The Majestic at Lake Walden: Bill Fountain Shares Golf Course Condition Updates and Industry Growth
- Metro Detroit Golfers
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
As one of Southeast Michigan's standout public golf destinations, The Majestic at Lake Walden continues to deliver an authentic "up-north" golf experience right in Hartland Township. In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, General Manager Bill Fountain joined host Jeff Lesson to discuss the course's 27-hole Jerry Matthews layout, recent grounds maintenance projects, and the shifting demographics driving the game forward.
An Up-North Experience in Hartland Township
The Majestic at Lake Walden operates 27 championship holes designed by Jerry Matthews. Situated along US-23 and M-59, the course is known for bringing the classic Northern Michigan resort feel to local golfers without requiring a long drive up I-75:
27 Championship Holes: Designed by Jerry Matthews across expansive, wooded terrain surrounding Lake Walden.
Active Course Improvements: Extensive clearing of overgrown vegetation, opening up sightlines, and restoring rough areas to original 30-year design standards.
Natural Conditioning: Spring moisture combined with warming late-May sunshine has left fairways and greens in pristine, peak shape.
"The golf course—I don't know if it's ever really looked better, Jeff,"
Fountain noted during the interview.
"We've done some work with a lot of our rough areas, cleaned out a bunch of growth and such, trying to bring some of it back to what it looked like 30 years ago. It really looks nice."
Shifting Demographics & A New Era for Golf
Beyond course maintenance, Fountain shared his perspective on the state of the golf industry in 2026. Following the initial participation spike in recent years, golf continues to see sustained growth among a broader, younger audience:
The 20 to 40 Age Bracket: Strongest surge in long-term participation coming from golfers between 20 and 40 years old.
Rise in Women Golfers: A noticeable increase in women taking up the game and playing regularly.
The "Caddyshack" Effect: Younger players are enthusiastic about gearing up in the pro shop, investing in equipment, and enjoying the overall experience.
"I think that's going to be our future, is that generation right now between the ages of 20 and 40,"
Fountain explained.
"They love the sport. They're going to have the best of what they need to play the game of golf, so that's exciting."
Booking Rules & Holiday Availability
The Majestic manages high demand during major holiday weekends—such as Memorial Day and Father's Day—through an online reservation system:
Booking Window: Tee times open two weeks in advance online.
Online Reservations: Golfers can view open slots and reserve rounds directly at majesticgolf.com.
Father's Day Peak: Father's Day remains the busiest single day of the season, making two-week advance booking essential for securing prime morning times.
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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