Katke Golf Club

Katke Golf Course is an 18-hole public facility located on the campus of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. Designed by Robert Beard and opened in the mid-1990s, the course serves both as a recreational amenity for the university community and as a training ground for Ferris State's Professional Golf Management program, one of the leading PGM programs in the United States. The course's dual role as both a playable layout and an educational laboratory gives it a distinctive character among Michigan public courses. The routing takes advantage of rolling terrain typical of central Michigan, with tree-lined fairways moving through a mix of open and wooded areas. Beard's design incorporates strategic bunkering and water features on several holes, creating variety in shot requirements while maintaining playability for golfers of different skill levels. The course measures over 6,700 yards from the back tees, providing adequate challenge for competitive collegiate play while remaining accessible from forward tees. Katke Golf Course hosts numerous collegiate tournaments and serves as the home course for Ferris State's golf teams. The facility includes a practice range and short game area that support both recreational play and the instructional needs of PGM students. The course's connection to the university's golf management program means it often reflects current best practices in course maintenance and operations, as students gain hands-on experience in various aspects of golf facility management.