The West at Forest Akers Golf Course
Rating Snapshot
About
The West Course at Forest Akers is one of two 18-hole courses owned and operated by Michigan State University in East Lansing. The West is the premier tournament layout for the Spartan golf teams and also hosted the Division III Women’s National Golf Championship in 2021. The rolling and forested layout was originally designed by Bruce Matthews but was extensively renovated in the 1990s by Arthur Hills and received further updates in 2010. In the early 2000s, a new clubhouse and hotel was built on property that altered the routing of the golf course. There is also an extensive practice facility across the street at the East course and accessible to the public. The West Course is considered one of the Midwest’s finest, public-access campus courses and one of the best layouts in the Lansing area.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7013 yards | 75.3 | 141 |
| Black (W) | 72 | 7013 yards | 81.9 | 154 |
| Green | 72 | 6412 yards | 71.7 | 137 |
| Green (W) | 72 | 6412 yards | 77.8 | 140 |
| White | 72 | 5694 yards | 68.6 | 127 |
| White (W) | 72 | 5694 yards | 73.6 | 134 |
| Fossum | 72 | 5307 yards | 66.5 | 127 |
| Fossum (W) | 72 | 5307 yards | 71.3 | 129 |
| Silver | 72 | 5012 yards | 65.5 | 114 |
| Silver (W) | 72 | 5012 yards | 69.8 | 126 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black M: 75.3/141 W: 81.9/154 | 423 | 592 | 426 | 322 | 338 | 436 | 202 | 546 | 184 | 3469 | 214 | 414 | 227 | 494 | 415 | 394 | 427 | 514 | 422 | 3521 | 6990 |
| Green M: 71.7/137 W: 77.8/140 | 381 | 562 | 389 | 294 | 316 | 394 | 174 | 495 | 163 | 3168 | 165 | 384 | 213 | 460 | 385 | 366 | 399 | 477 | 385 | 3234 | 6402 |
| White M: 68.2/130 W: 73.6/134 | 340 | 472 | 372 | 279 | 276 | 344 | 145 | 451 | 138 | 2817 | 154 | 346 | 182 | 431 | 356 | 334 | 304 | 428 | 342 | 2877 | 5694 |
| Fossom M: 66.5/127 | 310 | 472 | 322 | 270 | 276 | 290 | 112 | 451 | 114 | 2617 | 154 | 346 | 153 | 431 | 317 | 295 | 304 | 428 | 269 | 2697 | 5314 |
| Fossum W: 71.3/129 | 310 | 472 | 322 | 270 | 276 | 290 | 112 | 451 | 114 | 2617 | 154 | 346 | 153 | 431 | 317 | 295 | 304 | 428 | 269 | 2697 | 5314 |
| Silver M: 65.5/121 W: 69.8/126 | 310 | 406 | 322 | 270 | 252 | 290 | 112 | 420 | 114 | 2496 | 140 | 258 | 153 | 404 | 317 | 295 | 294 | 371 | 269 | 2501 | 4997 |
| Handicap | 11 | 9 | 1 | 15 | 17 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 12 | 2 | |||
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 36 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 9 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 5 | 13 | 3 | 17 | 14 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 16 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 4 |
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Reviewer Photos
Great value
The young lady that checked us in was very nice and helpful. The course was in excellent shape for this time of year and we moved along quickly at a nice pace. The value for the price was great.
Great course.
I used to hate this course but the more I play it the better I like the layout. It’s tough but rewards great shots. Greens always in great shape and roll true.
Spring round at Forest Akers West Course
Considering the time of year the course was in very good condition. The snack bar was not open at 11:00am but one of the staff went back there to get a bottle of water for me. After our round was over I noticed it was open. The greens ran true and were consistant in speed.
9 minutes between tee times - save your money
We had a 436 tee time and the couple in front of us was 427 and the guys behind us were 445... toss in walkers and the course is unbearable. After nine holes we went to the club house to ask for a refund and it was locked up and no one was around to even speak to. We left as did others out there. Very disappointed after driving over an hour to play golf.
Tough and Tight Narrow fairways...
I'm a 3 handicap and wanted to have a nice wide open course to play since I'm traveling through and had been on the highway for 10 hours the day before. Tried to get on the easier East course but there were no tee times so I played at the West. Tight from the very first hole. In fantastic shape with great greens, but lots of dog-legs into tight spots... I think if I played this course five times I would have it figured out and score well, but playing it for the first time was a bit frustrating. Maybe I just need to learn to hit the ball straighter like Dottie Pepper who played college golf here!!
You really got a thing for Dottie Pepper
Acres west
Challenging lay out nice greens beautiful fairways
Forest Akers West
I had a great time and the staff was friendly. The course is well-kept and presents a fairly moderate challenge. I would certainly recommend this course to anyone looking for a fun round!
Great course to play prior to a home Spartan Football game
Had a blast playing this course Fair layout, greens were in great shape and staff was friendly and helpful. Great pro shop and snack bar. Will definitely book again.
Fun, challenging course
Great course, excellent greens. Always fun to play.
West Course
Played West Course first time, fairways are in good condition, greens were quick rolled true to your line, staff was extremely helpful in making this 1st timer feel like a home course experience.
Best of Battle Creek Package
SW Michigan Golf Around Package
The Loon Golf Resort Stay & Play Package
Destination Kohler - Champions' Trail Golf Package
Hello, u4611750. Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We see you rated the course 2-stars and are interested in learning what we can do to improve for your next visit. We take customer feedback very serious at our course. Please reach out to our team in the golf shop and tell us what's on your mind. Thank you for playing The West at Forest Akers Golf Course.