Groesbeck Golf Course in Lansing, Michigan, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on April 14 with a flag raising and special events. It is the city's only remaining municipal golf course, known for its scenic 18-hole, Par 71 layout.
LANSING, Michigan â Groesbeck Golf Course is set to kick off its centennial season with a special flag raising and other activities on Tuesday, April 14.
Groesbeck, at 1523 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., is the cityâs only surviving municipal golf course, well-known for its 18-hole, Par 71 course, and scenic beauty.
The golf course was named after Michigan Governor Alexander Groesbeck, who hit the very first ball on the course, according to a city statement.
A view of the tenth hole at Groesbeck Golf Course on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Lansing
A view of the tenth hole at Groesbeck Golf Course on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Lansing
Archives from the Lansing State Journal state that a ceremony hosted by Groesbeck was to take place on Wednesday, June 16, 1926, with public play beginning three days later.
âThe Groesbeck course has been declared by professionals of national fame to possess excellent possibilities,â a June 1926 LSJÂ story read. âCritics who have looked it over point out that it is one of the best public layouts in the state and should develop into a wonderful course in the time needed to season every golf plant."
It remains the city's premier municipal golf destination.
The free centennial event is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. and include opening remarks at 1 p.m., a flag raising at 1:15 p.m., and a 1:30 p.m. reflection on 100 years of Lansing golf. A procession toward the golf courseâs first tee and ceremonial drives is expected at about 1:45 p.m.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, Lynn Janson and Burton Smith are some of the dignitaries and local golf legends planning on taking ceremonial drives for the event.
Lansing, at one time, had four municipal golf courses, but a budget crunch following the Great Recession in 2008 shortened the list. Then-Mayor Virg Bernero said at the time that the sales were necessary to save the city's flagging finances.
The nine-hole Sycamore golf course closed in 2001, and in 2003 it was converted to a driving range, spurred in part by a $3.5 million loss in the previous decade across all four golf courses. A beginner's program, First Tee, was launched at the property and later closed.
The Waverly and Red Cedar golf courses closed in 2007. Voters authorized the sale of the courses in a 2012 vote, although Waverly and Red Cedar werenât officially sold to developers until 2018.
Groesbeck's subsidy from the city was $207,550 in 2018, when the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority took control. The subsidy had dropped to less than $100,000 in 2024.
The city's subsidy for Groesbeck's operations was $15,000 this budget cycle and could increase to $72,000 for capital expenses in the proposed budget plan that would start July 1, said Brett Kaschinske, the city's parks director.
The number of rounds played increased dramatically from 14,702 rounds in 2017 to 32,791 in 2021. More than 30,000 rounds are now played annually, said Mindy Biladeau, a LEPFA spokesperson.
Contact editor Susan Vela at svela@lsj.com or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela.
What is the history of Groesbeck Golf Course in Lansing, Michigan?
Groesbeck Golf Course was established 100 years ago and is named after former Michigan Governor Alexander Groesbeck, who hit the first ball on the course.
When is the centennial celebration for Groesbeck Golf Course?
The centennial celebration for Groesbeck Golf Course is scheduled for April 14.
What features does Groesbeck Golf Course offer?
Groesbeck Golf Course features an 18-hole, Par 71 layout and is known for its scenic beauty.
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