The Club

 

Kent is a place where friends and families gather for fun. Whether it's our golf facility, pool and tennis complex, or fine dining in all our unique spaces, when people arrive they feel instantly at home. Kent's superb service and amenities make this a destination for members to relax or entertain. A premier venue for meetings and events, with a comfortable yet beautiful atmosphere. Just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Kent is a centrally-located jewel in the city, convenient for all. We are proud of our outstanding organization--its heritage, its place in our community, and the pleasure it affords our members and guests. We invite you to come discover the charm and sophistication that is Kent Country Club.

  • Club History
    • One of the first clubs in the Midwest and the first in Michigan, Kent Country Club dates back to a Saturday evening in 1896. On that evening, successful Grand Rapids businessman Edward Lowe invited his brother, Rowland, and ten friends to dinner to tell them about a wonderful game he had played in England. These gentleman formed the original nine-hole Grand Rapids Golf Club in an open field at the Corner of Wealthy Street and Plymouth Avenue in East Grand Rapids. About 15 years later, outgrowing the original site, the Golf Club moved to its current location at the turn on the 20th century where the founders of Kent Country Club had successfully introduced golf to West Michigan. They took pride in having a challenging Donald Ross course, built a fine clubhouse and hosted the best players in the nation, including the President of the United States. But that was merely the beginning...today, over 125 years later, the rich traditions and member’s commitment to the club continues.

      Today, Kent is still one of the premier private country clubs in the Midwest. The first golf club in West Michigan has evolved into a sanctuary for generations of families who appreciate and value a history of tradition and excellence. Today, the Club’s membership, often referred to as “The Kent Family”, treasures family fun surrounding almost any occasion. With its simple elegance, sophistication and eye for tradition, Kent Country Club has become a “home away from home” for its members.

  • Guest Information
    • Guest Information 
      Clubhouse Informal Attire - Golf Shop, Pub, Bar, Patio & Kent Room (before 5 PM)

      • Gentleman aged 8 and up shall wear collard shirts worn in the style for which they were designed (tucked-in vs. untucked). 
      • Men should remove caps upon moving indoors, including the Bar and Pub area and excluding the golf shop, locker and fitness areas.  Outside, caps must be worn forward. 
      • Shirts with oversized slogans are not acceptable. 
      • Proper golf attire is always acceptable as informal. 
      • "Dress Denim" is permitted as informal attire.  Denim must be without holes, tears, frays and may not be faded or bleached. 
      • The following items are not appropriate for the Clubhouse:  short shorts, cargo shorts/pants, yoga pants, athletic pants, halter tops, tank tops and t-shirts.
      • Denim is not permitted in the Kent Room, Ford Room or Living Rooms after 5 PM.

      Clubhouse Formal Areas

      • The Kent Room, Kent Room Porch, Living Rooms, and Ford Room require long pants after 5 PM.
      • Jackets are common but not required. 
      • Gentleman aged 8 and up shall wear collared shirts worn in the style for which they were designed (tucked-in vs. untucked). 
      • Denim pants, denim dresses, and denim jackets are not permitted in the Kent Room, Ford Room or Living Rooms after 5 PM. 


      Family Dining 

      • Family dining is encouraged and welcome. 
      • In the Pub, there are a variety of children's games and activities to provide a fun-family environment.  Children are asked to keep walkways clear for member and employee traffic.  
      • Proper etiquette and behavior is expected while dining in the Bar and Formal Areas. 


      Golf Dress Code

      Proper attire for the Golf course includes:
      • Men: collared shirts tucked-in
      • Golf shorts/skirts of an appropriate and tasteful length
      • Rain pants, proper wind gear, and sweaters

        The following items are not appropriate for the Golf course:
      • Yoga pants, or athletic pants
      • Denim
      • Hooded Sweatshirts
      • T-Shirts
      • Cargo shorts or pants

      Tennis Dress Code

      Appropriate athletic attire must be worn at all times while playing tennis. This includes proper shoes, shirts or athletic tops, and shorts or athletic skirts. Bathing suits, or similar clothing may not be worn on the Tennis courts.

      Pool Dress Code

      Proper pool attire will be restricted to the Pool and Poolside Cafe area only. When arriving and leaving the Pool area, appropriate non-transparent cover-ups should be worn. Denim is permitted in the Pool area and hats must be worn forward.

      Cell Phones & Electronics Policy

      Access to cell phones, tablets, and laptops is permitted in all areas of the Clubhouse and Club property. However, speaking on the phone is prohibited inside the Clubhouse and on the Patio with the exception of: Locker Rooms, Restrooms, Conference Room, or Parking Lots. Furthermore, electronic devises must be silent in all areas of the Club Property (including children’s games).

      Smoking Policy

      • Smoking is prohibited in the Clubhouse, all outside dining areas, and around the Pool.
      • The Patio: The Patio, including the fire pits, is a dining area, and as such, smoking is prohibited. Should no other members or guests be present, smoking will be permitted until diners arrive, at which point, smokers must move to the Wedding Pavilion or extinguish their cigarettes or cigars. 


      Tipping Policy

      Kent Country Club is a non-tipping Club and tipping is not required or expected
  • Course Tour
    • Hole #1 - A classic opening hole - not very long, plus it plays downhill, with a larger-than average and relatively flat green. Favor the right side off the tee because the fairway slope is designed to direct tee shots towards the fairway bunker on the left.

      Yardage

      Black
      369

      Silver
      347

      Gold
      323

      White
      248

      Red
      248

      Men's Handicap: 13   |     Ladies' Handicap: 9   |     Par: 4

  • Meet the Staff

In The Heart of The City

Your Home Away From Home

With our unique location just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Kent Country Club offers a seat that is simply unparalleled in the heart of the city. With over 120 years of culture & camaraderie and a history of tradition & excellence, Kent Country Club can quickly become your home away from home.

Become A Member
  • Kent Country Club
  • 1600 College Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505
  • 616-363-6811
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