With the dense natural forests and breathtaking views, it is no surprise that Michigan is known for its beauty and natural resources, but it is also home to some pretty incredible golf courses throughout the state.
Some of the great golf course designers like Tom Doak, Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills and Tom Fazio have used the natural surroundings of this state to create top of the line golf destinations. From People’s Choice awards to annual magazine rankings, Michigan golf courses rank amongst some of the best in the United States.
With over 800 public and private courses throughout the state of Michigan, this state offers something for everyone in terms of skill level. With the long summer days and temperate weather, there is plenty of time to get your rounds in. However, there are many golf courses to choose from and the tough part becomes getting an idea of where you’d like to spend your time.
We’ve created this list of 15 of our favorite golf courses spread throughout the state of Michigan. This will give you an idea of just some of the beautiful courses available to you if you take your next golf trip to the Great Lakes State.
A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort – Private
627 Ag A Ming Dr
Kewadin, MI 49648
(231) 264-5081
a-ga-ming.com
If you’re looking for a great golf experience in the Traverse City area, visit A-Ga-Ming Golf resort in Kewadin, Michigan. The word “A-Ga-Ming” is a Native American term that means “on the shore.” Not only is the resort beautiful and full of scenic views of Torch Lake, it has 54 holes of great golf to be had.
A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort was designed by Roy Wetmore and Jerry Matthews. It was opened back in 1973, it is 7,003 yards from the back tees and the slope is 132. The only problem with this course is deciding which course to play of all the amazing holes there are to offer. The Sundance course ranked 3rd in the U.S. in 2006 for the best new course. The Torch course has beautiful views of Northern Michigan and is a 4 star rated course. Antrim Dells is just 10 miles north of A-Ga-Ming and has great views of Lake Michigan.
Sundance is a links style course with nice wide fairways, big greens and 118 bunkers to navigate. Keep in mind, these are some of the nicest greens available to play in Michigan, but don’t take our word for it. Get out to the course and see for yourself.
Crystal Mountain – Private
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr
Thompsonville, MI 49683
(231) 668-6628
crystalmountain.com
Crystal Mountain is located in northern Michigan and has two, very unique and beautiful, golf courses to choose from. The Betsie Valley and Mountain Ridge courses have both received the Golf Digest 4 star rating so you know you can’t go wrong choosing either of these courses. These courses were designed by Bill NewcombCrystal Mountain is a just a short drive from Traverse City, but you won’t mind because both of these championship courses will have you coming back.
Betsie Valley just went through a million dollar renovation and is now ready to challenge any level of golfer. With tranquil ponds and sparkling creeks on nine of the 18 holes, you will get a chance to truly relax while testing your skills. The fairways are lined with trees and with giant pines and wildflowers surrounding everything. It is a great walking course, but is just as enjoyable from the cart.
Mountain Ridge sits among the pines of northern Michigan. Carved out of the thick forest, Mountain Ridge reaches an elevation of 200 feet where you will have panoramic views of the vistas from the greens to the tees. This is a true experience of northern Michigan.
Forest Dunes Golf Club
6376 Forest Dunes Dr
Roscommon, MI 48653
(989) 275-0700
forestdunesgolf.com
Forest Dunes Golf Club should be on the bucket list of any true golfer. This Tom Weiskopf designed public course is 18 holes of beauty and was built in 2002.
Forest Dunes Golf Club sits settled on 500 acres of dense forested land in the Huron National Forest. This course has become of the most exciting and peaceful courses in the United States. It is 7,116 yards of beautiful scenery. It is has four tee boxes, is a par 72 with a back slope of 146 and a back rating of 75.2.
Forest Dunes offers a number of challenges to the golfer. These include navigating through rugged native dunes, scruffy sand areas, 100 year old jack and red pines, hardwoods, open meadows and water hazards. The Forest Dunes front nine is highlighted by parkland style holes that move through corridors of jack and red pines with strategically placed bunkers and sidelined by sandy waste areas.
The back nine is is filled with scruffy underbrush and rugged native sand areas around the greens and fairways. The greens on this back nine are challenging to any golfer and the finishing holes will leave you excited and wanting more. These start with the par 3 16th hole that requires you to carry over the rugged dunes to finish out this 200 yard challenge.
Bay Harbor Golf Club
5800 Coastal Ridge Dr
Bay Harbor, MI 49770
(231) 439-4028
bayharborgolf.com
Bay Harbor Golf Club is an Arthur Hills designed golf resort with 27 holes of unique nine hole courses. These nine hole courses take golfers from one unique experience to the next. All three of these flow beautifully through the natural dunes, lush woodlands, sweeping shoreline bluffs and rugged rock formations. The three nine hole courses are The Quarry, The Links and The Preserve. Because of these reasons and many more, Bay Harbor is a course that you need to see to believe.
