For those avid golfers out there, Michigan is a golfer’s paradise! With its rich mix of natural beauty and challenging terrain, you can never run out of courses to explore. From lush fairways to scenic lakeside greens, these carefully designed courses offer an unforgettable experience for players of all levels. Here we’ve rounded up the 10 best Golf Courses in Michigan that should definitely not be missed when visiting this incredible state. Read on to find out which courses are worth a shot and get your game plan ready for whenever the time arises!
Crystal Downs Country Club
Crystal Downs Country Club, an exclusive private country club located in Lake Township, offers a captivating experience for both golf enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, the club boasts breathtaking views of the serene lake and Crystal Lake. Renowned for its impeccable golfing facilities, Crystal Downs has consistently been ranked among the top courses in the United States. Notably, it secured the 10th position in Golf Digest’s esteemed ranking for 2007-08.
The allure of Crystal Downs lies in its unique landscape, which undulates gracefully over the glacial terrain. With fairways that zigzag and rumble, and greens that demand precision, the course presents a thrilling challenge. Golfers are further tested by the prevailing winds from Lake Michigan and the strategic placement of thick fescue roughs. Despite its shorter length, playing under 6,600 yards, Crystal Downs maintains a reputation as one of the more demanding Top 100 courses relative to its par of 70. Whether you seek the panoramic vista from atop the hill or the rolling chalk downland, Crystal Downs Country Club provides a remarkable backdrop to a memorable round of golf.
Location: 249 Crystal Downs Dr, Frankfort, MI 49635
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and challenging course design. Nestled on 265 acres of windswept bluffs, with an elevation of 180 feet above Lake Michigan, this seaside links course offers a unique and exhilarating golfing experience. The rolling terrain, adorned with windswept natural fescues, evokes a sense of tranquility and harmony with the environment.
Inspired by the legendary Lahinch and Ballybunion courses, Arcadia Bluffs pays homage to the origins of the sport, drawing on the rich heritage of golf in Scotland. Here, every hole is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. With a picturesque lake unobstructed by trees and bunkers strategically crafted from deep sod walls, Arcadia Bluffs showcases its commitment to creating an engaging and unforgettable golfing journey. It’s no wonder that this exceptional golf destination has been recognized as one of the top 10 19th holes in the U.S., providing golfers with a truly memorable experience both on and off the course.
Location: 14710 Northwood Hwy, Arcadia, MI 49613
Forest Dunes Club
Located in the stunning Huron National Forest, Forest Dunes Club spans across an expansive 1,300 acres of heavily wooded land in the northern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Designed by the esteemed 1973 Open Champion Tom Weiskopf, this private facility showcases his top layouts that epitomize rugged native dunes, scruffy sand areas, and captivating water features. With its gently undulating terrain and absence of dramatic elevation changes, Forest Dunes Club offers a professional and engaging golf experience.
The Forest Dunes Club boasts two remarkable 18-hole layouts, namely The Black and its counterpart. Known for its reputation as the more challenging course, The Black features a captivating right dog legged par four 12th hole and presents golfers with intriguing angles of approach to the greens. Meanwhile, the second layout offers an entirely different yet equally captivating experience. The loop routing showcases striking blowout waste areas set amidst rolling terrain, providing golfers with a truly unique and engaging golfing adventure.
Location: 6376 Forest Dunes Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
Grey Wall at Marquette
Grey Wall at Marquette showcases the breathtaking rugged beauty of the area. Nestled between majestic woodlands and surrounded by granite rock outcroppings, this remarkable golf course offers a wild ride full of thrills, twists, and turns. The tumbling fairways, boldly contoured slopes, and dramatic elevation changes create an engaging and challenging experience for golfers of all levels. As you navigate through the course, the panoramic views of Lake Superior serve as a constant reminder of the natural wonder that surrounds you.
One of the highlights of Grey Wall is the variety of terrain that it offers. From squeezing through rock formations to playing alongside jagged granite outcrops, each hole presents a unique and captivating experience. The carefully designed bunkers and elevated greens demand precision and strategic play. With the rumpled carpet-like fairways that tumble downward to humpback greens, every shot is a test of skill and determination. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Grey Wall at Marquette guarantees an unforgettable round filled with challenges and rewards.
Location: 1075 Grove St, Marquette, MI 49855
Meadowbrook Country Club
Meadowbrook Country Club stands as a testament to its rich golfing history. With its square greens and geometric green contours, this picturesque course offers a delightful challenge to golf enthusiasts. Nestled on a rolling meadow property adorned with stands of trees, the course showcases a stunning landscape. It proudly played host to the PGA Championship in 1955 and four editions of the Motor City Open, solidifying its status as a premier golfing destination.
One of the most captivating aspects of Meadowbrook Country Club is its exceptional hole design. From the left dog-legged par five 4th hole, known for its demanding gameplay, to the meticulously crafted greens with slopes exceeding 3%, each hole presents an invigorating experience. The green shapes, often rectangular or squared off at corners, exude an intriguing geometry. Surrounded by flat sand bunkers at the bottom and lush grass slopes, the course’s undulating land adds a layer of excitement to the game. Notably, the plateau greens showcase severe slopes, usually back to front, with fall-offs on both sides, providing a true test of skill.
