West Branch at West Branch Country Club

West Branch Country Club sits in the small community of West Branch in northeastern Michigan's Lower Peninsula, roughly midway between Saginaw and the Straits of Mackinac. The course was designed by Jerry Matthews, a Michigan-based architect who has worked extensively throughout the state since the 1960s, creating layouts that typically emphasize playability for a range of skill levels while working within the natural terrain of the region.

The course occupies rolling, wooded terrain characteristic of this part of Michigan, where stands of pine, oak, and birch frame fairways carved through the forest. The routing takes advantage of the area's modest elevation changes, and the design reflects Matthews' approach of creating strategic interest without excessive difficulty. Golfers encounter a mix of hole lengths and shapes, with doglegs that follow the natural contours and greens that require thoughtful approach play.

West Branch Country Club serves as the primary golf facility for its small town and the surrounding rural area, functioning as a community gathering place as well as a golf venue. The club offers a traditional northern Michigan golf experience, where the quiet, forested setting and straightforward layout appeal to both members and visitors seeking an unpretentious round. The course operates within the seasonal rhythm common to the region, with most play occurring between late spring and early autumn when the weather permits.