GOLF

A sneak peek at American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven

The Detroit News
Jack Nicklaus and wife Barbara walk through the memorial at American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven. The course, which was renovated by Jack Nicklaus for free and designates all profits to Folds of Honor, officially opened to the public Monday, May 3, 2021.
Jack Nicklaus and wife Barbara walk through the memorial at American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven. The course, which was renovated by Jack Nicklaus for free and designates all profits to Folds of Honor, officially opened to the public Monday, May 3, 2021.
Nile Young, American Dunes
A flag at American Dunes Golf Club.
A flag at American Dunes Golf Club.
Nile Young, American Dunes
American Dunes can play to more than 7,200 yards and be a par 72.
American Dunes can play to more than 7,200 yards and be a par 72.
Nile Young, American Dunes
Jack Nicklaus with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney at American Dunes Golf Club.
Jack Nicklaus with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney at American Dunes Golf Club.
Nile Young, American Dunes
American Dunes is Jack Nicklaus' fifth golf course in Michigan. He renovated the old Grand Haven Golf Club.
American Dunes is Jack Nicklaus' fifth golf course in Michigan. He renovated the old Grand Haven Golf Club.
Nile Young, American Dunes
A flyover takes place during the opening ceremonies at American Dunes on Sunday, May 2.
A flyover takes place during the opening ceremonies at American Dunes on Sunday, May 2.
Greg Johnson, GAM
Jack Nicklaus shows up for his ceremonial tee shot in his personalized golf cart.
Jack Nicklaus shows up for his ceremonial tee shot in his personalized golf cart.
Greg Johnson, GAM
Jack Nicklaus prepares to hit the ceremonial first tee shot at his latest project, American Dunes.
Jack Nicklaus prepares to hit the ceremonial first tee shot at his latest project, American Dunes.
Nile Young, American Dunes
American Dunes officially opens Monday, May 3.
American Dunes officially opens Monday, May 3.
Nile Young, American Dunes
This Jack Nicklaus quote is on a wall at the memorial.
This Jack Nicklaus quote is on a wall at the memorial.
Greg Johnson, GAM
From left, Jacob Bucklin, Jacqy Rooney, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, Jack Nicklaus and Barbara Nicklaus at the opening ceremonies.
From left, Jacob Bucklin, Jacqy Rooney, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, Jack Nicklaus and Barbara Nicklaus at the opening ceremonies.
Greg Johnson, GAM
Lt. Col. Dan Rooney with Barbara and Jack Nicklaus during the opening ceremonies, at which the Nicklauses were presented with a flag.
Lt. Col. Dan Rooney with Barbara and Jack Nicklaus during the opening ceremonies, at which the Nicklauses were presented with a flag.
Greg Johnson, GAM
Golf legend Nancy Lopez attends the ceremonies.
Golf legend Nancy Lopez attends the ceremonies.
Greg Johnson, GAM
The massive American flag sits between the ninth green and 10th tee.
The massive American flag sits between the ninth green and 10th tee.
Greg Johnson, GAM
Each tee features two plaques, one memorializing a fallen soldier and one honoring each of Jack Nicklaus' 18 major championships.
Each tee features two plaques, one memorializing a fallen soldier and one honoring each of Jack Nicklaus' 18 major championships.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
Jack Nicklaus speaks to reporters Sunday, May 3.
Jack Nicklaus speaks to reporters Sunday, May 3.
Greg Johnson, GAM
Water comes into play on six holes at American Dunes, including on the ninth hole, left.
Water comes into play on six holes at American Dunes, including on the ninth hole, left.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
In redesigning and rebuilding Grand Haven Golf Club, Jack Nicklaus swapped the nines and took out more than 2,500 trees to build the dunes.
In redesigning and rebuilding Grand Haven Golf Club, Jack Nicklaus swapped the nines and took out more than 2,500 trees to build the dunes.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
There are several elevation changes at American Dunes, including on some of the par 3s.
There are several elevation changes at American Dunes, including on some of the par 3s.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
The greens are difficult, and should play fast during the dry summer months, and once the course grows into itself.
The greens are difficult, and should play fast during the dry summer months, and once the course grows into itself.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
A cross sits between the 17th green and 18th tee, in a tribute to fallen fighter pilots. Golfers are asked to toss a nickel on the grass, tradition at the gravesites of fallen fighter pilots.
A cross sits between the 17th green and 18th tee, in a tribute to fallen fighter pilots. Golfers are asked to toss a nickel on the grass, tradition at the gravesites of fallen fighter pilots.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
At the first tee each round, golfers will be handled a nickel by the starter to place at the cross.
At the first tee each round, golfers will be handled a nickel by the starter to place at the cross.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
Renovations started at American Dunes in 2018, and Jack Nicklaus did the project for free.
Renovations started at American Dunes in 2018, and Jack Nicklaus did the project for free.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
The clubhouse at American Dunes, with the memorial to the right.
The clubhouse at American Dunes, with the memorial to the right.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
Two model F-16 fighter jets hang over the "Squadron Bar" at American Dunes.
Two model F-16 fighter jets hang over the "Squadron Bar" at American Dunes.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
There was a lot of pomp and circumstance at the opening ceremonies, including the Budweiser Clydesdales.
There was a lot of pomp and circumstance at the opening ceremonies, including the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
Jack Nicklaus' good friend Kid Rock was at the opening ceremonies at American Dunes, with Nicklaus presenting the Detroit musician a brown bomber jacket.
Jack Nicklaus' good friend Kid Rock was at the opening ceremonies at American Dunes, with Nicklaus presenting the Detroit musician a brown bomber jacket.
Tony Paul, Detroit News
Everything is red, white and blue at American Dunes, including the tee markers.
Everything is red, white and blue at American Dunes, including the tee markers.
American Dunes