Michigan is widely known as one of the premier golf destinations in the United States. With its diverse landscape extending from the Great Lakes shorelines to rolling inland hills, Michigan offers a stunning backdrop for the sport. From championship courses designed by legendary architects to hidden gems nestled in breathtaking natural settings, the state boasts hundreds of options that cater to both casual players and seasoned professionals. Choosing among the best golf courses in Michigan may seem daunting, but this in-depth guide highlights standout destinations that represent the rich golf culture of the region.
Best Golf Courses in Michigan
Michigan is home to more than 800 public and private golf courses, many of which are consistently ranked among the best in the country. These courses combine challenging play with natural beauty, drawing both local enthusiasts and visitors who wish to experience world-class golf. Below are some of the must-play destinations that define Michigan’s golfing excellence.
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
Arcadia Bluffs, located along the Lake Michigan shoreline near Arcadia, holds a stellar reputation as one of the top golf courses in the nation. The course’s design is inspired by the links-style layouts of Ireland and Scotland, offering wide fairways bordered by fescue grasses, rolling landforms, and deep bunkers. The panoramic views of Lake Michigan provide a breathtaking backdrop that enhances the playing experience.
The club contains both the Bluffs Course and the South Course, each offering distinct challenges. The Bluffs Course emphasizes dramatic elevation changes and coastal winds, while the South Course focuses on a traditional links presentation. Together, they deliver variety and prestige that make Arcadia Bluffs a flagship golf destination in Michigan.
Crystal Downs Country Club
Crystal Downs Country Club, designed by Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell, consistently appears in lists of the best golf courses ranked worldwide. Located in Frankfort near Lake Michigan, this private course is celebrated for its strategic design, natural routing, and subtle green complexes. Its charm lies in demanding precision from golfers while preserving the natural beauty of rolling dunes and lakeside scenery.
Though it is private and generally exclusive, its reputation marks it as a crown jewel of Midwest golf. The combination of architectural genius and impressive landscapes makes Crystal Downs one of the greatest representations of golf in Michigan.
Forest Dunes Golf Club
Forest Dunes, situated in Roscommon, offers a unique blend of diverse golfing experiences. The resort features multiple acclaimed courses, including the Tom Weiskopf-designed Forest Dunes course and the “Loop,” an innovative reversible layout designed by Tom Doak. The reversible concept allows the same land to support two distinct 18-hole rounds, played in opposite directions on alternate days.
The Forest Dunes course is lauded for its picturesque design, transitioning from open meadows to thick pine forests. Meanwhile, the Loop received international acclaim for its originality and minimalist design approach. Together, Forest Dunes represents creativity and tradition combined, making it one of the most exciting golfing destinations in Michigan and beyond.
Bay Harbor Golf Club
Overlooking the Little Traverse Bay near Petoskey, Bay Harbor Golf Club features spectacular shoreline views reminiscent of Pebble Beach. Designed by Arthur Hills, this course offers several layouts—the Links, the Quarry, and the Preserve—each highlighting different aspects of Michigan’s terrain. Golfers marvel at the natural contrasts between rocky cliffs, dense woodlands, and expansive shoreline vistas.
Bay Harbor’s premier coastal holes elevate its status as one of the most scenic courses in America. The refined clubhouse and resort accommodations add to its appeal, making Bay Harbor not only a golfing venue but also a full resort experience.
Oakland Hills Country Club
Nestled in Bloomfield Hills, Oakland Hills Country Club is often referred to as “The Monster.” Designed by Donald Ross, the South Course has hosted multiple major championships, including U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and Ryder Cups. It is renowned for its difficulty, with strategic bunkers, demanding greens, and championship-level length.
The North Course complements the South with its more accessible yet equally thoughtful design. While Oakland Hills is a private club, its reputation plays a significant role in Michigan and American golfing history. Its long-standing association with professional tournaments has made it a landmark course where legends have been tested.
Tullymore Golf Resort
Located in Stanwood, Tullymore Golf Resort combines a captivating 800-acre property with two outstanding courses: Tullymore and St. Ives. The Tullymore course, designed by Jim Engh, presents bold design innovation with dramatic elevation shifts, challenging bunkering, and adventurous layouts. St. Ives, crafted by Jerry Matthews, displays a more classic northern Michigan style with wooded fairways and rolling landscapes.
This combination of courses provides contrasting playing styles within the same resort, offering golfers variety and challenge in a luxurious setting. Tullymore has quickly earned a reputation as a must-visit golf destination in Michigan.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, near Traverse City, is a premier resort destination that boasts three championship golf courses. Its most famous course, “The Bear,” was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is considered one of Michigan’s toughest layouts. With steep bunkers, numerous water hazards, and narrow fairways, The Bear demands strategic play and careful shot-making from skilled golfers.
Alongside The Bear, the resort also includes The Wolverine by Gary Player and Spruce Run by Jack Nicklaus. The variety of offerings makes it attractive to golfers of all abilities, while its resort amenities, lakeside location, and fine dining deliver a complete luxury golf experience.
