An Arnold Palmer Signature Course, situated in West Michigan. Ravines Golf Club has a rather fitting name. The course traverses its way over, around, and parallel to deep ravines that give the course its namesake. Ravines is incredibly secluded, with almost every hole being cut through the tall, swaying trees and marshes. The layout is tight enough to make you think about your drives but wide enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re driving it through a chute every hole. With little housing seen from the course, a great layout and good conditioning, this place is pure North Coast.

We played Ravines over the 4th of July weekend at peak rates, and we were still able to get out for under $100. The layout is great and offers a wide variety of shots throughout the round (tipping out at ~7,000 yards). Getable par 5’s, short & tight par 3’s, long par 4’s, boxes that make you move the ball, greens that roll well, enough trouble to tighten your grip, well-kept bunkers with sand you can sleep on, and great hospitality from the staff all-around. I would play this course again in a heartbeat. Sitting just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids (a place littered with great golf), Ravines needs to be added to your next trip.

Whilst Ravines sits below the unofficial line of ‘Northern Michigan’, this place feels about as Northern Michigan as you can get. With plenty of wildlife on the course, and little development, Ravines gives you 4-hours in a peaceful oasis. Golf as it was meant to be. If you can’t make it all the way to Northern Michigan, head to Ravines to get a feel of what it’s like. Take a dip in Lake Michigan after for the full experience.