The Jewel of Grand Blanc

The Jewel of Grand Blanc in Grand Blanc, Michigan, features two distinct 18-hole courses, with Onyx serving as one of the club's primary layouts. Designed by the father-son team of Bruce and Jerry Matthews, the course reflects the Matthews family's deep roots in Michigan golf architecture, where they have shaped numerous courses across the state since the mid-20th century. The Matthews approach typically emphasizes playability across skill levels while incorporating the natural terrain characteristics of southeastern Michigan. Grand Blanc sits in Genesee County, roughly ten miles south of Flint, in a region where glacial activity created gently rolling terrain with scattered wetlands and mature hardwood stands. Onyx likely takes advantage of this topography, routing holes through corridors of oak and maple while incorporating water features and elevation changes that provide strategic interest without excessive difficulty. The Matthews design philosophy generally favors wide fairways with well-defined hazard placement, allowing multiple routes of play while rewarding thoughtful course management. The Jewel of Grand Blanc operates as a semi-private facility, making the course accessible to both members and daily-fee players. This dual access model has become increasingly common in Michigan golf, particularly for courses built in the residential development era. The club's name and dual-course setup suggest a comprehensive golf experience designed to serve the Grand Blanc community, which has grown substantially as a Flint suburb over recent decades.