LOCATION: Belding, MI ADDRESS: 8100 Storey Rd. YARDAGE: 5 sets of tees 4,940 - 7,016 ARCHITECT: Jerry Matthews YEAR OPENED: 1978 PHONE: (616) 794-1580 WEB SITE: www.candlestone.com

If you’ve never played Candlestone, you’d never know the painstaking efforts that have gone into the place over the past two years. Be thankful that owners Steve Leach, John Durkee and Cathy Farr had the foresight to call in Michael Husby and completely revitalize a landmark golf course only 35 minutes from Grand Rapids or Lansing. If you have had the good fortune of playing Candlestone all you can say is WOW! It has always been a solid course – home of the West Michigan Amateur – but now with the updates it’s outstanding.

Candlestone’s many changes may not improve your golf game but after a round you certainly will feel like you’re on cloud nine. If you succumbed to the challenging course, then Candlestone has a great place to kick back and forget your sorrows. The covered deck is a great place to reflect on your round and hang out with friends.

Candlestone combines a challenging course and comfortable facilities with affordability. Starting as low as $79 per night, per player, it is a great place to bring your golf group. The packages include lodging, 18 holes with a cart, range balls and a dining voucher. When guests arrive at Candlestone, they put their keys away, play golf and have a great time with friends and family.

Candlestone has become more welcoming to every level of player. Husby designed thirty-one newly-constructed tee complexes, allowing the course to be played from distances of 5,000 yards to 7,000 yards. “I have been thrilled with the amount of players using the new senior tees,” said Husby.

“I knew if we gave Mike the time and money he could really take our course to a new level of professionalism,” Leach said of Husby’s total redesign. “It is remarkable how different the golf course looks now.”

Complementing Candlestone’s course redesign is the Water Tower Grille. Executive Chef Chris Gribble makes frequent menu changes and has created an exceptional dining experience for both casual diners and motel quests. Events Coordinator Nikki Gribble oversees weddings, meetings and receptions which can be accommodated at the new 200-person banquet facility. The newly remodeled 24-room guest hotel is attached to the restaurant and pro shop.

Put Candlestone on your scheduled courses to play in 2011. Contact or join the mailing list for special offers at www.candlestone.com or (616) 794-1580.