Michigan is a golfer’s paradise, offering some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the country. The Great Lakes State is home to a diverse landscape of lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque waterways – all of which create stunning backdrops for your next golf adventure. With hundreds of courses to choose from, golf enthusiasts will find plenty of options to suit their preferences and skill levels.
With both public and private courses spread across the two peninsulas, Michigan boasts a wide variety of golf experiences for every golfer. From the top-ranked Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort to the esteemed Oakland Hills Country Club, many of these courses have been designed by renowned golf architects and are consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Whether you prefer wooded, parkland, or links-style courses, Michigan’s golf scene offers an unforgettable experience for players of all ages and abilities.
If you’re planning a golf trip to Michigan or simply looking to explore new courses in your home state, be sure to include some of these exceptional destinations in your itinerary. With so many options to choose from, it’s no wonder that Michigan has carved out a reputation as one of the premier golf destinations in the United States. So, grab your clubs and get ready to hit the links in this beautiful and diverse region.
Top Golf Courses and Their Architects
Michigan is home to some exceptional golf courses, many of which have been designed by prominent architects in the industry. In this section, we will explore a few of these top courses along with the notable architects behind their designs.
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
Arcadia Bluffs is a stunning golf course located on the shores of Lake Michigan. The course was designed by the talented architects Warren Henderson and Rick Smith. The club features two separate courses: Arcadia Bluffs – The Bluffs and Arcadia Bluffs – South. Each offers unique challenges and breathtaking views.
Crystal Downs Country Club
Located in Frankfort, Crystal Downs Country Club is known for its challenging layout and picturesque setting. This esteemed course was designed by the legendary architect duo of Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell.
Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club
Greywalls is an impressive and challenging course located at Marquette Golf Club. Designed by Mike DeVries, this course features dramatic terrain and has been recognized as one of Michigan’s finest golfing experiences.
Bay Harbor Golf Club
Situated in the charming town of Charlevoix, Bay Harbor Golf Club offers three distinct courses, each designed by Arthur Hills. These courses showcase beautiful views of Lake Michigan and provide golfers with a diverse array of challenges.
Forest Dunes Golf Club
Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon is home to two exceptional golf courses, one designed by Tom Weiskopf and the other by Tom Doak. Well-regarded for their intriguing layouts, these courses provide memorable and challenging golfing experiences.
Tullymore Golf Club
Renowned architect Jim Engh designed the picturesque Tullymore Golf Club in Stanwood. This course is recognized for its meticulously maintained grounds and beautiful natural setting.
Eagle Eye Golf Club
Located in Bath, Eagle Eye Golf Club is a top-tier course designed by architect Chris Lutzke in collaboration with Pete Dye. Known for its unique hazards and exceptional elevation changes, Eagle Eye offers an exciting challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Lost Dunes
Designed by Tom Doak, Lost Dunes is a prestigious golf course located near the shores of Lake Michigan. Featuring rolling dunes and beautiful scenery, this course provides both challenge and enjoyment for avid golfers.
Golf Digest’s Top 100 Rankings
Michigan is home to some of the finest golf courses in the country. In fact, a few of them have found a place in Golf Digest’s prestigious Top 100 Courses list. Let’s take a look at some of these outstanding courses and what makes them stand out.
One of the best golf courses in the state, and a favorite among enthusiasts, is the Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort. This course has steadily gained recognition and is often mentioned in Golf Digest’s Michigan Best in State Rankings. Designed by the legendary architects Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell, Crystal Downs boasts an impressive elevation change, challenging greens, and breathtaking views.
Another noteworthy course is Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon, which has consistently featured in Golf Digest’s rankings as well. Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Weiskopf, Forest Dunes offers a unique blend of woodland and links-style holes. The course is known for its artful bunkering and immaculate playing conditions, making it a must-play in the region.
Michigan also has some public courses that have made it to the esteemed list. Arcadia Bluffs, located in Arcadia, has been praised by Golf Digest for being a Top 100 Course in the U.S. This stunning course, designed by Warren Henderson and Rick Smith, offers a true links-style experience along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. The dramatic terrain changes, tall fescue grasses, and panoramic views make it an unforgettable golf destination.
