Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, made an unexpected yet exciting investment in 2022—he purchased the Clearbrook Golf Course in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Not many people are aware that Cousins and his wife, Julie, have strong ties to the West Michigan community, where they've lived since 2018. When the opportunity arose to buy Clearbrook Golf Course from its longtime owners, Jim and Candy Jeltema, the Cousins family didn't hesitate. For them, it was about preserving a local treasure.
Clearbrook Golf Course, located just 35 miles from Grand Rapids and a short drive from the popular tourist destination of Holland, has a rich history. It has served as a qualifying site for the Michigan Open and has hosted various regional events like the West Michigan PGA Championship. The course has been a staple of the community since it opened in 1926, and the Cousins family intends to keep it that way.
In a letter to the community, Kirk and Julie Cousins emphasized their commitment to maintaining the golf course as a place for connection and enjoyment. "West Michigan is a special community, and we have enjoyed living in Saugatuck/Douglas since we built our home here in 2018," they wrote. The couple expressed their desire to keep the course from being developed into housing or rental properties, choosing instead to invest in its future as a golf course.
While there are no immediate plans for significant changes, the Cousins family has already started dreaming about potential improvements. They plan to begin with small aesthetic updates, such as burying power lines that currently run through the course and enhancing the landscaping around the perimeter. However, for the time being, Jim Jeltema will continue to manage the golf course, ensuring that it remains a beloved spot for local golfers.
While the Grill Room Restaurant, located on the property, remains under the Jeltemas' ownership, the Cousins family is focused on preserving the golfing experience that Clearbrook has provided for nearly a century. They invite the community to continue enjoying the course and supporting the Grill Room during this new chapter for Clearbrook.
For more updates on the course and future renovations, visit Clearbrook Golf Club's website.