Grand Rapids Golf Trip Planning Guide
Grand Rapids is a craft beer powerhouse with 80+ breweries, a walkable downtown, and access to excellent west Michigan golf. Courses range from championship-caliber to affordable hidden gems, and the Airbnb/VRBO scene in the surrounding lake neighborhoods can easily sleep a large crew.
Quick Facts
Spring, Summer, Fall
GRR (15 min drive)
$42–$110
$400/night
5 of 5
~$354/person
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic 3-day itinerary for a group golf trip to Grand Rapids. Every venue below is real and pulled from our curated database — no filler.
Day 1
Pilgrims Run Golf Club — heathland, $59–$99 · 4.6★
Walk-only heathland design through native fescue and wildflowers — feels like Scotland on a Michigan budget
The Chop House — steakhouse, $
Downtown GR's premier steakhouse — dry-aged beef, private dining room for groups
Founders Brewing Co. — brewpub · Open late
World-famous taproom where KBS and All Day IPA were born — massive space perfect for groups
Day 2
Egypt Valley Country Club (public days) — parkland, $65–$110 · 4.6★
Semi-private club that opens to the public — championship conditioning in a beautiful hardwood setting
Grand Rapids Brewery Tour — half day, $25–$50/pp
Hit Founders, Brewery Vivant, Perrin, and more — Beer City USA lives up to the name
HopCat — brewpub, $
130 taps of craft beer and their famous Crack Fries — the original location of the now-national chain
Brewery Vivant — brewpub
Belgian-inspired brewery in a converted funeral chapel — farmhouse ales and outstanding food
Day 3
Ravines Golf Club — parkland, $55–$95 · 4.5★
Dramatic ravine crossings and elevation drops through dense Michigan forest — the most scenic track in the area
Grand River Kayaking — 2-3 hours, $35–$60/pp
Paddle the Grand River through downtown — urban kayaking with a surprisingly scenic stretch
San Chez Bistro — casual, $$
Tapas-style shared plates — perfect for a big group that wants variety and a festive vibe
Reserve Wine & Food Bar — cocktail · Open late
Upscale cocktail lounge with exposed brick and a curated wine list — great for a nightcap
Course-by-Course Guide
Grand Rapids has 5 courses worth playing. 5 are walkable if you want to save on cart fees.
Where to Stay
Grand Rapids has 2 group-friendly lodging options in our database, starting at $400/night for the whole house. Several options include hot tubs — a non-negotiable for most groups.
$600–$1500 /night
East Grand Rapids and Reeds Lake area
$400–$1000 /night
Heritage Hill and Eastown neighborhoods
Group Dining Guide
4 restaurants vetted for group golf trips. Several can handle large parties without a reservation headache.
The Chop House
$Downtown GR's premier steakhouse — dry-aged beef, private dining room for groups
HopCat
$130 taps of craft beer and their famous Crack Fries — the original location of the now-national chain
San Chez Bistro
$$Tapas-style shared plates — perfect for a big group that wants variety and a festive vibe
Leo's Seafood
$$$Best seafood in west Michigan — oyster bar, Great Lakes fish, and strong cocktails
Nightlife
4 bars curated for groups. 3 stay open past midnight.
Founders Brewing Co.
Late nightWorld-famous taproom where KBS and All Day IPA were born — massive space perfect for groups
Brewery Vivant
Belgian-inspired brewery in a converted funeral chapel — farmhouse ales and outstanding food
Reserve Wine & Food Bar
Late nightUpscale cocktail lounge with exposed brick and a curated wine list — great for a nightcap
Stella's Lounge
Late nightAward-winning burgers, pinball machines, and cheap whiskey — the best dive bar in Michigan
Activities Beyond Golf
4 off-course activities for rest days or afternoons.
Grand Rapids Brewery Tour
Hit Founders, Brewery Vivant, Perrin, and more — Beer City USA lives up to the name
Grand River Kayaking
Paddle the Grand River through downtown — urban kayaking with a surprisingly scenic stretch
Craig's Cruisers Go-Karts
Multi-level go-kart tracks, mini golf, and arcade — competitive group fun
Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery
Michigan winery with hard cider tastings, corn maze (fall), and apple cannons
Getting There
Fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) — it's a 15-minute drive to Grand Rapids. For groups of 8+, consider booking a shuttle or party bus from the airport (local providers include West Michigan Party Bus and GR Limo & Party Bus). Renting two SUVs usually works for groups of 4-8.