In summary, Michigan’s golf scene is undoubtedly impressive, with courses that have earned prestigious recognitions from Golf Digest. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual enthusiast, these top-notch courses provide an exceptional experience for everyone who takes up the challenge.
Memorable Holes and Challenges
Michigan is home to numerous picturesque and challenging golf courses. Some of them feature memorable holes designed by renowned golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and others, providing an unforgettable golf experience.
One such course is Bay Harbor Golf Club, where the Links/Quarry combination, designed by Arthur Hills, delivers stunning views and exciting golf. The 7th hole of Bay Harbor Links is particularly remarkable, with its panoramic view of Lake Michigan and challenging layout. I would like to thank Dan Perry for the beautiful picture which leads this post of Boyne Highlands, an Arthur Hills golf course. You can find more gorgeous golf pictures by Dan Perry.
At the Hawks Eye Golf Resort, challenges await golfers in each hole. Its 11th hole is the shortest, measuring only 165 yards, but golfers should not underestimate it. Precision is crucial as there is little room for error. On the other hand, the longest hole is the 607-yard 17th, which demands excellent ball striking and strategy.
When it comes to Michigan, we cannot overlook Arcadia Bluffs. Its Bluffs Course is ranked No. 1 in Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play list for the state. Arcadia Bluffs presents golfers with a variety of challenges, including large, wildly undulating greens, deep bunkers, and strong winds off of Lake Michigan. Ben Hogan would have likely appreciated the strategic and tactical demands of this course.
Finally, for the Jack Nicklaus fans, Treetops Resort in Gaylord offers The Signature Course, designed by the Golden Bear himself. Holes 8 and 10 are particularly notable for their challenge and natural beauty.
To summarize, Michigan is home to a wealth of diverse and world-class golf courses, each with its own collection of unforgettable holes and challenges. Whether you’re a fan of Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, or just seeking a thrilling golf adventure, you’ll find something to love in the Great Lake State.
Distinct Course Characteristics
Michigan’s golf courses offer a variety of distinct characteristics that cater to golfers of all skill levels. In this section, we’ll explore some of the unique features you’ll find at the top courses in the state, including elevation changes, conditioning, dunes, and their renowned designers.
Elevation changes play an essential role in the aesthetics and challenge of Michigan’s golf courses. A great example of this is Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, which is perched along the shore of Lake Michigan, providing a stunning backdrop for golfers. The dramatic rise and fall across the course make for both breathtaking views and challenging shots.
Aesthetics and conditioning are top-notch at Michigan’s best golf courses as well. Course maintenance staff work diligently to ensure fairways and greens are always in impeccable shape. Golf courses in Michigan are known for their superb conditioning, making for an exceptional playing experience.
The Great Lakes State is also notable for its dunes and links-style golf courses. The links-style design at courses like Orchard Lake Country Club and quarry-style at Eagle Eye Golf Course play homage to Michigan’s diverse landscape. These courses incorporate the natural environment into their design, challenging golfers with undulating fairways, sandy dunes, and tricky bunker placements.
Michigan’s golf courses boast talented course designers who have contributed to their unique characteristics. Franklin Hills, designed by Donald Ross, features intricate greens and demanding holes that cater to strategic golfers. Similarly, Barton Hills, crafted by the Scottish-born architect, William Watson, showcases a classic layout with tree-lined fairways and large greens.
In recent years, Michigan’s golf scene has seen the addition of new courses designed by notable architects such as Gil Hanse and Charles H. Alison. Hanse, known for his minimalist design style, has created modern masterpieces, while Alison’s influence is evident in the classic offerings at Oakland Hills Country Club.
These distinct characteristics make Michigan golf courses stand out among other golf destinations. No matter your golfing preference, Michigan has a course tailored to fit your style and challenge your skills.
Private and Exclusive Clubs
Michigan is home to various prestigious private and exclusive golf clubs. These clubs often offer top-notch facilities, excellent course conditions, and a luxurious golfing experience. Some of the standout private courses can be found in cities like Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, and Northern Michigan.
One of the most renowned clubs is the Kingsley Club, which provides a challenging yet enjoyable golf experience. Another gem worth mentioning is the Oakland Hills (South) course in Bloomfield Hills, known for its pristine fairways and impeccable greens.