The Links take after Northern Ireland’s Atlantic coastline courses. There are miles of unblocked vies of the lakefront to see in addition to the challenging holes you will be playing. This nine hole course is accented by windblown dunes and tower bluffs. This is an Arthur Hills design at its best with the combination of the native environment and the unique topography of the land.
The Quarry offers the golfer a spectacular and distinctive nine holes that are hug the massive shale quarry present in the area. This course is unlike any you’ve been on with the views of a gentle waterfall, natural ponds and stone cliffs. Outside of the scenic views, The Quarry offers a golf experience that you won’t soon be forgetting.
Finally, the Preserve is the nine holes that hugs Lake Michigan while sitting in the middle of a hardwood forest. This course is a favorite of the members of this course because of its winding nature and its way of making you really appreciate your surroundings. With native wetlands, lush grass and a plethora of wildflowers, this course will keep you coming back.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd
Acme, MI 49610
(231) 534-6000
grandtraverseresort.com
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is known for many things, but the main thing they specialize in is offering a magnificent golf experience for the those that visit. This course offers three 18 hole courses to give you some of everything. From the novice golfer to the low handicapper, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has something for you. All three of these signature courses were designed by some of the best minds in golf. Spruce Run was designed by William Newcomb, The Wolverine was designed by Gary Player and the architect of The Bear is Jack Nicklaus.
Over the years that this course has been around, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has had their courses rated as some of the best in the country by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine gave them the Silver Medal. The team at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa are also certified as being an Environmental Steward by the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.
So, come see why so many love this course and bring your family for a lovely golf weekend. You will not regret it.
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course
14710 Northwood Hwy
Arcadia, MI 49613
(231) 889-3001
arcadiabluffs.com
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course is was built in 1999 and overlooks 3,100 feet of shoreline on Lake Michigan. Resembling a seaside links course, the original Bluffs Course features panoramic views of the lake, natural grasses and rolling terrain. This course isn’t quite like anything you have golfed. The Bluffs offer some of the best golf experiences that you can ask for.
The South Course was recently opened and is a tribute course to the ways that things used to be. The focus of this course is thought provoking angles and strategy to navigate the South Course while experiencing the simplistic nature of this course like courses from long ago. This course was designed by Dana Fry and Jason Straka and can be found scenic M22 just south of the Arcadia Bluffs.
Outside of the golf course, Arcadia Bluffs offers incredible lodging with options to accommodate all types of groups and sizes of families. Come enjoy this relaxing atmosphere that Arcadia Bluffs can offer and while you’re here, go enjoy a round of golf.
Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort
2600 Hawks Eye Dr
Bellaire, MI 49615
(231) 533-4295
golfbellaire.com
In terms of public golf courses in Michigan, Hawk’s Eye golf Resort has been ranked as high as 12th in the entire state. This championship, semi-private golf course is the jewel of Hawk’s Eye Golf Community which can be found in the northern parts of Michigan. This course was opened in 2004 so that the locals in the area can experience the 18 holes of majestic and scenic golf.
Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort golf course was designed by John Robinson. Robinson was named one of the top 50 golf course designers in the United States and when you see this golf course, you will see why.
If you are concerned about golfing here as a novice, you shouldn’t be. Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort offers holes with giant greens and fairways to make it easier for you to get through the course. Scratch golfers will also find this course enjoyable as there are many opportunities for risk/reward shots. This means that men, women and children all have the same opportunities to enjoy this golf course.
Boyne Highlands Resort/strong>
600 Highland Rd
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
(844) 783-3175
boynehighlands.com
Boyne Highlands Resort features 72 holes of pure bliss. There are three 18 hole courses on the property. First is the Arthur Hills, The Moor and the Donald Ross Memorial. This resort was opened in 1966 and has been going strong ever since.
Arthur Hills is a signature course that was designed by the man himself. It lives up to the reputation of its designer with its bunker covered, wide fairways; approaches that are narrowing and the complicated greens. This course is perfect for any golfer of any skill level. This course was even featured on the Golf Channel’s show, Big Break X: Michigan.
The Moor is regarded as the favorite to many of the members at Boyne Highlands Resort. This is a real test for the avid golfer with many doglegs that turn and twist the front nine. It is said that power fade hitters fare better on this course. This course was named an AJGA Championship course.
The Donald Ross Memorial plays like courses of old. This course is a collection of some of the best holes ever to be played. You will find holes replicating some of the best holes from Inverness, Oak Hill, Pinehurst #2, Oakland Hills and Seminole Golf Club to name a few. This course is a great time so give it a try on your next visit.
Pine Trace Golf Club
3600 Pine Trace Blvd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 852-7100
pinetrace.com
Pine Trace Golf Club is a public course that was built in 1989 and designed by the world renowned Arthur Hills. From the back tees, this course is 6,610 yards long with three tee boxes and a back slope of 139.
This course changed Michigan forever when it opened up. Pine Trace Golf Club set the standard that many golf courses in the state try to follow but find it difficult to replicate. It was the first golf course in SE Michigan that was considered to be upscale because it brought many aspects to Michigan golf. Excellent customers service, high maintenance standards and professional golf course design are among some of the things that make this course special.
