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20 Best Golf Courses in Michigan (2023/2024)
Sep
Michigan, often referred to as the “Great Lakes State,” boasts not only stunning landscapes and picturesque shorelines but also a wealth of exceptional golf courses that have captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. From the tranquil Upper Peninsula to the bustling cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor, the state offers an array of golfing treasures that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. This article unveils a curated list of the 20 best golf courses in Michigan, each contributing a unique blend of design ingenuity, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.
20. Belvedere Golf Club
Address: 5731 Marion Center Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Public
Nestled in northern Michigan, the historic Belvedere Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Michigan for golf purists and enthusiasts. Designed by William Watson, this course offers a glimpse into the timeless beauty of the game. It boasts a rich history, having welcomed legends like Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, and Tom Watson. Recently restored to its original 1925 design, the greens showcase their larger, more undulating contours. Belvedere’s allure extends beyond its layout; it captures the essence of golf’s heritage and nostalgia.
19. The Golf Club at Harbor Shores
Address: 201 Graham Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Public
Situated in Benton Harbor near Lake Michigan, The Golf Club at Harbor Shores is a premier golfing destination. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course intertwines with the picturesque landscape. Hosting the Senior PGA Championship, it proves its mettle as a challenging and scenic course. Despite a controversy involving land use, Harbor Shores stands as a testament to the collaboration of golfing legends and offers an unforgettable experience for players.
18. Wuskowhan Players Club
Address: 16111 Blair St, West Olive, MI 49460
Private
As one of the best golf courses in Michigan, Wuskowhan Players Club has epitomized golf excellence since 1994. This tight-knit community near Lake Michigan offers an exceptional experience. Luxurious clubhouse facilities and a commitment to elevating the game create a unique environment for golf enthusiasts to relax and connect.
17. Orchard Lake Country Club
Address: 5000 W Shore Dr, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48324
Private
Orchestrated by various designers, including Lynn Lavis and Arthur Hills, Orchard Lake Country Club presents a journey through time. From its challenging past with marshland to its transformation, this course embodies the fusion of natural beauty and architectural vision. Keith Foster’s renovation celebrated the original design by H.S. Colt and C.H. Alison, uncovering the course’s innate elegance and character.
16. LochenHeath Golf Club
Address: 7951 Turnberry Cir, Williamsburg, MI 49690
Private
Overlooking Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, LochenHeath boasts stunning views and a challenging, Scottish-style golf experience. The course, designed by Steve Smyers, melds nature’s beauty with golfing prowess. It remains an exclusive and sought-after destination for those seeking a premier golf and lifestyle experience. Therefore, it has been ranked as one of the best golf courses in Michigan.
15. Barton Hills Country Club
Address: 730 Country Club Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Private
Barton Hills Country Club stands as a unique gem in the heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, the course graces an exceptional rolling landscape that enhances its allure. The mature setting is distinctive, offering an open feel and a links-style ambiance rather than the typical tree-lined city course. The layout boasts a seamless flow of great holes, each presenting its own set of challenges and rewards. Founded in 1919, Barton Hills Country Club has carved a legacy for its challenging golf course and exclusive membership, providing a haven for avid golfers seeking a blend of history, strategy, and natural beauty.
14. Tullymore Golf Resort
Address: 11969 Tullymore Dr, Stanwood, MI 49346
Public
Jim Engh’s masterpiece, Tullymore Golf Course, captivates with its rugged charm. Nestled within Michigan’s wilderness, the course presents an ever-engaging challenge. Its varied greens, distinct par-3 and par-5 holes, and intricate design make it a golfer’s haven.
13. Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club
Address: 1516 Roslin Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Private
With a history dating back to the late 1950s, Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club stands as a private gem near Benton Harbor and one of the best golf courses in Michigan. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, this championship course has hosted top-tier events and continues to captivate golf enthusiasts with its timeless elegance.
12. True North Golf Club
Address: 2500 True N Dr Unit A, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Private
Being one of the best golf courses in Michigan, Jim Engh’s masterful touch is evident at True North Golf Club. Hidden in Northern Michigan’s woods, this private course offers a championship-level experience. With enchanting scenery, luxurious amenities, and a tranquil atmosphere, it promises an unparalleled golf journey.
11. Meadowbrook Country Club
Address: 40941 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167
Private
Meadowbrook Country Club’s evolution, guided by architects like Willie Park Jr., Harry Collis, Jack Daray, and Donald Ross, showcases a blend of classic and modern golfing elements. Andy Staples’ recent reimagination has rejuvenated the course, capturing the essence of early 19th-century architecture.
