Miles Bennett
Michigan is a popular destination for golf, with hundreds of public golf courses to choose from, including world-class courses designed by renowned architects such as Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills, Tom Doak, and Jack Nicklaus. The state's natural beauty and varied landscapes, from the Great Lakes to the forested peninsulas, provide a stunning backdrop for golfing. Northwest Michigan, from Arcadia to Harbor Springs, is particularly renowned for its golf destinations, offering public access to top-ranked courses. Michigan's golf scene caters to all levels of play, with affordable packages and a range of challenges for golfers. The state's golf culture is also evident in the many golf resorts, leisure experiences, and natural courses that attract visitors seeking a combination of outdoor activities and relaxation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of public golf courses | More than 650 |
| Golf course architects | Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills, Tom Doak, Jack Nicklaus, Mike DeVries, Alister Mackenzie, Perry Maxwell, Willie Park Jr. |
| Notable courses | Arcadia Bluffs, Boyne Highlands, Bay Harbor, Forest Dunes, Crystal Downs, Kingsley Club, True North, Tom Doak's Lost Dunes, Jack Nicklaus' American Dunes, Robert Trent Jones' Point O' Woods, Oakland Hills, Franklin Hills, Country Club of Detroit, Birmingham Country Club, Greywalls, Indianwood Golf & Country Club, Timber Trace, Dunes Club, Meadowbrook Country Club, The Bear, The Loop at Forest Dunes Golf Club |
| Golf resorts | Boyne Mountain, Bellaire Air, Bay Harbor, Traverse City, Beaver Creek |
| Golf course locations | Northwest Michigan, Arcadia, Harbor Springs, Benton Harbor, Grand Haven, Detroit, Marquette, Kalamazoo County |
| Golf course features | Links-style design, panoramic views, elevation changes, bunkers, rolling terrain, natural landscapes, dunes, beaches, historic clubs |
| Golf course rankings | Top 100 Golf Courses, Golf Digest's Best Golf Courses in Michigan, Golfers' Choice 2025, People's Choice Awards, America's 100 Greatest Public Courses, America's 100 Greatest Courses |
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What You'll Learn
Michigan's public golf scene
Michigan is a golfer's paradise. With over 650 public golf courses, it has more public golf courses than any other state in America. Michigan's breathtaking views and dense natural forests make it a popular destination for golfers. Northwest Michigan, from Arcadia to Harbor Springs, is one of America's great golf destinations.
Grand Rapids, in particular, is a great golfing destination with scenic courses and elegant clubs. Thornapple Pointe, for example, offers beautiful scenery with thousands of feet of river frontage, rolling hills, and wetlands. The area also has thousands of feet of river frontage, making it perfect for golfers who want to enjoy the water while playing a round.
The state also offers a variety of golf packages to make the sport more accessible and affordable for everyone. With long summer daylight stretching into the late evening, golfers have plenty of time to get in a few extra rounds. Michigan truly is a golfer's paradise, with something for every level of play.
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Michigan's best golf courses
Michigan is a top destination for golf enthusiasts, boasting more public golf courses than any other state in America. The state's diverse and picturesque landscapes, from its lakeside courses to its forested peninsulas, provide a stunning backdrop for a round of golf.
One of the most renowned golf courses in Michigan is Harbor Shores, designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus. This course offers a challenging and scenic experience with undulating greens, strategic bunkers, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The sound of crashing waves and the fresh lake breeze create a tranquil atmosphere for golfers. Harbor Shores also offers luxurious amenities, including spa services, indoor and outdoor pools, and fine dining options, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay for its guests.
Another notable golf destination in Michigan is Arcadia Bluffs, featuring two courses ranked among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses. Northwest Michigan, from Arcadia to Harbor Springs, is hailed as one of America's premier golf destinations. Golfers can also explore Boyne Highlands with its four courses, Bay Harbor with 27 holes, and the private yet accessible Belvedere course.
For those seeking historic charm, the suburbs of Detroit offer a wealth of options. The Birmingham Country Club sits at the heart of a collection of esteemed historic courses, including the Donald Ross-designed Oakland Hills, ranked 20th on America's 100 Greatest Courses. Bloomfield Hills, designed by Harry S. Colt in 1913, and Franklin Hills, designed by Ross's partner Charles Alison, are also within close proximity to the club.
Michigan also boasts unique golf experiences, such as the Greywalls golf course at Marquette Golf Club, designed by Tom Doak's apprentice, Mike DeVries. The state caters to golfers of all skill levels, with over 650 public courses, making it a golfer's paradise. Whether it's the challenging layouts of Jack Nicklaus-designed courses or the serene beauty of lakeside fairways, Michigan's best golf courses offer an unforgettable golfing journey.
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Golf resorts in Michigan
Michigan is a state known for its awe-inspiring beauty, with its dense natural forests and breathtaking views. It is also known for its incredible golf courses. With over 650 public golf courses, Michigan is a golfer's paradise, offering a range of options for every level of play. The state's natural beauty has been utilised by some of the game's greatest architects, such as Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills, Tom Doak, and Jack Nicklaus, to create world-class golf destinations.
