Kaufman Golf Course at Palmer Park

The Kaufman Golf Course at Palmer Park sits in Wyoming, Michigan, a suburb on the southwest side of Grand Rapids. The course was designed by Bruce Matthews, a Michigan-based architect who has worked on numerous courses throughout the state since the mid-twentieth century. Palmer Park serves as a municipal facility, providing public golf access to the greater Grand Rapids area within a setting that blends residential surroundings with established parkland character. The layout occupies relatively modest acreage typical of municipal courses built to serve local communities. The terrain in this part of western Michigan is generally flat to gently rolling, shaped by glacial activity, and the routing likely reflects these conditions with straightforward holes and modest elevation changes. Mature trees frame many fairways, and the design emphasizes playability for a wide range of skill levels rather than severe hazards or championship length. As a public course in the Grand Rapids metro area, Kaufman serves recreational golfers, league play, and junior programs. The facility operates within the city's parks system, making it an accessible option for residents seeking affordable golf. The course reflects the practical design philosophy common to mid-century municipal projects: functional layouts that accommodate steady play while maintaining reasonable conditioning and pace. It remains a neighborhood course in the traditional sense, valued more for its community role than for tournament history or architectural distinction.