The Bucks Stops Here

Did you know that there are over 10,000 public courses in the United States? Of those only a less than three-tenths of 1% made Golf World's Top 30 Public Course List for 2010. One of those very distinguished courses is Bucks Run GC in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Located in the south central portion of the Wolverine State, Bucks Run first opened to the public in 2000 and has been offering patrons exceptional conditions at affordable prices ever since.

Jon Conklin is the Director of Golf at Bucks Run and explains why his course is one of the best values in the Midwest and how thrilled his staff is to be included on such a coveted list. "Bucks Run is able to offer the best value around year after year to our customers because they know that our conditions are impeccable each and every visit along with excellent customer service. It is truly an honor to be recognized by Golf World magazine this year. This was our first time being recognized but will not be the last. What we cherish about this ranking is the fact that it was voted on by our guests and it was based on nine different levels of customer satisfaction. Our guests are the most important part of what makes Bucks Run operate on a day to day level," stated Conklin.

The 6765 yard, Jerry Matthews design successfully weaves its way around the Chippewa River, which impacts seven holes at Bucks Run and is the namesake of the nearby Central Michigan University. Being so close to an always hopping college town clearly has its advantages says Conklin. "Mount Pleasant is a fun, attractive area that is perfect for a golf vacation. The city has something for everyone every night of the week including a casino, a piano bar on weekends at CoCo Joe's, plus the many different events that the city hosts on weekends," explained Conklin.

Choosing my favorite holes at Bucks Run is as difficult as rooting for the Minnesota Vikings even with Brett Favre, but I'll give it a shot. The par-4, 405 yard 5th hole is everything a golf hole should be. It's carved out of the trees, requires precision on both shots, and makes you feel good about yourself after walking off with a 4. I of course walked off with much more than par, so clearly I need to find something else to feel good about. "The fifth hole at Bucks Run is a great par-4 that is a slight dogleg left. This is a fun and challenging hole from every tee box. First of all, you need to successfully avoid the bunker at the corner of the dogleg in order to find the fairway. Then your second shot will be played to a very large and undulating green that is protected by one bunker behind and two on the left side of the putting surface."

On the inward nine at Bucks Run resides a golf hole you'll fall in love with immediately. In fact, if it weren't for the eight groups behind me I would have gone back and played it all over again- the setting is that memorable. Jon Conklin picks it up from there. "Hole number 12 is a difficult and beautiful 541 yard par-5. Off the tee you might feel this is just another par-5 with a river off in the distance to the right. But after you get to your tee shot you will notice that this hole is anything but an ordinary par-5. The Chippewa River to the right comes into play as well as an inlet formed by the river further down the fairway. With our beautiful spec home off in the distance and a narrow green with two tears this is a perfect par-5 with many challenges and glorious views."

Another reason Bucks Run is so revered is due to an amenity that will have you talking for months after your round. Bucks Run in not only home to a championship layout, but to an ultra-cool 18 hole Putting Island Course. The holes mimic the big course and range in distance from 29-116 feet. As Jon Conklin describes, it was an instant hit among golfers of all skill levels. "Our designer Jerry Mathews came up with the idea of the putting course as an added amenity and a great place to settle ties after your round. This is also a great place to bring the family out to play. Our patrons feel this is a different concept and are more than happy to play it. Most can't believe the detail on the putting island, from the babbling brooks that make their way through the island to the detail surrounding the holes," stated Conklin.

Lastly, it's important to mention that Bucks Run will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary in 2010. Make sure to visit their website at www.bucksrun.com or call their pro shop at (989) 773-6830 to keep updated on the festivities they have planned throughout the year.