Driving north on US-23, just past Brighton, there’s a massive stretch of woods that looks like it belongs in the Upper Peninsula. Most people blast right past it at 75 mph. But if you turn onto Crouse Road in Hartland, you’ll find the Majestic at Lake Walden, a place that’s basically a polarizing legend in the Michigan golf community.
Some guys swear by it. Others complain about the cart rides. Honestly, both sides have a point.
The property is massive. We’re talking 1,400 acres of forests, wetlands, and a private 150-acre spring-fed lake. It’s so spread out that if you decided to just drive the cart paths without hitting a single ball, it would take you nearly 40 minutes to complete the loop. That’s not a golf course; that’s a nature tour with flagsticks.
The Jerry Matthews "Up North" Vibe
Jerry Matthews designed this 27-hole beast back in 1994. If you know Michigan golf, you know Matthews is the king of the "natural" layout. He didn't just bulldoze a field; he carved these holes out of the timber. The result is a setup where you basically never see another group of golfers. It’s isolated. Quiet. Sorta eerie if you’re used to suburban courses where houses line every fairway.
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The big selling point has always been that "Up North" feel. You're in Hartland, maybe 50 minutes from Detroit, but it feels like you're in Gaylord or Traverse City. There are no backyard barbecues or barking dogs here. Just you, some deer, and a lot of lost Titleists in the marsh.
The Famous Boat Ride (Yes, Really)
Let's talk about the quirk everyone mentions: the boat.
At the Majestic at Lake Walden, the transition from the front nine to the back nine involves a pontoon boat. You finish hole 9, drive your cart onto a ferry, and get shuttled across Lake Walden to reach the 10th tee. It’s a total gimmick, sure, but it’s a cool one. In an era where every golf course starts to look the same, having a beer on a boat in the middle of a round is a vibe you just don't get elsewhere.
However, don't let the scenic boat ride fool you. This course is hard.
The slope rating from the tips is a 135, and the yardage stretches out to over 7,000 yards. Because it's so spread out, the wind off the lake can absolutely wreck your scorecard on the holes that hug the water. The greens are often multi-tiered, meaning you can hit a great approach and still end up with a soul-crushing three-putt if you're on the wrong level.
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The Maintenance Debate
If you check recent reviews from late 2025 or even early 2026, you’ll see some chatter. It’s a common story with big, ambitious courses. Maintaining 1,400 acres is a literal nightmare.
Some players have noted that the bunkers can be a bit "earthy" rather than sandy, and the cart paths—well, they’ve seen better days. You've gotta be careful with your kidneys on some of those bumpy stretches. But for about $70 to $85 on a weekend, you’re getting a championship-style experience that usually costs double that in northern Michigan.
Is it perfect? No.
Is it memorable? Absolutely.
Pro Tips for Your Round
If you're actually going to play the Majestic at Lake Walden, don't just show up and wing it.
- Download the app. Seriously. There aren't many hole diagrams on the tee boxes. Since no two holes are in sight of each other, you will feel lost without GPS.
- Bring extra balls. The woods and wetlands are hungry. If you’re a 15-handicap, you’re going to lose at least three balls. Just accept it.
- The 28th Hole. That’s the name of the bar and grill. The food is standard pub fare—burgers, wraps, the usual—but the deck view is worth the stop.
- Watch the clock. Because the course is so spread out, pace of play can get weird. If the group in front of you is slow, there’s nowhere for them to go, and nowhere for you to pass.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think the Majestic is part of the Waldenwoods Resort next door. While they share the lake and the history (the land was originally owned by J. Robert Crouse), the golf course is a public entity. You don't need a membership to play here.
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Also, don't sleep on the "third nine." Most people want to play the 1-18 loop around the lake, but holes 19-27 (the "Woods" or "Wetlands" nine) are actually some of the most scenic and challenging on the property. They intertwine with Ore Creek and feel even more secluded than the main 18.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a visit to Hartland, here is how to handle it:
- Book via their website or the Gallus Golf app to avoid third-party booking fees that have been creeping up lately.
- Check the weather specifically for Hartland, not just "Detroit area." The lake creates its own little microclimate, and it’s usually five degrees cooler and twice as windy by the water.
- Pack bug spray. You're playing in a swamp and a forest. The Michigan state bird (the mosquito) is very active here in July and August.
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Between the bag drop and the long trek to the practice range, you’ll need the extra time.