Forest Akers MSU Golf Club

The West Course at Forest Akers MSU Golf Club serves as one of two championship layouts owned and operated by Michigan State University in East Lansing. Designed by Bruce Matthews and opened in 1958, the course was built to complement the university's existing East Course and to support both the competitive golf program and recreational needs of the campus community. Matthews, a Michigan-based architect active in the mid-twentieth century, created a layout that takes advantage of the gently rolling terrain characteristic of the region. The routing moves through mature hardwood forests and open corridors, with tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy from the tee. The course features elevation changes that are modest but strategically significant, creating approach shots that play uphill or downhill and requiring thoughtful club selection. Bunkers guard greens and frame landing areas in classic parkland fashion, while the putting surfaces offer enough contour to test short game skills without becoming severe. Forest Akers West has long served as the home course for Michigan State's men's and women's golf teams, hosting numerous collegiate tournaments and regional amateur competitions over the decades. The facility reflects the university's commitment to golf as both a competitive sport and a recreational amenity. The course remains accessible to students, faculty, alumni, and the public, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that balances serious golf with the educational mission of the institution. Its tree-canopied holes and traditional design provide a straightforward test that rewards sound course management.