You know that feeling when you find a spot that just fits? It’s not trying too hard to be a high-end country club where you feel like you need a tuxedo to chip onto the green, but it’s also not some run-down pasture. That is basically the vibe at Clark Lake Golf Club and Restaurant. Located right in Brooklyn, Michigan—the heart of the Irish Hills—it has been a staple for longer than most of us have been swinging a seven-iron. Honestly, if you grew up in Jackson County or spent summers on the water at Clark Lake, this place is probably part of your DNA.
It’s local. It's relaxed.
The thing about the Clark Lake Golf Club and Restaurant is that it doesn’t just rely on the "golf" part of the name to keep people coming back. Sure, the 27 holes are the draw for the Saturday morning crowd, but the restaurant side of the operation is what keeps the lights on when the Michigan winter decides to dump six inches of slush on the fairways. It’s a hybrid. A community hub. A place where you see guys in muddy cleats sitting two tables away from a family celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary.
The Layout: 27 Holes of Irish Hills Personality
Most courses give you 18 holes and call it a day. Clark Lake gives you three distinct nines. You’ve got the Blue, the White, and the Red. This is actually a pretty big deal for pace of play because even when the morning is packed, the pro shop can usually find a gap to squeeze you in.
The terrain here is classic Michigan. It’s rolling. It’s got those elevation changes that make you second-guess whether you should take the extra club or just pray the wind stays down. The fairways are generally wide enough that you won't lose a dozen balls if your slice is acting up, but the greens are where things get tricky. They’re fast. Sometimes deceptively fast.
🔗 Read more: Woman on a Plane: What the Viral Trends and Real Travel Stats Actually Tell Us
If you're playing the Blue course, be ready for some water. It’s not Oceanview-level intimidation, but it’s enough to make you sweat if you’re trying to protect a scorecard. The White and Red courses offer a bit more of that traditional parkland feel. It’s scenic. It's quiet.
Eating at the Eagle’s Nest
People around here don't just call it "the restaurant." Most regulars refer to the dining area as the Eagle’s Nest, and it’s arguably the most consistent part of the whole experience. Forget tiny portions or pretentious garnishes. We’re talking about real food.
The burgers are massive. Like, "I need an extra napkin just to look at it" massive.
But the real secret? The Friday Night Perch Fry. In this part of Michigan, the Friday fish fry is practically a religion, and Clark Lake Golf Club and Restaurant does it better than most. The perch is light, flaky, and doesn't taste like it's been sitting in a freezer since the Ford administration. They also do a prime rib that brings people in from Jackson and Adrian alike. It’s the kind of place where the waitstaff actually remembers your name if you show up more than twice a month. It’s comfortable. It’s the kind of spot where you can actually hear the person across the table talking, which is a rare find these days.
💡 You might also like: Where to Actually See a Space Shuttle: Your Air and Space Museum Reality Check
Why it Actually Matters for Brooklyn
Brooklyn, Michigan, is a weird town in the best way possible. For one weekend a year when NASCAR rolls into the Michigan International Speedway, it becomes the most crowded place on Earth. The rest of the year, it’s a sleepy, beautiful lake community. Clark Lake Golf Club and Restaurant serves as the anchor for that community.
It’s where the high school golf teams practice.
It’s where local charities hold their annual scrambles.
It’s the venue for countless wedding receptions.
Without places like this, small-town Michigan loses its soul. You can go to a big corporate course in a city and get a "perfect" experience, but it’s hollow. Here, you might see a bit of brown grass on a fringe during a July heatwave, but you’re also going to get a genuine smile from the person behind the bar and a course that feels like it belongs to the land.
Misconceptions and the "Hidden" Elements
A lot of people think you have to be a member or live on the lake to play here. Nope. It’s fully public. You can just roll up, pay your greens fee, and go. There’s also this weird rumor that the course is "too easy." Look, if you’re a scratch golfer, you might find some of the par 5s reachable in two, but the wind coming off the lake and the undulating greens can ruin a "pro" round real fast. It’s a "second shot" course. If you can’t stick your irons, you aren't scoring.
📖 Related: Hotel Gigi San Diego: Why This New Gaslamp Spot Is Actually Different
Also, don't sleep on the breakfast. Most people think of it as a lunch or dinner spot, but the early morning golfers know that a breakfast sandwich here is the only way to start a round.
Realities of Michigan Golf
Let’s be real for a second. Michigan weather is a nightmare for golf course superintendents. We have 90-degree humidity in August and -10 degrees in January. Maintaining 27 holes in that climate is a Herculean task. While Clark Lake isn't Augusta National, they do an incredible job of keeping the tees and greens in playable, respectable shape.
The drainage is decent, which is important because the Irish Hills area can get "spongy" after a spring rain. If you're planning a trip, try to hit it in late September. The changing leaves against the green fairways and the crisp air make it arguably the best time to play in the entire state.
Planning Your Visit: What You Need to Know
If you’re coming from out of town, maybe staying at an Airbnb on Clark Lake or visiting for the races, here is the move.
- Book a Tee Time Online: Don't just show up on a Saturday morning and expect to walk on. Use their website or call the pro shop.
- Check the Event Calendar: Since they host a lot of weddings and outings, the restaurant can sometimes be packed or the "Blue" nine might be closed for a private scramble.
- Bring a Rangefinder: The yardage markers are there, but the elevation changes can be tricky to eyeball.
- Order the Perch: Seriously. Just do it.
Actionable Insights for Your Round
- Play the White Course first if you want to warm up; it’s generally considered a bit more forgiving than the Red or Blue.
- Watch the wind direction. If it’s blowing hard from the West, it’s coming off the lake and will absolutely eat your ball on the more exposed holes.
- Tip your servers. The crew at the Eagle’s Nest works incredibly hard, especially during the peak summer months when the patio is full.
- Check for "Twilight" rates. If you want the best value, heading out after 4:00 PM is the way to go. The sun sets over the hills, the temperature drops, and the rates are much lower.
The Clark Lake Golf Club and Restaurant isn't just a business; it’s a landmark. Whether you're there to fix a hook in your swing or just to hide from your responsibilities with a cold beer and a burger, it delivers exactly what it promises: a classic, unpretentious Michigan experience.