Destination golf.
Two words a golfing enthusiast salivates over.
But what makes the best golf courses in Michigan? Could it be the beauty? The local area? A course’s architectural presence? What about the course’s difficulty? Do you prefer a more straightforward challenge? Would you like to brag about it? Or do you like hidden gems?
Michigan’s most notable golfing destinations can be all of the above, and the desirables change according to personal preference.
We’ve attempted to keep the above criterion relevant when ranking the top golf courses to visit in Michigan. With that said, let’s tee off with the Bay Harbor Golf Club.
Bay Harbor Golf Club – Bay Harbor
When looking for the most visually stunning golf course in Michigan, you’ll struggle to find a stretch of land more appealing to the eyes than Bay Harbor Golf Club. Residing on the shores of Little Traverse Bay with stunning beauty in every direction you turn, this 27-hole layout comprises three separate nines. Still, visitors shouldn’t miss the Links and the Quarry, our favorites of the three courses available.
Whether you’re looking to play a round of golf as an avid player or just a fan of the game who’d instead use the best Michigan betting apps while taking in the scenery, Bay Harbor is excellent for players and fans alike.
For players, you’ll want to be in your best form. For newcomers who aren’t familiar with the course and regularly struggle to break 90, this course can be challenging with its blind spots. We recommend you stay patient and pack some extra balls because this course should undoubtedly be on your to-do list.
Arcadia Bluffs – Arcadia
Those familiar with the Michigan golf scene will already know of the Arcadia Bluffs, the most famous golf course in the Great Lake State. With that said, most people wonder why it’s the most sought-after golfing location: Playability.
Visitors can enjoy Lake Michigan views, but for players, this links-style course only presents a few holes where the scenic views can be enjoyed. This, however, comprises simple, fun, and pristine golfing conditions for those hitting the course.
Golfers shouldn’t be too underwhelmed because once you reach the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, you’ll reach Amen Corner – three rounds that will deliver some of the most majestic beauty Michigan has to offer, as well as a challenging part of the course that requires skill and planning.
Threetops – Gaylord
Many will criticize the placement of Threetops on this list, but you won’t find a more entertaining course for players looking to have fun and leave the over-bearing seriousness of the game back home. This course will have you leaving Gaylord with a smile on your face, and every Michigan golfer needs to test its holes at least once.
This one-of-a-kind par-3 course has elevated tee boxes and is incredibly high, some would say too high, but it’s by design. You’ll only manage with two or three clubs with specific elevated slopes that present 100ft drops or bigger. And while smashing a 7-iron from 220 yards seems peculiar, you won’t believe it when you hit the green doing so.
Belvedere Golf Club – Charlevoix
Designed by William Watson in 1925 with a squad of horses and more than 100 men, Belvedere has been a long-standing course in northern Michigan, most known for its simplistic layout, and is one of the first vacation courses in MI.
Eight-time major title holder Tom Watson was known to spend his summertime at this course, and those visiting will instantly understand why. It’s an excellent way to test your skills with tiny, precise greens. And for a course, that’s hosted the Michigan Amateur on forty occasions, who are we to argue?
The Gailes – Oscoda
No, you’re not in Aberdeen, Scotland, or Glasgow, but when playing at The Gailes in Oscoda, you may got lost in its natural beauty and forget you’re playing a round of golf in Michigan.
This links-style course is perfectly groomed and provides the traditions we think of when picturing a classic golf course. From the pot, bunkers, tees, adjoining greens, berms, and hollows, this course ticks all the boxes for players seeking historical convention in their game.