10. The Loop Red Course at Forest Dunes
Address: 6376 Forest Dunes Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
Public
The innovative design of The Loop Red Course offers a unique experience. By playing both clockwise and counterclockwise, golfers traverse a compelling terrain that defies convention. The Red Course, part of the Forest Dunes resort, exemplifies the spirit of creativity in golf course architecture.
9. Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club
Address: 1075 Grove St, Marquette, MI 49855
Public
Greywalls, a masterful creation by architect Mike DeVries, showcases the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The course’s granite rock outcroppings and undulating terrain contribute to its unique character. With Lake Superior as its backdrop, Greywalls offers golfers a captivating experience that blends nature’s beauty with strategic challenges.
8. Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (South Course)
Address: 13637 Northwood Hwy, Bear Lake, MI 49614
Public
Dana Fry and Jason Straka’s South Course at Arcadia Bluffs is a strategic masterpiece inspired by the architecture of Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor. With intersecting bunkers, geometric shaping, and alternate routes, the course is a tribute to golf’s intellectual side. This layout offers golfers a distinct experience that complements the Bluffs Course, capturing the essence of classic golf architecture.
7. The Loop Black Course at Forest Dunes
Address: 6376 Forest Dunes Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
Public
Tom Doak’s innovative reversible design concept comes to life at Forest Dunes’ Black Course, which is definitely one of the best golf courses in Michigan. Offering a unique golfing adventure, the Black Course challenges golfers to experience the same holes from different perspectives. This creative layout offers players the chance to engage both their skills and strategic thinking.
6. Lost Dunes Golf Club
Address: 9300 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106
Private
Situated amidst the captivating landscape of a former sand quarry, Lost Dunes Golf Club stands as a testament to Tom Doak’s artistic prowess. Each hole reflects his creative touch, with bold green contours and unconventional bunkering that challenge golfers to elevate their game. This course not only harmonizes with its natural surroundings but also embraces them, creating an extraordinary golfing experience.
5. Forest Dunes Golf Club
Address: 6376 Forest Dunes Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
Public
Tom Weiskopf’s masterpiece, Forest Dunes Golf Club, celebrates the splendor of Michigan’s sandy dunescape. As the course winds through the terrain, golfers are treated to panoramic vistas and a sense of communion with nature. The harmony between the layout and its setting, with the interplay of mature pines and rolling dunes, imbues the course with a serene yet invigorating atmosphere. Weiskopf’s design demands strategic shot-making and rewards well-executed play, making it a captivating challenge for players of all levels.
4. Kingsley Club
Address: 600 Niblick Trl, Kingsley, MI 49649
Private
Crafted by the hands of architect Mike DeVries, the Kingsley Club is a sanctuary of golf purity nestled within Michigan’s natural landscape. DeVries’ commitment to preserving the land’s integrity is evident as players traverse the sandy dunes and native vegetation. This private gem emphasizes the essence of the game, offering golfers an intimate and personal experience. The seamless integration of design and environment makes the Kingsley Club a true embodiment of the golf spirit.
3. Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs Course)
Address: 14710 Northwood Hwy, Arcadia, MI 49613
Public
Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs’ Bluffs Course is a symphony of breathtaking views and strategic design. The course’s rolling fairways and meticulously crafted bunkers provide both challenge and inspiration. With each shot, golfers are enveloped in a sense of grandeur, as the course dances between the shoreline and the dunes. The Bluffs Course’s marriage of aesthetic beauty and golfing demands creates an unforgettable journey that captivates the senses.
2. Oakland Hills Country Club South Course
Address: 3951 W Maple Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Private
The South Course at Oakland Hills Country Club, an embodiment of Donald Ross’ genius, has witnessed golf history unfold on its legendary fairways. The course’s classic layout challenges players with well-placed hazards and intricate green complexes. Throughout its storied existence, the South Course has hosted major championships, showcasing its ability to test the world’s best golfers. Its timeless design and iconic moments have cemented its status as a quintessential example of classic golf course architecture.
1. Crystal Downs Country Club
Address: 249 Crystal Downs Dr, Frankfort, MI 49635
Private
A masterpiece born from the collaboration of Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell, Crystal Downs Country Club captures the essence of golfing excellence. The course’s strategic design weaves through the rolling terrain, highlighting natural features while demanding precise shot-making. Amidst the awe-inspiring vistas of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, golfers engage in a journey that showcases the synergy between architectural brilliance and the beauty of nature. Crystal Downs’ consistent acclaim on global rankings reflects its enduring status as a treasure within the world of golf.
Michigan’s golfing scene is a tapestry woven with varied courses, each telling its unique story. From rustic charm to urban sophistication, these 20 best golf courses in Michigan capture the essence of golfing in this state. As you tee off on these hallowed fairways, immerse yourself in the state’s golfing legacy and create memories that resonate long after the final putt.
