July 20, 2005

JACKSON, MI — The Grande Golf Club is situated 7 minutes south of downtown Jackson, Michigan.  It is a lush golf course that boasts a Golf Digest 4 1/2 star ranking.  The Grande is the only 4 1/2 star Michigan golf course south of Interstate 94.

Jackson, Michigan was ranked America's fourth best golf city in 2003. The criteria included course conditions, weather, affordability, tee time accessability, and star ranking.  The small city fell in the 2005 list to #74 out of 330 towns/cities from all 50 states.

"Each hole is independent of the next and very unique," says Jason Ridgeway.  "To describe The Grande is not doing it justice."

"The Carl Spackler Open has seen great character venues with Thunder Hill and Mountain Valley," says chairman Greg Long.  "This is no different.  Just another unique layout that everyone would enjoy."

The Grande challenges everyone and will astonish with breathtaking scenery unmatched by most courses.  Course architect Raymond Hearn designed the course directly into its natural features that include sprawling wetlands and forests.

"Simply the widest fairways on earth," says Greg Long. "Surinder Punia and Jon Munksgard will hit 70% of the fairways.  I will take bets on that."  The fairways are indeed wide and allow hooks and slices of 75 yards from center.  "The greens are monsterous," says Long.  "I have never seen a golf course where the 150 yard stake mean't nothing without pin placement.  Probably the first course where hacker Mike Lewis uses the yardage book exclusively."  The conditions are outstanding and lush.

The Jackson surroundings include plenty of lodging and entertainment.  There are 10 lodging options and over 100 watering holes for a beer.  "The entertainment opportunities were vast even when you consider 80-100 guys," says Jason Ridgeway. "There is one establishment that is just outstanding and could be the best yet."

The 2006 Carl Spackler Open is scheduled to begin in 322 days.  The Legacy and Grande are in the mix for 2006 venue.  Old Silo in Kentucky and Links at Ivy Ridge in New York are also top notch opportunities.  Research continues through July and August before budgeting season begins in early September.