Pilgrim's Run Golf Club Season Opener: Michael Rey Shares Course Updates and Tee Time Guidelines

As one of the premier public golf destinations in the state, Pilgrim's Run Golf Club continues to earn national and regional acclaim for its pristine layout, exceptional maintenance, and authentic northern Michigan feel.

In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, longtime Director of Golf Michael Rey shared updates on seasonal course openings, strategic green speed configurations, and practical advice for secure tee time planning.

A Nationally Recognized Track Ready for the Season

Built in 1998, Pilgrim's Run Golf Club is widely celebrated for its scenic design embedded directly within the natural woodlands of Pierson, Michigan. Located accessibly just outside of Grand Rapids, the facility bridges the gap between high-end public availability and an upscale, country club-level atmosphere.

As spring conditions turn optimal, the operational crew is handling the final stages of property preparation to launch full seasonal play.

Early Season Operational Plans and Green Configurations

Rather than modifying the course setup to prioritize extreme speed, management relies on a disciplined, well-balanced approach to green maintenance. Because the layout features significant natural slopes and contours, keeping green speeds managed ensures fair play and steady course movement.

"We try and keep ours right around 9 and a half, 10," Rey noted regarding the Stimpmeter measurements. "We have a lot of undulation here, so exactly right, if you get this thing too quick here, we're looking at 5, 5 and a half hours, and we just can't do that here."

By maintaining a consistent target pace on the putting surfaces, the grounds crew provides an exceptional experience that preserves both the turf quality and a healthy pace of play for everyday public golfers.

Finding the Right Challenge on the Course

The footprint of the course is intentionally versatile, featuring tee boxes that range anywhere from 4,800 yards to over 7,000 total yards. To help players select the most playable option for their specific skill level, Rey suggested moving away from traditional yardage metrics or handicap baselines in favor of a clear, functional benchmark.

"I say if we go by the 7-iron distance, it gets you into a decent range," Rey highlighted. "I personally choose to play it up, I like to play up as much as possible to make a better chance at making birdie runs."

Whether looking to optimize scoring opportunities or simply sustain a brisk round, matching tee selections to individual iron capabilities lets players customize the degree of difficulty to their liking.

Planning Your Trip and Booking Procedures

With the seasonal calendar underway, travel demand is rising quickly, and advanced registration is highly recommended for visiting groups.

For the 2026 season, the club is accepting phone reservations for dates across the entire season, while online reservations remain open on a rolling basis.

• Phone Bookings: Call the clubhouse pro shop directly at 888-533-7742 to book dates out for the entire seasonal calendar.

• Online Bookings: Visit pilgrimsrun.com to view rolling tee time availability up to four weeks in advance.

About Lesson on Golf

Lesson on Golf is hosted by Jeff Lesson and produced by Make The Turn, the team behind Metro Detroit Golfers—one of the largest golf communities in Michigan.

The show highlights courses, destinations, and golf experiences across the state.

👉 Explore more episodes on the Metro Detroit Golfers YouTube channel.