Chase Hammond Golf Club

Today's feature focuses on an old favorite now under new management and in better shape than ever: $18 for 18 Holes with Cart and a Small Bucket of Range Balls at Chase Hammond Golf Club in Muskegon ($41 Value. Good Any Day, Any Time until December 31, 2013.)

Designed by golf course architect Mark DeVries in 1970, Chase Hammond Golf Club started as a municipal course in the City of Muskegon. DeVries has since designed numerous courses throughout Michigan and even in other states. Over the ensuing years, Chase Hammond Golf Club became very popular in the Muskegon and Lakeshore areas, and was eventually sold by the city, becoming a privately owned and operated establishment in 1998. The deed's change of hands has not diminished Chase Hammond Golf Club's popularity in the area.

The 18-hole, par-72 golf course starts at 5,135 yards from the front tees and extends to 6,307 yards with a 71.2/133 rating from the tips. Chase Hammond Golf Club caters to players of all skill levels and is particularly pleasurable for those who enjoy being outside amongst flora and fauna. This scenic parkland-style golf course is home to all sorts of wildlife; deer, turkeys, eagles and fox all inhabit these mature forests and you're likely to see them dart in and out of the underbrush as you make your way through the round. It's easy to forget about that little white ball when you're surrounded by such natural beauty, so do your best to keep pace.

Although these beautiful forests can certainly present a problem for the wayward tee-shot or approach, more often than not you'll find the "member's bounce" to be quite helpful. Of course, all this presumes that you remember that you're not simply taking an extended walk through the woods. Snap out of it by the time you reach holes #17 and #18 or else Chase Hammond Golf Club's two signature holes will ruin a great walk. Number 17 is a long par-3 over one body of water from the front tees and two from the back. If you actually manage to hit the green, mind the sharp incline to the rear.

And after all this, you've hopefully saved some strength for #18: This 564-yard, 2-handicap terror doglegs right the whole way and requires three perfectly executed shots, particularly on the final approach, where a slight miscue could land you in water right or bunkers left.

After your round, quick bite to eat in the clubhouse while sipping one of your favorite beverages from the fully stocked bar. A practice range is available and if you find yourself not hitting it well as you'd like, you can wander over to the pro shop where the staff is always eager to help with anything needed.