Michigan, with its stunning landscapes and diverse terrain, offers golfers a paradise of greens and fairways. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the rolling hills of the countryside, the state boasts some of the most picturesque and challenging golf courses in the country.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, Michigan’s top golf courses provide an unparalleled experience.
This article dives into the ten best golf courses in Michigan, highlighting what makes each one unique. From world-class designs to breathtaking views, these courses promise an unforgettable round of golf.
So grab your clubs and get ready to discover the best places to tee off in the Wolverine State. Here’s our list of the top ten golf courses in Michigan that you must play.
Explore Michigan’s Premier Golf Courses: 10 Must-Visit Greens
Discover the top golf courses in Michigan with our guide to the 10 must-visit greens. Explore scenic fairways, challenging holes, and premier golfing experiences across the Wolverine State.
1. Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club – Arcadia
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club sprawls over 265 acres of windswept bluffs, perched 180 feet above Lake Michigan. The course’s seaside links style features rolling terrain and natural fescues that remind players of iconic holes at Lahinch and Ballybunion.
Every hole offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, ensuring a visually striking experience throughout the game. Golf enthusiasts will find the picturesque setting and challenging layout at Arcadia Bluffs irresistible, making it a must-visit destination in Michigan.
Forest Dunes Golf Club, located in Roscommon, offers a contrasting yet equally impressive experience. The Tom Weiskopf-designed course is renowned for its unique “reversible” layout, providing two distinct playing experiences.
2. Forest Dunes Golf Club – Roscommon
Nestled on 1,300 acres within the Huron National Forest, Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon offers a premium golfing experience. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the course showcases rugged native dunes, scruffy sand areas and strategic water features.
The layout is both challenging and visually stunning, ensuring an unforgettable round for players of all levels.
Forest Dunes includes three distinct golfing adventures. The Weiskopf-designed main course blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, while The Loop, a reversible course by Tom Doak, offers both a clockwise and counterclockwise experience.
The property also features the short but sweet Bootlegger par-3 course, further enhancing its reputation as a top golfing destination in Michigan.
3. The Loop at Forest Dunes Golf Club – Roscommon
Designed by Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design, The Loop at Forest Dunes Golf Club boasts a reversible layout, presenting two distinct courses by playing forward one day and backward the next.
This walking-only course has been honored as the Best New Public Course by Golf Digest and the Best New U.S. Course You Can Play by GOLF Magazine.
Offering a unique and challenging experience, The Loop demands different strategic approaches with each round and is a must-visit for golfers in Michigan. Its innovative design makes it a standout for both novice and seasoned players.
4. Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club – Marquette
Opened in 2005, Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club has been praised for its stunning design by Mike DeVries.
The course is a natural masterpiece, blending seamlessly with the rugged beauty of the Marquette area. Players experience a wild ride through tumbling fairways, bold slopes, and dramatic elevation changes.
With rolling and bunkered links land, Greywalls offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Superior. DeVries’ design ensures a challenging yet exhilarating experience.
The course’s natural integration makes it a favorite among golf enthusiasts, highlighting the diverse but cohesive terrain. Whether for the challenge or the scenery, Greywalls is a must-play in Michigan.
5. Lochenheath Golf Club – Williamsburg
LochenHeath Golf Club, nestled in Williamsburg, Michigan, is a scenic gem with Scottish roots. The term “Loch” translates to lake, and “Heath” means native grass.
Located on a scenic bluff overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay, the course once functioned as a cherry orchard for over 75 years, owned by the Maitland family. Players enjoy breathtaking views of the bay’s crystal blue waters.
The course features rolling terrain, wide-open fairways, and deep, strategically placed bunkers. These elements make for a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience.
Its unique design hugs the shore of Grand Traverse Bay, offering sweeping vistas. LochenHeath promises an enchanting round of golf amidst picturesque surroundings.
6. Tullymore Golf Resort – Stanwood
Tullymore Golf Resort in Stanwood, Michigan, designed by Jim Engh, offers an Irish village-inspired golfing experience with generous fairways and clearly visible approaches, suitable for all skill levels with five sets of tees.
The resort boasts luxurious accommodations, premium amenities, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and two clubhouses.
Arcadia Bluffs, on Lake Michigan, designed by Warren Henderson and Rick Smith, features a links-style course with stunning views, undulating terrain, strategic bunkering, and fast greens, appealing to experienced golfers.
Both destinations offer unique experiences and are favored by golf enthusiasts in Michigan.
