Best golf courses in Michigan.

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs)

Arcadia, MI

Forest Dunes Golf Club (The Loop)

Roscommon, MI

Bay Harbor Golf Club (Links/Quarry)

Bay Harbor, MI

Arthur Hills' masterpiece, Bay Harbor Golf Club's Links/Quarry course in Bay Harbor, MI, offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It combines dramatic bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan with a rugged shale quarry, featuring 40-foot gorges and challenging forced carries.

Forest Dunes Golf Club (Forest Dunes)

Roscommon, MI

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (South)

Arcadia, MI

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (South) stands as a masterful homage to the golden age of American golf course architecture, specifically drawing inspiration from the iconic Chicago Golf Club. Designed by Dana Fry and Jason Straka in 2018, this inland links-style course presents a strategic collection of elements, creating an experience both visually striking and intellectually demanding. The terrain features gently rolling fairways that traverse natural ridgelines, framed by rugged fescue grasses that evoke a windswept, timeless character. Its most distinctive visual signature is the prevalence of square greens, a bold design choice that demands precision and thoughtful approach play. The 13th hole, a formidable 447-yard par 4 dogleg right, exemplifies the course's strategic depth with its well-placed fairway bunker, while the picturesque 17th offers a memorable par 3 challenge. The overall playing experience is one of engaging challenge, requiring meticulous planning and execution to navigate its excellent layout and avoid the often-brutal bunkering. This course is ideally suited for destination golfers and architectural enthusiasts who relish a unique, challenging round steeped in classic design principles. The strategic demands and unique aesthetic make it a must-play for those seeking a truly distinctive golf adventure.

American Dunes Golf Club

Grand Haven, MI

Jack Nicklaus tribute to military veterans on Lake Michigan dunes

Greywalls Golf Club

Marquette, MI

Carved into the rugged, granite-strewn landscape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Greywalls Golf Club offers an unforgettable golfing adventure defined by its dramatic elevation changes and exposed rock formations. Designed by Mike DeVries and opened in 2005, the course is a masterclass in naturalistic design, seamlessly integrating with the untamed beauty of its surroundings. DeVries' philosophy shines through, creating a layout that is neither predictable nor linear, demanding strategic thought and precise execution from every shot. The visual character is stunning, with panoramic views and forested backdrops accompanying each hole. Memorable features abound, including the exhilarating par-3 sixth hole, often cited as a signature, and the wild, undulating terrain of the front nine. The course consistently ranks among Michigan's best public offerings, a testament to its unique challenge and pristine conditions. Golfers will find a demanding yet rewarding experience, where maintaining focus is paramount. Greywalls is ideally suited for destination golfers seeking a truly distinctive and visually spectacular round, as well as those who appreciate a course that works in harmony with its natural environment.

University of Michigan Golf Course

Ann Arbor, MI

Alister MacKenzie's university course — a hidden gem in Ann Arbor

Belvedere Golf Club

Charlevoix, MI

Boyne Highlands Resort (Arthur Hills)

Harbor Springs, MI

Arthur Hills' design at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, MI, offers a classic northern Michigan golf experience. This resort course is known for its challenging layout, diverse terrain, and scenic beauty, providing an engaging round for resort guests.

Treetops Resort (Tom Fazio Premier)

Gaylord, MI

The Tom Fazio Premier course at Treetops Resort stands as Michigan's sole masterpiece from the legendary designer, offering an unparalleled golfing experience where architectural brilliance meets the state's dramatic northern landscape. Fazio's philosophy, deeply rooted in harmonizing golf with nature, is evident in every contour, creating a visually stunning and strategically rich layout. The course is renowned for its significant elevation changes, wide fairways, and undulating terrain that provide breathtaking views and a dynamic playing field, truly immersing golfers in the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Among its memorable features, the par-4 8th hole is a strategic golfer's delight, demanding thoughtful shot placement to navigate its challenges, while the uphill par-4 9th challenges with a precise approach to a well-bunkered, elevated green. The opening par-4 also sets the tone with its sloping fairways and a rewarding speed slot for long hitters. The overall playing experience is one of engaging challenge, where every shot demands consideration, yet remains highly enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Since its 1992 debut, the Premier has consistently earned a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest, a testament to its enduring quality. This player-friendly yet challenging course, where accuracy is paramount, is ideally suited for destination golfers and enthusiasts seeking a complete resort golf experience amidst Michigan's natural beauty.

The Bootlegger at Forest Dunes

Roscommon, MI

The Bootlegger at Forest Dunes, while a shorter 10-hole course, offers a uniquely fun and strategic golf experience within the serene Huron National Forest. Designed by Keith Rhebb and Riley Johns, the course is inspired by the local legend of the Purple Gang, a Detroit-area mafia family that ran a ranch on the property during Prohibition. This playful nod to history is reflected in the course's relaxed atmosphere, encouraging golfers to grab a cold beverage and enjoy a pitch-and-putt style round. The design philosophy focuses on playability and enjoyment for all skill levels, with holes ranging from 50 to 119 yards. The course is nestled between the championship Forest Dunes and The Loop courses, providing a perfect complement to a full day of golf. Its rolling terrain and natural setting make for a picturesque and memorable round, ideal for juniors, beginners, or settling a friendly wager after 18 holes. The Bootlegger stands out for its emphasis on pure golf enjoyment in a beautiful, unpretentious setting.

Sweetgrass Golf Club

Harris, MI

Sweetgrass Golf Club, a Paul Albanese design, stands as a testament to harmonious integration of golf and indigenous heritage, drawing inspiration from the Potawatomi nation's legends and lore. Albanese's philosophy, deeply rooted in making the design fit the land, is evident in every contour and vista. The course unfolds across a captivating Michigan landscape, offering a rugged yet refined playing experience reminiscent of Royal County Down. Players encounter a series of memorable challenges, including the renowned island green on Hole 15, a short par 3 that demands precision and nerve. The finishing par 5s provide a dramatic close to the round, while holes like the 18th, named "Seven Grandfathers," further underscore the cultural narrative woven into the design. Sweetgrass earned national acclaim as one of America's Best New Courses in 2009 by Golf Digest, and was later recognized as the 2021 Michigan Golf Course of the Year and the 2022 National Golf Course of the Year. This exceptional course offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, making it an ideal destination for serious golfers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, strategic design, and cultural depth.

The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort

Acme, MI

Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort

Harris, MI

Upper Peninsula resort gem near Escanaba

Bay Harbor Golf Club (Preserve)

Bay Harbor, MI

Treetops Resort (Signature)

Gaylord, MI

Boyne Highlands Resort - Heather

Harbor Springs, MI

A classic Robert Trent Jones design at the Boyne Highlands resort.

Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Resort

Augusta, MI

Scottish-inspired links design in southwest Michigan

Boyne Highlands Resort (Donald Ross Memorial)

Harbor Springs, MI

Pilgrim's Run Golf Club

Pierson, MI

Eagle Eye Golf Club

Bath, MI

Hawk Hollow Golf Course

Bath, MI

Dunmaglas Golf Course

Charlevoix, MI