Pilgrim's Run Golf Club — Local services in Ensley Township

I played PR, July '25. 9.2/10 stars

Overall: PR is an awesome course, plain and simple. It lives up to its ranking and more. Truly an experience. From the time you enter the grounds, you feel like you're in for a special adventure, and you won't be disappointed. I look forward to returning soon, thank you Pilgrim's Run!

Pros: Very unique layout, designed by multiple designers that takes up hundreds and hundreds of acres. Because of the layout and the fairly spaced out tee times, you feel like you're alone in the middle of the forest, on a lot of holes. Most holes would be signature holes on any other course. Very well maintained. Some of the fastest greens I've ever played. Fairways, bunkers, tee boxes, everything was in great condition. Generous fairways with larger landing areas. Some holes, I felt like I couldn't miss the fairways. Real sand in the bunkers. I only saw a few pebbles, and I'm sure they were removed by the grounds crew the next morning. Bunkers were also insanely deep on some holes which made for fun and risky approaches. Price. You really feel like you're getting your money's worth. Its under $80 and I'm glad they don't charge more, because they could. Named holes with plaques on each hole. I liked reading the name of each hole at the tee box. I thought it was a nice touch and gave the course a special feeling. The clock and PR plaque. Anytime you play a course with a clock like that, you know you're at a nice course. Knowing the story and history of the course and the naming of the holes, made the experience all the more special. Range balls come with your round. Always nice getting free range balls to hit and warm up before your round.

Cons: Can't take carts in the parking lot. This one I don't understand. I get it, you have a bag drop off area where I can pull up and get my clubs but, what do you think we're gonna do in the parking lot with the carts? Race them? Play crash up derby? Just let us take the carts to our cars and we promise to bring them back. Not an easy course for the average golfer. I consider myself an above average golfer (10 handicap). I shot an 88. Mind you, it was my first time playing the course. Also, where this may be a con for others (why I made it one), its not for me. I look forward to a playable challenge and PR is definitely that. If you're looking for just another round, to play with the boys and get drunk, this ain't the course. You'll end up losing a lot of balls and holding up play. While its nice to be in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a forest, if its a hot day, you're going to roast. I love the design, and feeling like you're alone on the course with the thick forest lined holes, but you pay a price for it. That price, no wind. No breeze at all, even when we could see the tops of the trees moving. 90° that day, felt like 100.

Final thought: The course, the staff, everything is great. From the holes that leave you in awe because of their picturesque beauty, the holes that confuse you like, #4 Deception, a short par 3 that lives up to its name, or one of the best closing holes I've ever played. It was a wonderful place that I'm glad I was able to experience. I'll...

Newaygo County in Michigan may be best known for its natural resources and outdoor activities, but you may not be aware of all the great and challenging golf courses the county has to offer.

Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club in nearby Pierson, MI became an 18-hole golf course in July 1998 and since then there has been no looking back. Pilgrim’s Run has received high praise and several well-deserved accolades from notable golf media sources such as Golf Magazine, Golf Advisor, and Golf Week, and a 4 ½ star rating from Golf Digest.

The golf course is the brainchild of Robert Van Kampen, a Chicagoland entrepreneur who moved to the Grand Haven Michigan area to pursue his vision of building and owning a championship golf facility. Van Kampen was a devout Christian and a student of the Bible; he also collected rare and ancient copies of the Bible. One of his favorite works of Christian literature was The Pilgrim’s Progress, a book written in the 1600s by an Englishman named John Bunyan. This is where the golf course and each hole get its name.

Van Kampen called upon six friends and business associates to help design the golf course. Each person selected three numbers out of a hat and designed that particular hole, Up and coming golf architect Mike DeVries took their designs and put together the design which is pretty much what you see today.

Pilgrim’s Run is built on over 400 acres of wooded, rolling terrain. Golfers have 4 sets of tees to choose from with 3 “hybrid” yardages listed on the scorecard. Yardages range from 4,831 yards for juniors and women to 7,021 for low handicappers and professionals. Choose the yardage that best fits your game and you’re sure to have a great time.

You’ll find a good mix of holes including several that offer risk/reward-type opportunities; odds are you’ll hit every club in the bag! Standing on several holes the course first appears somewhat intimidating, however, the spacious landing areas and no out-of-bounds say otherwise!

One of my favorites is the 4th hole – aptly named Deception. It’s the first par 3 of the day and truly lives up to its name. The hole plays slightly downhill, however, if you don’t hit enough club and find the massive false front, you can expect the ball to roll back at least 25 ft. Four deep and challenging bunkers...

Every year, our group of 12 travels for a Ryder Cup-style golf trip, playing the best courses in our destination. This year, we came to Grand Rapids, Michigan. On Day 1 we played The Ravines, which was a solid course, but their staff described Pilgrim’s Run as just “OK.” Let me tell you, Pilgrim’s Run is anything but “OK.”

From the moment you turn onto the long, winding driveway, you know you’re in for something special. The approach is reminiscent of Augusta, but instead of magnolias, you’re surrounded by towering pines, which frame the experience beautifully and set the perfect tone for the day. It feels like you’ve entered a giant, private forest, and each hole has been carved out just for the game of golf.

The course itself is absolutely stunning. You almost never see another group, as each hole is secluded and thoughtfully routed. Even though it’s lined with trees, it’s remarkably playable. Each hole is unique, memorable, and challenging in its own way, and our group, ranging from a 4 handicap to a 20, all agreed it was one of the best courses we’ve ever played in our 9 years of golf trips.

What truly elevated the experience, though, was the staff. Every single person we interacted with was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely excited to have us there. They went out of their way to help us set up the various games we played throughout the round, which made our day even more enjoyable and stress-free.

The amenities are also excellent. Every cart has GPS, which is especially handy for a couple of blind shots on the course, and the practice facilities are top-notch. There’s one practice green that mirrors the undulations you’ll find out on the course and another flat green perfect for dialing in your stroke on straight putts.

If I could give Pilgrim’s Run more than 5 stars, I would. Between the gorgeous setting, the fantastic course design, the friendly and accommodating staff, and the outstanding facilities, it’s an unforgettable experience and a true hidden gem. If you’re anywhere near Grand Rapids, do yourself a favor and play it. You won’t be...