
West Course
Forest Akers MSU Golf Club


About this course
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.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MI
Quick facts
- Location
- East Lansing, MI, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1958
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Bruce Matthews
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,013 yards
- Difficulty
- 74/137
- Course Vaults score
- 7.0
Getting there
Forest Akers MSU Golf Club sits just minutes from the heart of Michigan State University's campus in East Lansing, most easily accessed via Capital Region International Airport in Lansing - a quick fifteen-minute drive to the northwest. The approach follows tree-lined boulevards through the sprawling university grounds, where academic buildings give way to the rolling, wooded terrain that defines this corner of mid-Michigan. For those flying into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, the ninety-minute westward drive traces I-96 through farmland and small towns before arriving at East Lansing's collegiate enclave, where Forest Akers has served as both a training ground for Spartan golfers and a quietly excellent public facility since the 1950s.

FAQ
Common questions about West at Forest Akers MSU Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
West at Forest Akers MSU Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 22 logged golfers.
West was designed by Bruce Matthews.
Yes. West at Forest Akers MSU Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at West is 72.
West plays 7,013 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at West is 137.




