Pilgrim's Run Golf Club Spring Update: Michael Rey Shares Match Play Highlights and Greenside Bunker Tips

As one of West Michigan's premier public golf destinations, Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club continues to set the benchmark for championship conditions and welcoming hospitality. In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, Director of Golf Michael Rey joined host Jeff Lesson to discuss early-season staff grudge matches, Memorial Day weekend schedules, changing player demographics, and expert greenside bunker advice.

A Pure West Michigan Layout Ready for Peak Season

Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club operates an 18-hole championship course carved through mature pine and hardwood forests in Pierson, Michigan. Located 30 minutes north of Grand Rapids, the layout provides an accessible destination for golfers traveling across the state and the Midwest:

• Championship Match Play Design: Featuring multiple risk-reward holes where strategy and precise ball striking reward aggressive play.

• Staff Grudge Matches: Early-season competition among Callaway and TaylorMade staff members highlighted the course's strategic depth.

• Immaculate Turf Health: Under head superintendent Ken, the course remains in pristine condition, entering the peak summer season with pure fairways and greens.

Because of the course's serene setting and lack of surrounding residential development, players experience a peaceful, private atmosphere across all 18 holes.

Memorial Day Weekend & Summer Demand

Pilgrim’s Run continues to see surging demand from traveling golfers, particularly from the Detroit and Chicago markets. The facility manages its busy holiday schedule with structured events and accessible tee sheets:

• Holiday Weekend Schedule: Active tee sheets across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with Monday closing early for the annual Veterans League Memorial Day Scramble.

• Travel Demographics: Over 75% of peak play originates from outside the immediate local area, with golf groups traveling from Canada, Chicago, and Southeast Michigan.

• Booking Windows: Golfers can reserve tee times up to 4 weeks in advance online or book full-season dates by calling the pro shop.

PGA Pro Tip: Conquering the Greenside Bunker

Putting on his PGA Professional hat, Rey broke down the fundamentals of escaping greenside sand bunkers—a shot that intimidates many amateur players.

"It's really the only shot in golf where you don't have to actually hit the golf ball,"

Rey explained.

"I've always been taught to imagine a dollar bill underneath the ball. The president's head is the golf ball. You hit the back edge of that dollar bill and exit out the front edge."

• Club Selection: Use a 54-degree or 56-degree wedge for standard bunker shots, switching to a 60-degree wedge when extra height and elevation are required over high lips.

• Entry Point: Focus on splashing the sand an inch or two behind the ball rather than making direct contact with the ball.

• Follow-Through: Maintain clubhead speed and accelerate through the sand to let the wedge's bounce slide smoothly underneath.

Planning Your Trip

Golfers can explore tee times, group outings, and course details directly through Pilgrim’s Run’s official website at pilgrimsrun.com!

With summer weekend grids filling fast, early planning is highly recommended for traveling groups looking to experience one of Michigan's top-ranked public layouts.

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.