Barton Hills Country Club
Barton Hills in Ann Arbor, designed by Donald Ross in the 1920s, is known for its old-world charm and strategic design. While it is a private club, its layout is celebrated for blending seamlessly with natural rolling terrain. Wide fairways, complex greens, and classic bunkering keep Barton Hills relevant as a top golfing challenge in the region. Its heritage and exclusive community add to its prestige among Michigan’s best.
Boyne Highlands Resort
Boyne Highlands, located in Harbor Springs, ranks among Michigan’s most versatile golfing resorts. It features four championship golf courses: the Heather, Moor, Hills, and Donald Ross Memorial. The Heather course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., has a rich reputation and is often listed as one of the top resort courses in the country. Each course blends natural beauty with challenging designs, ensuring variety for golfers of all skill levels.
The Donald Ross Memorial course stands out as a tribute, recreating famous holes from classic Ross courses across the country, giving players the chance to experience historical golf architecture in one location. Boyne Highlands’ sheer variety elevates it as a golf resort of national significance.
Eagle Eye Golf Club
Eagle Eye, located in East Lansing, is rated among the best public golf courses in Michigan. Its distinctive feature includes a replica island-green hole modeled after TPC Sawgrass’ iconic 17th. The course, designed by Chris Lutzke and Pete Dye’s influence, presents both beauty and brutal challenge, with strategic water hazards and options for risk/reward play.
As a public course, Eagle Eye offers accessibility that allows golfers to experience conditions similar to championship-level private courses. Its reputation continues to grow as a premier playable yet demanding destination in the Midwest.
Harbor Shores Golf Club
Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor is Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course in Michigan. The course integrates four distinct environments—woodlands, wetlands, dunes, and riverfront shoreline. Designed with professional tournaments in mind, Harbor Shores has hosted the Senior PGA Championship multiple times since its opening.
The championship pedigree combined with its commitment to revitalizing the community of Benton Harbor makes Harbor Shores stand out not only for its challenging design but also for its social impact. The layout is both architecturally impressive and visually compelling, offering one of the most well-rounded golfing experiences in Michigan.
Black Lake Golf Club
Located in Onaway, Black Lake Golf Club was designed by Rees Jones and is nestled within a 1,000-acre forest. It skillfully integrates natural sand traps, wetlands, and wooded terrain into a course that is both challenging and scenic. With broad fairways and dramatic finishing holes, Black Lake stays on the radar of serious golfers who appreciate thoughtful course design combined with natural preservation.
The secluded environment ensures play in a tranquil, picturesque setting, making it a unique gem among northern Michigan golf courses.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Golf Course in Michigan
With such a wide range of options, narrowing down the best golf courses in Michigan requires understanding a few relevant criteria:
Course Design
Michigan is home to many masterpieces by legendary designers like Donald Ross, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Doak. Choosing a course by your preferred architect may enhance your playing experience significantly.
Scenery and Location
Some courses feature dramatic shoreline settings, such as Bay Harbor, while others like Black Lake immerse you in forests. Scenery can be a defining factor in selecting your golf adventure.
Accessibility
Private clubs like Crystal Downs and Oakland Hills are prestigious, though access is limited. Public options such as Eagle Eye and Arcadia Bluffs provide excellent playability without exclusivity barriers.
Difficulty Level
Championship-style layouts like The Bear or Oakland Hills test precision and endurance, whereas resort-style courses offer more forgiving designs. Choosing according to your skill level ensures enjoyment without frustration.
Amenities and Accommodation
Many resorts, like Boyne Highlands or Forest Dunes, provide hotel accommodations, spas, and dining experiences. These additions can significantly enhance a golf-centric vacation.
Comparing Top Michigan Golf Courses
| Golf Course | Key Highlights | Public or Private |
|---|---|---|
| Arcadia Bluffs | Links-style, Lake Michigan views, two distinct courses | Public |
| Crystal Downs | Alister MacKenzie design, world-ranked classic | Private |
| Forest Dunes | Features reversible Loop course, acclaimed designs | Public |
| Bay Harbor | Spectacular coastal vistas, multiple layouts | Resort/Public |
| Oakland Hills | Historic Donald Ross design, major tournament host | Private |
| Boyne Highlands | Four courses, variety, includes Donald Ross Memorial | Resort/Public |
| Eagle Eye | Replica island-green, public accessibility | Public |
| Harbor Shores | Jack Nicklaus signature, PGA host | Public |
| Tullymore | Two courses, bold layouts, resort accommodations | Resort/Public |
Conclusion
Michigan’s golf culture thrives on diversity, natural beauty, and world-renowned design. From iconic championship venues like Oakland Hills to breathtaking public destinations like Arcadia Bluffs and Bay Harbor, the best golf courses in Michigan deliver both challenge and scenery in equal measure. Whether you’re planning a golf-focused vacation across the northern resorts or securing a tee time at historic clubs, the state offers unparalleled opportunities for players at every level. Exploring Michigan’s top golf courses means immersing yourself in both the sport’s finest traditions and the spectacular landscapes that define the Great Lakes region.