Pilgrim's Run is "Pure Michigan" golf at its finest and deserves more recognition.

Pilgrim's Run is one of those courses that quietly earns your respect the further into the round you get. Set across approximately 800 acres, where only half of which is dedicated to golf, it offers a peaceful setting where the golf course blends naturally into the surrounding landscape. Pulling in through the gated entrance and winding through the woods, you become separated from "reality" and into "golf bliss" for the next few hours. The course and staff are unabashedly committed to their mission. Founded by Robert Van Kampen, this is a course that stays true to his Christian heritage. The course gets its name from the popular story, The Pilgrims Progress, and each hole is named after a concept from the book. Gospel music was playing in the clubhouse and bibles are available for those that need one. From a design standpoint, while Mike DeVries often receives much of the attention, the staff was quick to point out that original architect Kris Schumacher deserves equal recognition for the routing and overall design, with DeVries' early work centered primarily on the green complexes.

What stood out most to me was how much the course rewards quality approach play. Off the tee, Pilgrim's Run gives you a visual test that makes you have to commit to your line and swing, but also leaves enough room to be aggressive as well. However, it's the angle and distance of your next shot that determine whether you'll have a realistic birdie (or par!) opportunity. The greens themselves are undeniably bold, featuring multiple tiers, pronounced contours and tightly mown runoffs that have become a hallmark of DeVries' work. They never felt gimmicky, but some could be considered a little too severe. Find the proper section of the green with a well-controlled approach and you'll be rewarded. Miss your number or leave yourself on the wrong tier, and the course immediately becomes much more difficult. It's a layout that consistently rewards precision over power.

The closing stretch is where Pilgrim's Run separates itself and where I had the most fun. The elevated, bunker-protected 15th is one of the best holes on the property before giving way to the demanding 16th, where water guards the right side and commitment is required. Playing off that commitment/faith piece, your target is a cross that sets off in the distance and ties into the story of this place. Truly a unique feature of the cross that I personally enjoyed. The strategic 17th and drivable 18th then provide two very different risk-reward opportunities, creating a finish that is both memorable and exciting. This was a great closing hole stretch, one that I feel competes with any course that I've played.

Course conditioning during my visit was outstanding, and while the greens could have been a touch quicker, that is a minor critique. The undulation doesn't really allow these to be slicked up too much more. Pilgrim's Run isn't a course that overwhelms you with forced carries or excessive difficulty. Instead, it asks you to be strategic, think your way around the property, and then rewards those who control their shots into the green. I'm so glad that I was able to make a visit to this scenic course and look forward to making it back out if ever back in the Grand Rapids area.