ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
The club’s land required remarkably little earthmoving—just 20,000 cubic yards—preserving the site's natural, rolling terrain and creating a course that feels ‘found’ rather than constructed.
About
Kingsley Club is a private, links-influenced course designed by Mike DeVries, opened in 2001 near Kingsley, Michigan. Blending minimalist construction with natural dunes and firm, fescue playing surfaces, it is celebrated for its strategic variety, rugged beauty, challenging greens, and understated, unpretentious atmosphere. Acclaimed as one of the Midwest's very best modern courses, it offers a distinctly pure golf experience.
Caddie Tip
Pay close attention to wind and ground conditions. Many approach shots reward landing short and running the ball onto the green, especially with Kingsley’s firm fescue fairways. Don’t underestimate the nuances of the greens; breaking putts are subtle and demand a careful read. Walk if you can—subtle slopes and angles become more evident and help with your strategy throughout the round.
The Main Challenge
Kingsley Club’s greatest challenge comes from its strategic variety and punishing, natural greens. Numerous bunkers—well over 120—guard landing areas and strategic approaches. The course can play differently day-to-day due to wind and firmness, and challenging green complexes place a premium on precise approach shots and nerve-testing putts.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise Kingsley Club’s natural routing and the firm, fast conditions that make every round unique. The course’s rugged, minimalist aesthetic paired with an unpretentious, welcoming environment allow the pure joy of golf to shine through. The variety of holes and strategic options create lasting memories and plenty of replay interest.
The Not So Good
Some golfers find certain greens—for instance, the 9th—to be a bit severe for average players, potentially leading to frustration. Its spartan clubhouse amenities might not suit those seeking luxury or formality, and unaccompanied guest access can be costly and limited, with availability restricted to certain times.
Signature Hole:
#
3
The par 4 3rd hole (287–426 yards) sets the tone for Kingsley Club. Its wide fairway offers multiple tee-shot options. Choose risk-reward with a driver, or play it smart with an iron. Shots right face a dramatic drop and a tough, blind approach; the left, while offering a flat lie and great angle, flirts with the course boundary. The green’s front rises before slipping down a natural slope.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse is intentionally understated, with a small pro shop, food service area, and a friendly, laid-back staff. There are rental cottages overlooking the 17th for members. Luxury touches are minimal by design; instead, there is a focus on the essentials and creating a welcoming, communal setting for passionate golfers.
Practice Facilities
Kingsley Club features a quality driving range and a challenging practice putting green. There are no extensive training centers, but the facilities are tuned to serious golfers: simple, spacious, and well maintained. Don’t expect sprawling short-game areas or high-tech amenities—just pure golf essentials that encourage real improvement.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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