7. Bay Harbor Golf Club (Links/Quarry) – Bay Harbor
Bay Harbor Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience with its Links/Quarry course. Designed by Arthur Hills, this 27-hole course plays as three different combinations, with the Links/Quarry layout being a standout.
The Links course features holes along a plateau that overlooks Lake Michigan, providing stunning views and challenging play. The Quarry course adds rugged terrain, weaving in and out of an old limestone quarry, and finishes right along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
These diverse landscapes create a memorable round for any golfer looking for variety and scenic beauty. Bay Harbor proudly stands as one of Michigan’s premier golf destinations.
8. The Bear Golf Course at Grand Traverse Resort – Acme
Designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, The Bear Golf Course is famed as one of the toughest in the United States.
Golf Digest describes it as a challenging par 72, links-style course that tests even the most skilled golfers. The layout features Scottish terraced fairways, tiered greens, and deep grassy roughs.
Moguls and mounds, along with deep pot bunkers, add to the difficulty. Water hazards from lakes, ponds, and streams further demand precision in every shot.
Also, its natural scenery includes hardwood forests and fruit orchards, providing a picturesque backdrop. Wildlife is abundant, enhancing the overall golfing experience at The Bear.
9. Eagle Eye – Bath
Designed by Chris Lutzke in collaboration with Pete Dye, Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath is a standout in Michigan.
Featuring rolling “links” style terrain, this championship course challenges golfers with tough par 4’s, scenic par 5’s, and spectacular par 3’s. Golfers encounter magnificent shot values on every hole.
The signature “Island Green” No. 17 is a replica of TPC Sawgrass’s iconic No. 17, adding a unique thrill to the round. The layout demands strategic precision, making it a favorite for both local golfers and visitors.
This course is known for its meticulous maintenance, providing a top-tier golfing experience.
10. Belvedere Golf Club – Charlevoix
Belvedere Golf Club, nestled in Charlevoix, has been a cornerstone of northern Michigan golf since 1925.
Designed by famed architect William Watson, known for championship courses like Olympia Fields and The Olympic Club, Belvedere features strategic complexities originally intended by Watson.
The course, meticulously restored to its historic layout, allows golfers to walk the same fairways as legends like Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and Tom Watson.
With its rich heritage and timeless design, Belvedere offers a classic golf experience that’s both challenging and rewarding. The course’s pristine condition, coupled with its historical significance, makes it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast exploring Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Forest Dunes Golf Club notable?
Forest Dunes Golf Club is notable for its unique layout, which combines both parkland and links-style holes. The course offers a challenging yet fair test for golfers of all skill levels and is highly regarded for its outstanding conditioning and natural beauty.
Where is Greywalls Golf Course located?
Greywalls Golf Course is located at Marquette Golf Club in Marquette, Michigan. It is renowned for its rugged terrain, dramatic elevation changes, and stunning views of Lake Superior.
What distinguishes LochenHeath Golf Club?
LochenHeath Golf Club is distinguished by its meticulously maintained course, spectacular views of Grand Traverse Bay, and a design that challenges both strategy and shot-making skills. It is a private club that provides an exclusive golfing experience.
What amenities does Tullymore Golf Resort offer?
Tullymore Golf Resort offers first-class amenities, including luxury accommodations, multiple dining options, and two championship golf courses. It’s a perfect getaway for those looking to combine golf and leisure.
Is Bay Harbor Golf Club suitable for beginners?
Yes, Bay Harbor Golf Club offers multiple tees which make it accessible for beginners, though the course is renowned for its challenging play and picturesque views along Lake Michigan.
Conclusion
Michigan’s golf courses offer a perfect blend of stunning landscapes and challenging play, appealing to both seasoned players and beginners.
Courses like Forest Dunes, Greywalls, and LochenHeath provide unique experiences, while Tullymore and Bay Harbor showcase breathtaking views.
The Bear at Grand Traverse offers a competitive edge, and Eagle Eye’s design by Lutzke and Dye ensures a memorable round. Historic Belvedere Golf Club has hosted legends like Bobby Jones.
These ten courses highlight Michigan’s natural beauty and offer top-notch amenities, catering to everyone from novices to professionals. With lush fairways and expert designs, these courses set the standard for excellence in golfing.
Whether you’re planning a casual game or an intensive golf trip, exploring Michigan’s top courses will undoubtedly elevate your experience. So pack your clubs and discover why Michigan is a golfer’s paradise.
Colin McCarthy