Candlestone Inn Golf & Resort

Candlestone Inn Golf & Resort sits in Belding, Michigan, a small community in the west-central portion of the state's Lower Peninsula, roughly twenty miles northeast of Grand Rapids. The course was designed by Bruce Matthews and Mike Husby, who collaborated on several Michigan layouts during the 1990s and early 2000s. Matthews, a Michigan-based architect, worked on numerous courses throughout the Midwest, often focusing on designs that integrated naturally with the region's rolling farmland and wooded terrain. The property occupies land typical of this part of Michigan, where gentle elevation changes and stands of mature hardwoods frame fairways carved from former agricultural fields. The routing takes advantage of the natural contours, with holes moving through a mix of open and tree-lined corridors. Water features appear on several holes, adding strategic interest to approach shots and layup decisions. The design emphasizes playability for resort guests and members while incorporating enough variety in hole lengths and hazard placement to challenge better players. As a golf resort property, Candlestone Inn combines the course with lodging and dining facilities, serving both traveling golfers and local membership. The setting reflects the quiet, rural character of central Michigan, where golf courses often function as community gathering places as well as destinations for visitors exploring the state's extensive golf offerings. The course provides a straightforward test of golf without the severe terrain or extreme length found at some championship venues, making it accessible to a wide range of skill levels.