The following is a brief list of some top private golf clubs in Michigan:
- Wuskowhan Players Club
- Point O’Woods
- Meadowbrook
- Orchard Lake
- The Dunes Club
- Indianwood – Old Course
- Marquette – Greywalls
- Dearborn Country Club
Wuskowhan Players Club, located in West Olive, is known for its exclusive membership and challenging courses. The course offers a unique golfing experience with exceptional maintenance and excellent practice facilities.
Point O’Woods in Benton Harbor is another elite golf club that offers a top-notch golfing experience to its members. This traditional course features undulating greens, well-placed bunkers, and picturesque views of the surrounding wooded areas.
The Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville provides a serene golfing environment with a meticulously maintained course. Members here can expect excellent customer service along with access to fantastic practice and dining facilities.
Orchard Lake Country Club, situated in Orchard Lake Village, is well-known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. Members can enjoy the great facilities, including a spacious clubhouse and a well-stocked pro shop.
Another notable private golf club is the Dunes Club in New Buffalo, renowned for its minimalist design and links-style course. Nestled in a secluded setting, this golf club offers an exclusive and serene golfing experience to its discerning members.
In summary, Michigan offers a diverse selection of private and exclusive clubs that cater to golfing enthusiasts looking for a high-quality and luxurious experience. Each of these clubs has its unique features and charm that set them apart, making the private golf scene in Michigan truly remarkable.
Golf Courses in Beautiful Settings
Michigan has some amazing golf courses that not only offer challenging gameplay but also boast stunning scenery. In this section, we’ll take a look at a few of them.
One such course is located near the shores of Lake Michigan. The picturesque backdrop of the lake provides a serene environment for a round of golf. The breeze from the lake may even come into play, adding an interesting twist to your game.
Lost Dunes is another beautiful course that you should definitely check out. This enchanting course features rolling terrain and dunes that are sure to challenge your skills. The variety of holes and the natural sandy landscape make it an unforgettable golf experience.
Located in Augusta, Stoatin Brae is another exceptional golf course offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The course is built on a high ridge, so elevation changes are a big part of the challenge. Its open layout and well-maintained greens make it a must-play course in Michigan.
The Greywalls Course in Marquette is yet another gem in Michigan’s golf landscape. Carved out of granite, this course offers dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The rock formations and rugged terrain make this a truly unique golfing destination.
In conclusion, Michigan truly has some spectacular golf courses set in beautiful surroundings, perfect for golfers of all skill levels seeking a scenic and challenging experience.
Renowned Championships and Course Honors
Michigan is home to many outstanding golf courses, some of which have hosted prestigious championships and received significant honors.
U.S. Open at Oakland Hills
The Oakland Hills – South course in Bloomfield Hills is one of the most notable in the state. This course has hosted six U.S. Opens, making it a cornerstone of Michigan’s golf history.
Forest Dunes
The Forest Dunes golf complex offers two exceptional courses – the Weiskopf course and the Loop, which is split into Red and Black sections. Both courses have earned recognition for their unique designs and championship potential, with the Loop being the only reversible course in the United States.
Table of Forest Dunes Courses
| Course | Designer |
|---|---|
| Weiskopf | Tom Weiskopf |
| Loop – Red/Black | Tom Doak |
Michigan Golf Course News and Updates
Michigan is home to a variety of stunning golf courses, and there are always exciting developments and updates happening in the world of golf in this beautiful state. In this section, we’ll discuss some recent news and updates to a few of the top golf courses in Michigan.
One of the latest course ratings for 2022-2023 identified the 25 best golf courses in Michigan. A few notable courses on the list include Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort, Oakland Hills Country Club (South) in Bloomfield Hills, and Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs) in Arcadia. These courses offer players a unique experience and incredible views that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Another development worth mentioning is the Golfers’ Choice 2023 rankings for Michigan, which highlights some fantastic public golf courses. Harbor Shores, located in Benton Harbor, made the list, showcasing signs of rejuvenation with new housing and rippling grounds for golf.
In conclusion, the state of Michigan golf courses is thriving, with new updates and developments continually improving the golfing experience. Whether you’re a local player or visiting the state, make sure to take advantage of some of these spectacular courses and stay informed on the latest news in the world of golf in Michigan.
