Lansing

Michigan's state capital, Lansing is an excellent golf town and especially for public golf. Bordered by East Lansing, the home of Michigan State University, it is a festive metro area of just under 500,000 residents and 51 courses within 30 miles. Located in the center of the state off I-96 and I-69, it is easily accessible from Detroit and Grand Rapids and can be visited on the way to northern Michigan. The top public option is the combination of Eagle Eye Golf Club, a dramatic 18-hole course that opened in 2003, and its partner course across the street, Hawk Hallow Golf Club. Hawk Hollow features 27 holes as well as an 18-hole, natural grass putting course and practice facility. In East Lansing, Michigan State University has a stellar, 36-hole golf facility that is fully open to the public and is a regular Big 10 Championship host and also hosted the NCAA Women's Division III Golf Championships. The West Course at Forest Akers is one of the top collegiate golf courses in the state and provides solid value to visitors as well as an onsite hotel for those visiting the university. Timber Ridge Golf Club is another public standout that offers a densely wooded setting reminiscent of courses in the north. The area's newest course, College Fields Golf Club, was built in 2005 and is an affordable, minimalist-style course in Okemos. In addition to visiting the state capitol, taking in a Michigan State Spartans game or a show, the area is also home to wineries, breweries and a collection of fine restaurants.

Click here to read more about Lansing's best golf courses in this feature story by Sr. Managing Editor Brandon Tucker