Location: 40941 W. Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167
Franklin Hills Country Club
Franklin Hills Country Club is a private course located on a tight tract of land to the northwest of Detroit. With a total of 18 holes encompassing 6,923 yards, this classic Donald Ross course offers a unique, fun, and challenging experience for golfers. Its strengths lie in the firm, and fast fairways that may be tight, but the ball sits up due to the tightly mown grass. The large and undulating greens add an extra layer of excitement as they roll fast and true. Notably, holes like #2 and #13 stands out, providing a memorable and engaging gameplay.
In terms of design, Franklin Hills showcases a well-routed layout despite the property’s relatively small size. Golfers can enjoy a great walk while appreciating the picturesque views and strategic shot-making opportunities. Standout holes, such as the 17th, present a strong challenge as players navigate their way through fairway doglegs around water hazards before reaching the green. Another notable mention is the famous “volcano hole,” the 13th, which adds a unique and thrilling element to the course.
Location: 31675 Inkster Rd, Franklin, MI 48025
Belvedere Golf Club
Belvedere Golf Club, located in northern Michigan, has proudly hosted the prestigious Michigan Amateur Golf Championship for many decades, cementing its status as a prominent golfing destination. Designed by the renowned architect William Watson, Belvedere is celebrated for its classic course, which seamlessly weaves together picturesque valley walls and rolling Michigan landforms. With walkable fairways and meandering creeks, this hidden gem offers a truly engaging golfing experience.
The timeless design of Belvedere echoes the golden age of golf and has earned the course a reputation as an old-school classic. This semi-private course spans 18 holes, covering an impressive 6,906 yards with a slope rating of 131. Golfers will be enthralled by the great elevation changes throughout the layout, adding an exciting challenge to their game. Belvedere’s rich history and traditional layout have attracted numerous golf legends, including Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and five-time British Open winner Tom Watson. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual enthusiast, Belvedere Golf Club is a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly exceptional golfing experience.
Location: 5731 Marion Center Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Tullymore Golf Resort
Tullymore Golf Resort is a truly extraordinary destination, meticulously crafted by renowned architect Jim Engh. Set amidst 800 acres of captivating woods and wetlands, this one-of-a-kind course offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Inspired by the charm of an Irish village, Tullymore’s design showcases unique bunkers and greens, with fairways that gracefully flow through the natural landscape. With five sets of tees, golfers of all skill levels can delight in the challenge and grandeur of this meticulously designed course, spanning an impressive 7250 yards.
Aside from the exceptional golfing opportunities, Tullymore Golf Resort also prides itself on providing guests with luxuriously appointed accommodations and premium amenities. The resort offers a variety of room options, each impeccably designed and available in different shapes and sizes to cater to individual preferences. To prepare for the magnificent challenges of Tullymore, golfers can warm up on the generously sized driving range, ensuring they are fully prepared for the exciting rounds ahead. With five par-3 holes and five par-5 holes, Tullymore Golf Resort promises a thrilling and unforgettable golfing experience for every enthusiast.
Location: 11969 Tullymore Dr, Stanwood, MI 49346
Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club
Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club, a prestigious private golf club located in Benton Township, has been the proud host of the Western Amateur tournament annually from 1971 to 2008. This renowned championship course spans 200 acres of stunning maples, pines, and oaks, creating a picturesque backdrop for golf enthusiasts. With its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and a variety of scenic, ball-gobbling ponds, this 18-hole, 7075-yard course promises a truly challenging and engaging experience.
Despite its relatively flat and easy-to-walk layout, Point O’ Woods is far from being ordinary. The carefully designed course showcases a traditional parkland golf style, featuring signature runway teeing areas and large greens. The layout presents a delightful combination of strategic shot placements and demanding bunker placement, ensuring that players are constantly tested.
Location: 1516 Roslin Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Bay Harbor Golf Club
Located near Lake Michigan, Bay Harbor Golf Club offers a captivating golfing experience with its three grand “new Pebble Beaches” courses. With a total of 27 holes, the club provides a variety of challenges and stunning vistas to its visitors. The Links course showcases a scenic plateau overlooking the picturesque Lake Michigan, while the Quarry offers a unique experience as it weaves in and out of a stone quarry located along the lakefront. These two courses beautifully combine natural elements with architectural brilliance, providing players with a sense of quiet elegance and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the surrounding beauty.
Another noteworthy course at Bay Harbor Golf Club is the Quarry/Preserve, which perfectly demonstrates Arthur Hills’ remarkable ability to maximize the potential of existing terrains. This course blends seamlessly with its environment, as it utilizes the natural features of the land to offer golfers uninterrupted views of the lakefront. Additionally, nestled within the hardwood forest lies the Preserve/Links, highlighting the harmonious integration of lush greenery and stunning vistas. From the moment visitors step foot onto the Bay Harbor Golf Club, they are greeted with a professional atmosphere, engaging challenges, and a memorable golfing experience amidst the natural wonders of Lake Michigan.
Location: 5800 Coastal Ridge Dr, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Conclusion
Michigan offers some of the finest and most challenging golf courses in the country. From classic parkland layouts to unique designs, each course presents a thrilling experience that will engage golfers of all skill levels. With its mesmerizing natural landscapes, Michigan’s best golf courses are sure to delight any enthusiast looking for an unforgettable round. So be sure to add these 10 must-play courses to your list, and get ready for the ultimate golfing adventure in Michigan.
