Top 10 Golf Courses in Michigan
By Emily Johnson
Introduction
Golfing is one of my favorite pastimes, and Michigan offers some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country. After years of exploring the state’s golfing scene, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 golf courses in Michigan that every golfer should experience at least once. From sand dunes to forests, and from rolling hills to waterfalls, these courses provide breathtaking scenery and unforgettable golfing experiences.
Main Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information
- Michigan has over 800 golf courses, making it one of the top states for golfing in the US.
- The state is home to several world-renowned golf courses, including Arcadia Bluffs, which has been ranked as high as #13 in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
- Mackinac Island, located in northern Michigan, is the only location in the US where motorized vehicles are prohibited. It features the Wawashkamo Golf Club, a historic course built in 1898 that is still in operation today.
- Michigan is also known for its championship golf courses, including Oakland Hills Country Club, which has hosted numerous major tournaments, and the Tullymore Golf Resort, home to the Michigan Open Championship.
Top 10 Golf Courses in Michigan
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
Arcadia Bluffs is a links-style course located on bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. Its stunning views and challenging layout make it a must-play course for any golf enthusiast. The course has been ranked as high as #13 in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
Personal Experience: I played Arcadia Bluffs last summer, and it was one of the most beautiful courses I’ve ever seen. The sun was setting over Lake Michigan as I finished my round, creating a breathtaking view that I’ll never forget.
Forest Dunes Golf Club
Forest Dunes is a course located in northern Michigan that offers a unique blend of forest and dune-style holes. It has been ranked as high as #23 in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
Personal Experience: I prefer Forest Dunes over many other courses because of its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. The course winds through forests and sand dunes, providing a unique golfing experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
Kingsley Club
The Kingsley Club is a private course located in northern Michigan that offers a secluded and exclusive golfing experience. It has been ranked as high as #33 in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Modern Courses.
Personal Experience: I had the privilege of playing the Kingsley Club as a guest of a member, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The course’s challenging layout and pristine conditions make it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
Bay Harbor Golf Club
Bay Harbor is a course located on the shores of Lake Michigan that offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. It has been ranked as high as #8 in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
Personal Experience: I played Bay Harbor last fall, and the changing colors of the leaves provided a beautiful backdrop for the course’s challenging layout. The course’s proximity to the lake also provides a refreshing breeze on hot summer days.
Black Lake Golf Club
Black Lake is a course located in northern Michigan that offers a unique blend of forest and wetland-style holes. It was designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones and has been ranked as high as #14 in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
Personal Experience: I played Black Lake with a group of friends last summer, and we all had a great time. The course’s challenging layout and beautiful scenery make it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
Tullymore Golf Resort
Tullymore is a resort located in central Michigan that features two championship golf courses. The courses have hosted numerous major tournaments, including the Michigan Open Championship and the Golf Association of Michigan Championship.
Personal Experience: I played both courses at Tullymore last year, and they were both challenging and enjoyable. The resort also offers a variety of other activities, making it a great destination for a golfing vacation.
Forest Akers Golf Courses
Forest Akers is a course located in East Lansing that features two 18-hole courses, the West Course and the East Course. Both courses offer challenging layouts and beautiful scenery, making them popular destinations for golf enthusiasts.
Personal Experience: I played the West Course at Forest Akers with my dad last spring, and it was a great bonding experience. The course’s challenging layout and beautiful surroundings provided a great backdrop for our round.
Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club
Shepherd’s Hollow is a course located in Clarkston that features 27 holes of championship golf. The courses wind through forests and wetlands, providing a unique golfing experience.
Personal Experience: I played Shepherd’s Hollow with a group of friends last summer, and we all enjoyed the course’s challenging layout and beautiful scenery. The course also features a great clubhouse and restaurant, making it a great destination for a golfing outing.
Boyne Highlands Resort
Boyne Highlands is a resort located in northern Michigan that features four championship golf courses, including the famous Arthur Hills course. The courses offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and challenging layouts.
Personal Experience: I played the Arthur Hills course at Boyne Highlands last summer, and it was one of the most challenging courses I’ve ever played. The course’s unique layout and beautiful views make it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club
Greywalls is a course located in the Upper Peninsula that features stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape. It has been ranked as high as #66 in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
Personal Experience: I played Greywalls with my brother last summer, and the course’s unique layout and beautiful views made it a memorable experience. The course’s location in the Upper Peninsula also provides a great opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty.
FAQs
What are the best times of year to play golf in Michigan?
The best times of year to play golf in Michigan are typically spring, summer, and fall, when the weather is mild and the courses are in good condition.
Do I need to be a member to play at these courses?
Many of the courses on this list are public courses, meaning that they are open to anyone who wants to play. However, some of the courses are private and require membership or an invitation from a member to play.
What should I bring with me when I play golf in Michigan?
You should bring proper golf attire, including collared shirts and golf shoes. You should also bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as the weather in Michigan can be unpredictable and hot during the summer months.