If you are a golf enthusiast looking for a new challenge, you might want to consider visiting some of the top Michigan golf courses. The Wolverine State has a rich golfing heritage and a diverse landscape that offers a variety of playing experiences. From the scenic shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of the interior, Michigan has something for every golfer.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the best golf courses in Michigan that are open to the public. Whether you are looking for a classic layout, a modern masterpiece, or a unique concept, you will find it among these courses.
Top Michigan Golf Courses
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club – Arcadia
Arcadia Bluffs is a stunning links-style course that overlooks Lake Michigan and offers panoramic views of the water and the surrounding dunes. Designed by Rick Smith and Warren Henderson, the course opened in 1999 and quickly gained recognition as one of the best public courses in the country. The course features wide fairways, deep bunkers, undulating greens, and constant wind that challenge all skill-level golfers.
Arcadia Bluffs also has a second course, The South Course, which opened in 2018 and is inspired by the classic designs of C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor.
Forest Dunes Golf Club – Roscommon
Forest Dunes is a resort that boasts two acclaimed courses: The Forest Dunes Course and The Loop. The Forest Dunes Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, is a traditional parkland course that winds through pine forests and sand dunes.
The course is known for its immaculate conditioning, strategic bunkering, and dramatic elevation changes. The Loop, designed by Tom Doak, is a reversible course that can be played in two directions: clockwise (Black) or counterclockwise (Red). The Loop is a minimalist design that features firm and fast fairways, large greens, and subtle contours.
Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club – Marquette
Greywalls is a spectacular course that sits on a rocky outcrop above Lake Superior. Designed by Mike DeVries, the course opened in 2005 and is part of the Marquette Golf Club, which also has a historic course called Heritage.
This course offers players a thrilling experience as they navigate through a diverse range of terrains, including tumbling fairways, bold slopes, dramatic elevations, rolling and bunkered links land, and stunning panoramic views of Lake Superior.
Lochenheath Golf Club – Williamsburg
Lochenheath is a private club that allows limited public access to its superb course. Designed by Steve Smyers, the course opened in 2001 and is set on a former cherry orchard overlooking Grand Traverse Bay.
The course features a Scottish-style link with rolling fairways, deep bunkers, fescue roughs, and firm greens. The course also has some water hazards and elevation changes that add to its difficulty and beauty. Lochenheath is a hidden gem that deserves more attention from golfers.
Bay Harbor Golf Club (Links/Quarry) – Bay Harbor
Bay Harbor Golf Club is a 27-hole facility that consists of three distinct nines: Links, Quarry, and Preserve. The most popular combination is Links/Quarry, which offers an unforgettable golfing experience.
The Links nine, designed by Arthur Hills, is reminiscent of the seaside courses of Ireland and Scotland, with holes that hug the shoreline of Lake Michigan and offer breathtaking views of the water.
The Quarry nine, also designed by Hills, is carved out of an old limestone quarry and features rocky cliffs, waterfalls, ponds, and stone bridges. The contrast between the two nines is striking and exhilarating.
Tullymore Golf Resort – Stanwood
Tullymore Golf Resort is a destination that features two award-winning courses: Tullymore and St. Ives. Tullymore, designed by Jim Engh, opened in 2001 and is ranked among the top public courses in America by Golf Digest.
Tullymore is a modern design that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings of wetlands, woods, and meadows. The course has generous fairways, sculpted bunkers, artistic greens, and strategic water hazards that test every aspect of your game.
St. Ives, designed by Jerry Matthews, opened in 1995 and is a scenic layout that follows the contours of the land and offers stunning views of Lake Mecosta.
The Bear Golf Course at Grand Traverse Resort – Acme
The Bear Golf Course at Grand Traverse Resort is one of Jack Nicklaus’ signature designs and one of the toughest courses in Michigan. The course opened in 1985 and has hosted several professional and amateur tournaments, including the Michigan Open.
The course is a challenging test of golf that features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, thick rough, water hazards, and elevated greens. The course also has some spectacular holes, such as the par-3 7th that plays over a pond to a peninsula green and the par-5 18th that wraps around a lake to a sloping green.
Conclusion
These are just some of the top golf courses in Michigan that you can play and enjoy. There are many more courses that deserve your attention and appreciation, as Michigan is truly a golf paradise. Whether you are looking for a relaxing round or a competitive challenge, you will find it in Michigan. So pack your clubs, book your tee times, and get ready to experience some of the best golf courses in the nation.