One of the premier golf experiences in Michigan is the Boyne Golf resort. Boyne Golf provides a world-class golf destination with 11 stunning courses spanning three resorts. The courses are set among 10,000 pristine acres, situated between the stunning shores of Lake Michigan and the rugged hills of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Each course offers a unique experience, with varying topography and play styles. Boyne Mountain, part of the Boyne Golf resort, offers a unique golfing experience with 36 challenging holes laid into the breathtaking northern Michigan terrain.
Another renowned golf resort in Michigan is the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, which features three championship layouts, including the renowned "The Bear" course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this northern Michigan gem opened in 1985 and offers a challenging yet rewarding golf experience with its tiered greens, native fescue, moguls, and deep pot bunkers.
For those seeking a combination of outdoor activities and relaxation, the city of Traverse City is an ideal base. The city offers a variety of hotel and restaurant options and is conveniently located near attractions such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes and mini-golf facilities. Arcadia Bluffs, located in Northwest Michigan, is another highly regarded golf destination. It offers two public courses, both ranked among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses, and provides stunning views and dining experiences even for those who don't play golf.
Gull Lake View Golf Resort, located in western Michigan, is another notable golf resort. It features six 18-hole courses and is known for its signature layout, Stoatin Brae, a links-style design that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The resort provides a unique Midwest golf experience, allowing golfers to play along the ground from elevated positions.
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Golf course architects in Michigan
Michigan is a state with over 650 public golf courses, making it a golfer's paradise. The state's natural beauty has been utilized by some of the greatest golf course architects to create world-class golfing destinations.
One of the most renowned golf course architects in Michigan is Raymond Hearn, who has dedicated nearly 30 years to the craft. Hearn believes that every design benefits from two key elements: an experienced golf architect and the designer's commitment of time, focus, creativity, and expertise. He has worked on various projects, including the Midlothian Country Club, where he updated a 125-year-old golf course, exceeding the expectations of the club's improvement committee. Hearn's attention to detail, respect for the land, and creativity set him apart from his peers.
Another notable golf course architect in Michigan is Mike DeVries, who apprenticed with the renowned Tom Doak. DeVries has designed and constructed six new golf courses and consulted on course renovations for established clubs. One of his notable projects is the Greywalls golf course at Marquette Golf Club, which opened in 2005 to much acclaim. DeVries' designs are known for their unique blend of art and science, stimulating the senses and offering an enjoyable respite from daily life.
Tom Doak himself is also worth mentioning. He has designed several notable courses in Michigan, including the Loop at Forest Dunes Golf Club, which features 18 distinct fairways and greens, and the signature layout at Gull Lake View Golf Resort, Stoatin Brae, which offers panoramic views of Kalamazoo County.
Other notable golf course architects who have left their mark in Michigan include Jack Nicklaus, whose designs include The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and Donald Ross, known for his work on the Franklin Hills Country Club and Okland Hills.
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Michigan's golf history
One of the oldest golf courses in Michigan is the Harbor Point Golf Club in Harbor Springs, which was established in 1896. Another historic course is the Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinac Island, built in 1898. This course is particularly significant as it is located on the site of the 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island between the United States and Great Britain. The course was designed by two-time U.S. Open champion Alex Smith, and features simple landforms and a unique "circus ring".
The early 20th century saw a boom in golf course development in Michigan, coinciding with the state's period of prosperity. One of the most prolific architects of the time, Donald Ross, was commissioned to design several top private clubs, including Oakland Hills and Franklin Hills in the Detroit area.
Michigan is also home to several modern golf courses designed by renowned architects. The Bear at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened in 1985 and offers a challenging course with tiered greens and deep pot bunkers. Tom Doak, another celebrated golf course architect, has designed several courses in Michigan, including the Loop at Forest Dunes Golf Club and the University of Michigan Golf Course in Ann Arbor.
The state also boasts a variety of other notable courses, such as the Greywalls golf course at Marquette Golf Club, designed by Tom Doak's apprentice, Mike DeVries, and the Crystal Downs course, known for its remote and exclusive location. Michigan's diverse golf landscape offers something for every level of play, from historic 19th-century designs to modern championship layouts.
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Frequently asked questions
Michigan has more than 650 public golf courses, and its courses are consistently ranked among the best in America. Michigan's public golf scene is among the nation's best, so it's safe to say that people in Michigan like golf.
Some of the best golf courses in Michigan include Arcadia Bluffs, Boyne Highlands, Bay Harbor, Forest Dunes, Crystal Downs, Kingsley Club, True North, Tom Doak's Lost Dunes, Jack Nicklaus' American Dunes, Robert Trent Jones' Point O' Woods, Oakland Hills, Franklin Hills, and Birmingham Country Club.
Yes, Detroit is home to several outstanding golf courses, including Oakland Hills, Franklin Hills, the Country Club of Detroit, and Birmingham Country Club.
Yes, there are several golf resorts in Michigan, including Boyne Mountain, Bellaire Air, and Bay Harbor. These resorts offer world-class golf courses and easy access to nearby towns and attractions.
Notable golf course architects who have designed courses in Michigan include Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills, Tom Doak, Jack Nicklaus, Alister Mackenzie, Perry Maxwell, and Mike DeVries.
