Vikings QB Kurt Cousins Acquires Michigan Golf Course
By Dave Daubert
Saugatuck, Michigan--Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Kurt Cousins and his wife Julie have purchased the Clearbrook Golf Club, after which they wrote a note to the community published in the local Holland Sentinel, "Our family recently purchased the Clearbrook Golf Course from our friends and longtime owners, Jim and Candy Jeltema. They have managed the course for many years, making Clearbrook a place of connection and fun for our entire community."
Kurt attended Holland Christian High School and Michigan State University where for his four years the Spartans defeated the Michigan Wolverines. Cousins and his wife Julie and their two sons live in Saugatuck on Lake Michigan.
"West Michigan is a special community, and we have enjoyed living here since we built our home in 2018," Kirk & Julie wrote. "As Jim reflected on his future, he wanted to keep the golf course in the community. As we discussed the history of the golf club which opened in 1938 with Jim, we agreed it is a community treasure and should remain a golf course for the next generation."
Only 35 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, Clearbrook has been a qualifying site for the Michigan Open and has hosted some of the finest players and tournaments such as the Western Michigan PGA Championship. With four sets of tees, the course stretches out to 6,556 yards with a slope/rating of 131/72.6. A fine assortment of intriguing holes tests every club in the bag. You drive down fairways lined with pine and hardwood that end up at smallish, well-bunkered target greens
that putt beautifully.
All sorts of water, especially the meandering 'Clear Brook' challenge players throughout the layout. And its hillsides and hazards make choosing the right stick a huge factor in a good score. The par 5, fifth, reachable in two(at 491 yds.), is rated in 'West Michigan's Top 18' by Grand Rapids Magazine and crosses two creeks before approaching the large two-tiered green confounding putters. It is a classic risk-reward hole that makes golfers think twice before going for it.
Prior to your round, there is a large driving range, two practice putting surfaces, a chipping green, and a practice bunker to adequately warm up.
The Cousins want to make the course the best it can be and have started with some aesthetic changes during the winter months. The Jeltemas will continue to manage the course and own and operate The Grill Room which is open year-round.
For more information please visit ClearbrookGolfClub.com
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Revised: 11/16/2022 - Article Viewed 3,425 Times
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About: Dave Daubert
David has been writing about golf since the turn of the century. He was Managing Editor at a regional golf magazine for 11 years, published in Canada, the IAGTO and a Staff Writer for The Georgia Golf Trail. His insightful perspective brings golf to life.