Nestled just a few minutes away from the bustling heart of downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan, you’ll find the charming Prairies Golf Club. With roots tracing back to 1912, this parklands course proudly wears its history, once operating as the Maple Hills Country Club before financial challenges during the Great Depression led to its acquisition by the Elks Lodge 50 of Kalamazoo in 1944, which, interestingly, seems to still own the club today.
The Prairies presents a very playable experience. It features wide fairways that roll through the landscape, large, inviting greens, and water hazards only make an appearance on the ninth hole. As you’d expect from a course with its vintage pedigree, the layout mostly features parallel fairways and a straightforward design.
But don’t let that give you the wrong impression—The Prairies is anything but mundane. Each hole possesses some degree of elevation change, from gentle inclines to more severe hills. The greens are smartly bunkered and demand thoughtful shots, encouraging strategic play from differing angles along the fairway. Yet, a stray shot might find its way into the tall fescue, keeping players on their toes without being punishing.
Beyond the challenge, Prairies is notably picturesque, enhancing its overall appeal. The surrounding prairie grasses and well-tended trees offer both a visual contrast and a defined course layout.
Of the many delightful holes here, the eighteenth stands out, embodying all the course’s unique charms. This par-five showcases a generous fairway ringed with prairie grasses and offers a gentle rise toward the landing area. Flanked by trees that frame the view but don’t hinder play, this hole transitions to a relatively flat path leading to a green safeguarded by modest bunkers, providing a satisfying closing experience to any round.
The course might be a bit on the shorter side, maxing out at 6,208 yards from the back tees. However, that’s what makes it particularly friendly for high handicappers, seniors, and women, providing a welcoming setting for diverse players.
On the day I had the pleasure of playing there, the conditions were impressive. The fairways, tee boxes, and greens were meticulously groomed, a testament to the dedication of the course superintendent and their team.
In conclusion, Prairies Golf Club is a delightful venue that I would gladly revisit. While Kalamazoo is a bit of a trek from GolfBlogger World Headquarters, if I were closer, it would certainly be on my regular rotation. This review is based on my round during the 2024 season and was first shared on March 11, 2025. You can check out more of GolfBlogger’s reviews of Michigan golf courses through the provided link.
