Scenic Practice and Play at Eagle Crest Golf Club: Wes Blevins Shares Course Design and Layout Strategy

In a recent episode of Lesson on Golf, Jeff Lesson met with Wes Blevins, General Manager and Director of Golf at Eagle Crest Golf Club. Located right around the corner from Pheasant Run in Ypsilanti, Michigan, this highly popular destination is renowned as one of Metro Detroit's premier golf landmarks. Blevins discussed the club's extensive practice facilities, major layout updates, and how to approach the course's challenging green complexes.

The conversation highlighted how strategic alterations on the property have fully integrated the surrounding natural scenery into the golf experience, establishing a pristine training environment that welcomes public players year-round.

An 18-Hole Destination Getting Ready for the Season

The footprint of the course is exceptionally scenic, featuring an 18-hole championship layout that wraps directly along the shoreline of beautiful Ford Lake. While the normal public tees play at a highly manageable 6,800 total yards, the course retains the structural depth to stretch all the way out to a challenging 7,168 yards from the tips.

Because of this adaptable yardage capacity, the facility serves as a prominent tournament venue for competitive golf in Southeast Michigan, playing host to major regional events including the Men's NCAA Championship and various PGA events. Whether accommodating local recreational groups or elite competitive fields, the expansive layout provides pristine turf care and scenic variety across every fairway.

Early Season Operational Plans and Year-Round Simulation

Rather than limiting operations to the traditional summer season, management relies on a comprehensive, 12-month business model designed to keep golfers active regardless of external weather conditions. To support constant practice and league play, the club features a specialized indoor facility overlooking the main grounds.

"We're a 12-month business model, so um, if it's cold out or if it's too hot and people want to practice, they can come into the TrackMan simulator bays and practice and get their numbers... and then we also have three cameras in each bay, so you can email all that data to yourself."

By operating four dedicated indoor TrackMan simulator bays, the club gives players direct, continuous access to accurate shot analytics and virtual tournament setups. This year-round programming provides an essential hub for local player development, helping golfers sustain their momentum through seasonal transitions.

Scenic Transformations and Strategy Around the Green

Beyond the technology inside the clubhouse, the outdoor practice grounds have undergone a dramatic 15-year transformation. Through deliberate tree management, the staff completely cleared the visual sightlines behind the main hitting areas to emphasize the property's premium geographic location.

"It's been a process um, over the last 15 years of, of tree removal to open up the, the views of Ford Lake. You couldn't see that before... You couldn't see Ford Lake. You didn't even know Ford Lake was there. So um, now it's, it's one of the most beautiful driving ranges in the State of Michigan, if not um, in the Midwest."

This extensive design adjustment opened stunning views from a three-tier driving range, a dedicated short-game area for pitching and chipping, and two separate practice putting surfaces. When taking on the actual course, Blevins noted that managing your approach is entirely about position. Because the green complexes feature severe slopes and significant undulation, players must keep their ball below the hole to score well. The bentgrass surfaces are currently rolled to a smooth, uniform 10 on the Stimpmeter, offering true and highly receptive putting conditions.

Planning Your Trip

With seasonal demand rising quickly following recent property updates, advanced booking is highly recommended to secure prime weekend slots and explore the premier food and beverage options at the clubhouse.

• Booking Window: Tee times and simulator slots can be reserved up to two weeks in advance.

• Online Reservations: Golfers can view open times, examine custom practice packages, and secure bookings directly through the official website at eaglecrestresort.com.

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.