Thornapple Creek Golf Club

Address:	6415 W F Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, USA
Phone:	+1 269-344-0040
Site:	thornapplecreek.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM

Location

Photos 16

Reviews 9

Jim Carns

Wouldnt play this course again. My 4some and I gave this course 3 chances this year (2012), and weve all decided that we will never, ever, return. Im not writing this to be unnecessarily mean, Im writing to warm other golfers that unless you have 6-7 hours to play a round of golf, do not go here. Our first time we played Thornapple Creek, we got a rain check at the turn because the front 9 took 3 hours. The 2nd time we attempted to play this course was a month or so later, and the only reason we came back is because we had a rain check from the last time. There is a sign at hole 5 that says "You should be here in 1 hour or less"....we were there after 1:40. Disgusted with the lack of rangers, we drove in from the 5th hole and left. One of my playing partners went in the pro shop to tell the Pro why we were leaving and he didnt really seem to care, stating that it was "busy out there". What is the point of making tee times if you are going to let people on whenever the heck they show up??? We tried to play Thornapple one last time this week, and again it was unbelievably slow. This time, we all decided to finish the 9 holes just to see how long it would actually take....3 hours and 20 minutes for 9 holes of golf! No one would let us through, and even if they did it wouldnt have mattered because there was no where to go! The course was so plugged with players it was unreal. On the very first tee we watched a group of kids tee off from the tips, and 2 of their tee shots didnt even make it to the white tee boxes. The lack of management and supervision at this course is mindblowing. 6 years ago this used to be our favorite course in Kalamazoo to play, we loved Thornapple Creek. I dont know what has happened but it is really sad. On top of all this, all 3 times we went this year the greens were pathetically groomed. Long and slow, which is not a trait of the Thronapple Creek that we used to love. They were known for their fast and fun greens, nowadays the greens are a joke. This course has one of the most fun layouts Ive ever played, and many of the holes are just awesome! I really hope their management makes some changes and hires a ranger to make this course playable again. In the mean time, we will not be returning.

Mark Waterbury

Review below I could see why it would take 6 to 7 hours if busy. I would recommend playing the course in the morning before 9 am. There was foursome that was 4 holes in front of us we caught at 13 (professional range players here on a work visa) working on 6 hour 18 without ranger to speed them up. It appeared to our foursome more people really show after 9 and gets slow. Tee times are 10 minutes apart which likely helps the pace of play for 2013 (I assume this is change for 2013). I thought the course was interesting and anyone should give it try. Course with alot of elevation changes which challenges to find your target lines first time playing. There are a number of blind landing areas (but fair). The front nine is short and narrow, due to low area holes 2 and 4 you have to stay on the cart path. This does slow things done a bit. Back nine longer more open and tougher. All the greens have alot of undulation. Due to the undulation green speeds are slower but speeds do pick up as the greens dry out. If greens were any faster balls would fall off greens very easily. Sand traps were well groomed and consistent feel. We purchased special at West Michigan golf show $80 for 4. I have trouble at $44 (I think on there website if making online reservation you can get a cheaper rate) on weekend but then again I have seen some cow pastures charging $35 for 18, and this is considerably better than a cow pasture. If the front nine was like the back nine $44 wouldnt be a problem. Give yourself plenty of time before tee time if you need to hit some range balls. The range is down the road (1/4 mile) and you need to drive your car, no golf cart access. In addition getting to the course you have a number of back roads to travel on (all paved). My only real negative issue was I had made a tee time 6 days out and was told I didnt have tee time upon my arrival but someone had just cancelled. My recommendation is play the course.

Jim Van Tuinen

Ive been playing Thornapple for over 30 years. Their motto to "Play the challenge" is accurate. The course is anything but boring. It presents new challenges every time I play it. The owner has made significant investments in recent years to improve the course. The staff is friendly and the food and beverage service is above average. Other reviews I read regarding pace of play issues have not been my experience at all over 30 years, whether for my Wednesday league or Saturday morning play. Ill be renewing my membership soon and looking forward to playing Thornapple again in 2015.

Kurt Vander Meer

I have played Thornapple Creek for many years. It is hands down the best golf for the money of any course in Michigan. It has beauty, toughness, fairness and plenty of fun ahead for you. Give it a try and you will see what I mean. You will be back to play it again and again. No 2 shots are the same. The staff is awesome and the food is above average. You can tell the owners pay attention to the details and I appreciate that. Great times had by all at Thornapple Creek.

Eric Prall

Played this course for the first time today. it was a little wet but to be expected. the layout and course condition were excellent. Food and beverage were good other than only seeing the beverage cart on the 2nd hole and never again. Overall for the golf which I was really here for it was excellent and will definitely be returning.

Brian Nickel

Great course! Chunks of grass clippings were found on nearly every hole, on every fairway. When paying this much for a course, this is not expected. Overall though beautiful course. Food choices at the clubhouse were minimal, hot dog or brat. I expected a bit more from a place that hosts weddings.

Scott Swope

Im not a golfer, so reviewing this as an event planner. Hosted a golf fundraiser here for an area non-profit. The staff is terrific to work with from the planning stage all the way through the event. Food was top notch and our golfers loved the course. Highly recommend Thornapple for an outing.

Don Zudweg

I play Thornapple Creek a lot and can honestly say its the most beautiful piece of property thats also a golf course you will ever enjoy. Very challenging but fair, not your typical back and forth course you see everywhere else. Plan on about 4 1/2 hours of pure heaven.

Chris kasper

Played 5/26/16. $50 for 18 and a cart. The course was in ok shape more like $35 or $40 for 18 and a cart kind of shape. No where near $50, they need to either up their maintenance game or lower their prices. I wont be back till one or the other happens.