In many ways, Pine Trace Golf Club is a leader in the industry, but in order to know for sure, you need to shoot a few rounds for yourself.
Black Lake Golf Club
2800 Maxon Rd
Onaway, MI 49765
(989) 733-4653
blacklakegolf.com
Black Lake Golf Club is something unlike many courses you have experienced. While many courses claim to have a few signature holes, Black Lake Golf Club can say that almost every hole is a signature course. In fact, Golf Digest named Black Lake Golf Club number 44 in the top 100 Greatest Public Courses in America in 2012 and it was number 9 in the Best Value category.
UAW are the owners of the course. IN their search for an architect, they chose one of the most respected designers in the industry by choosing Rees Jones to create a championship caliber, yet environmentally friendly course. Jones embraced the challenge, who was the 1995 Architect of the Year for Golf World Magazine.
He ended up creating a course with immaculate conditions with playable shots from all over. The only time you won’t have a great lie is when you take an errant shot into the surrounding forest.
Grand Haven Golf Club
17000 Lincoln St
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 842-4040
grandhavengolfclub.com
Grand Haven Golf Club was rated as one of America’s Top 50 Public Golf Courses by Golf Digest. This should give you an idea of what you’re dealing with in terms of quality. This course is located just off Lake Michigan and sits nestled within the natural sand dunes and dense hardwoods of the SW Michigan.
Bruce Matthews Sr. was the architect behind this wonderful course and it was built in 1965. From the back tees, this course is 6,789 yards with a back slope of 134. It was Matthews’ vision to provide golfers with a fantastic golf experience. When you golf Grand haven Golf Club, shot making is going to be at the top of the list of requirements for the course. You will have to navigate your ball through the rolling sand dunes and towering pines that make this such a fun, yet challenging course.
Grand Haven Golf Club has hosted many events including the LPGA Shoreline Classic. This course is kept in perfect condition at all times. If you are considering a golf trip with your friends or family, make sure you look into Grand Haven Golf Club.
Belvedere Golf Club
5731 Marion Center Rd
Charlevoix, MI 49720
(231) 547-2611
belvederegolfclub.com
Belvedere Golf Club, can be found in the summer vacation town of Charlevoix and is one of the most well-known golf courses in Michigan.
It was built in 1925 by well-known designer William Watson. The Belvedere Golf Club recently played host to the 103rd Michigan Amateur Championship in 2014 and has been the location for this even 40 times.
The tradition at Belvedere Golf Club is runs deep. You can play on the same course where legends like Tommy Armour, Sam Snead, Bobby Jones, Gene Srazen, Leo Diegel, Walter Hagen, Jock Hutchison and Denny Shute have played as well as many other tour champions.
This club offers the golfer an experience that is unique to other golf courses. The topography hasn’t been touched by machinery. Everything about this course represents the old days. They have tough greens and generous fairways. There are no beverage carts or GPS systems. Just pure an unadulterated golf.
This course is 6,950 yards from the back tee, a par 72 and offers challenging holes that reward the player when they play aggressively.
Island Hills Golf
61809 Stonegate Dr
Centreville, MI 49032
(269) 467-7261
islandhillsgolf.com
Island Hills Golf Club is a course that every avid golfer should want to visit. From their pristine course to their excellent customer service, Island Hills Golf Club is quality from top to bottom. From the start you will notice this with an attendant greeting you the moment you pull into the parking lot. They will take your bag to the club house so you can visit the pro shop and get prepared for your round.
This course has 18 unique holes designed by Raymond Hearn. Hearn is an award winning course architect that turned this 220 acre plot of land into a golf masterpiece.
They offer a practice facility that is rated as one of the top 25 in the state of Michigan. You can find it to the side of the Clubhouse. There is a driving range with a giant turf area to hit from. In addition to the range, you will find a practice sand bunker, area and a great putting green.
So, if you are looking to spend some time on the course this season, check out Island Hills Golf.
Lost Dunes Golf Club
9300 Red Arrow Hwy
Bridgman, MI 49106
(269) 465-9300
lostdunes.com
Lost Dunes Golf Club offers a great experience right off the bat. You can find this club just off the SE tip of Lake Michigan. You will experience 18 holes of great golf designed by world renowned Tom Doak. The doors were opened in 1999 and from the back tees, this course is 6,905 yards long with a back slope of 138.
This course sits nestled in 60 foot dunes and contours around the natural landscape. This is among the most playable and unique courses in Michigan and was named number 63 in Golf Digest America’s Greatest Golf Courses of 2007 and 2008. Golfweek named Lost Dunes Golf Club one of their Best Modern Courses for 11 straight years. This course offers perfect fairways and strategically placed bunkers, giant greens and elevated, panoramic tees.
However, you shouldn’t take our word for it. Come check out this one of a kind golf course for yourself.