Pilgrim's Run Golf Club Spring Update: Michael Rey Shares Course Rankings and Booking Rates
As one of the premier public golf destinations in the state, Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club continues to set the standard for high-end play—and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another banner year. In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, Director of Golf Michael Rey joined host Jeff Lesson to discuss the course’s top-tier regional rankings, shifting player demographics, and early-season property updates.
A Premier West Michigan Track Ready for the Season
Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club operates a renowned 18-hole championship course in Pierson, Michigan, making it an accessible destination for golfers across the Midwest. Located just 30 minutes north of Grand Rapids—halfway toward Big Rapids—the property’s early-season status includes:
Regional Accessibility: Easily reachable for traveling groups coming from Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago, and Northern Michigan.
Superintendent-Grade Maintenance: Under a head superintendent with over 30 years on-site, the turf health and irrigation systems are in world-class condition.
Shifting Demographics: Roughly 75% of current play now originates outside the immediate Grand Rapids area, attracting younger golfers and traveling groups of 24 or more.
Because of West Michigan’s cool spring start, the turf has experienced minimal wear and tear, setting up a pristine, immaculate surface as peak summer temperatures arrive.
Host to the Golf Course Superintendents Association
Rather than relying solely on marketing claims, Pilgrim’s Run recently proved its high-end quality by stepping up as a last-minute host for the Golf Course Superintendents Association outing. Gathering 82 industry professionals and turf representatives on property, the event yielded glowing praise for the facility’s condition.
"About 50% of them came up to me personally and thanked me for the event, and said how wonderful the golf course was,"
Rey noted regarding the professional endorsement from state superintendents.
"That's huge kudos when you've got people in the field that come and shake hands and say how good we are."
The facility’s long-standing staff stability—boasting over 27 years of combined experience across the head golf professional team—ensures consistent conditioning and top-flight customer service year after year.
High-Value Pricing and Booking Policies
Pilgrim’s Run continues to earn recognition as one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" public courses in the region. Even after adjusting peak rates slightly past the $100 threshold for the first time in course history, the track remains significantly more affordable than comparable layouts in Chicago or Canada.
Peak Rates: Thursday through Sunday peak rates are set at $115.
Online Booking Window: Individual players can book tee times up to 4 weeks in advance online.
Full-Season Phone Bookings: Golfers and large group outings can secure dates for the entire 2026 season by calling the pro shop directly.
Planning Your Trip
Golfers can explore tee times, course layouts, and group options directly through Pilgrim’s Run’s official site at pilgrimsrun.com or by calling the pro shop at 888-533-7742.
With weekend grids filling fast and traveling groups booking months out, early planning is highly recommended for golfers looking to experience West Michigan's top public track.
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.
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