and white indicating front, black and gold center, and blue and white
the back portion of the green. There are no excuses or hidden demon holes here. What you see is what you get.
On property is a spacious putting/chipping green, and a large grass range with target areas. The clubhouse
features a complete pro shop, lounge and dining area, which is well equipped for banquets and outings of
various sizes. The $45 weekday green fee ($55 on weekends) includes cart, making this one of the top values in
the Grand Rapids area. Most golfers will play from the white tees, which measure 6114 yards, with a 119 slope.
The Back tees rate 127 and the Blues cover 6500 yards with a 123 slope rating. If the red tees are too short at 4709, seniors, juniors and ladies may choose the intermediate gold tees at 5453.
The opening hole bends left but is wide open. This is a good beginning hole, allowing the opportunity for a good
score right out of the gate. The second is a short uphill par four, making it two easy holes in a row. Go for the flag
here, as the green is two-tiered and undulating. This is a good warm up for the tough par five that follows. There
is plenty of room off the tee, but a marsh cuts through the fairway and bunkers line the right side on the approach,
making this a 3 shot hole for most golfers. Number 4 is a pretty par three, that plays from an elevated tee. Hit the
correct club and this is an easy par/birdie. The fifth has room left off the tee, but the second shot must carry a
marsh 30 yards out, for those attempting to reach in two. The prudent move is to lay up with a long iron and
approach with a wedge for an reasonable chance at par. This is the number one handicap! A lay up off the tee
is recommended on six, as there are traps long right, and a marsh lines the left side of the fairway. The uphill
approach demands 1 more club. Number seven is also a recommended lay up - aim for the large pole (easy to
see) at the end of the fairway. Past it is trouble. The hole turns sharply right and plays downhill with a water
hazard guarding the right side. Long hitters who know the course, may be able to shape one off the tee, right to
the green. With the water hazard on that side, this is a risky play however. Play your tee shot to the left center of
the fairway on eight, and the approach will be quite simple. This is one of the prettiest holes on the course, and
precedes the long par three finishing hole of the front. A humoungous green, that slopes back to front, is featured here. The tee shot will play all of the distance measured.
The back-side opens with an interesting dogleg left par five. Anything hit to the right will go through the fairway.
Aim just right of the left fairway bunker for the most advantageous positioning. The four bunkers short of the
green provide encouragement for playing this as a 3 shot hole. Eleven presents plenty of room to the right side ff
the tee, though it is tempting o play as close to the water as possible to cut some length. Anything on the fairway
will set up an easy approach. Number 12 is very tight, with a huge marsh left, and high grasses right of the
narrow fairway that slopes towards the hazard. There is no room to be long on the approach. Number thirteen
features an extremely tight tree lined fairway, that narrows even more on the approach - tough hole for the # 10
handicap. A shot placed between the fairway bunker and the tree, on the 90 degree dogleg left par four 14th will
set up a good birdie opportunity. This is followed by a long par three (248 from the tips, 198 from whites) that
plays slightly uphill. A fairway wood (or even driver) will be necessary here, depending on the wind and pin
placement. Number 16 is aptly the number 16th handicap - a short dogleg left par four that plays 1 club uphill on
the approach. The putting surface on 17 is sloped right to left and is double tiered, so pay close attention to the
pin placement on this par three that also plays 1 club more. The finishing hole features a raised fairway with
plenty of open fairway. This hole plays long, and will require an accurate approach, with bunkers and long grasses situated near the green.
Quail Ridge opened in 1999, and has matured nicely, offering some of the best playing conditions in Western
Michigan. There is a nice flow to the layout, with the tougher handicapped holes interspersed amongst the more
playable ones. The lack of residential development creates a secluded setting, conducive to wildlife. As
indicated by the slope ratings (109-127), this is a user-friendly layout that can be enjoyed by all golfers. At this price, Quail ridge is highly recommended!
Check out the Two Guys Who Golf detailed information page on this course (which includes a link to the course's website if available) - click here.
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