15 Best Golf Courses In Michigan You Must Play

Traveling to Michigan and want to play a round of golf? I have you covered. In this article, I will walk you through the best golf courses in Michigan so you can choose which is closest to your location.

There are so many things to do in Michigan it’s a state with so much to offer.

Whether you are on the green as much as possible or have to dig your clubs out the back of the closest one of these Michigan golf courses will work for you.

Michigan is filled with beautiful golf courses to suit every level of player.

From incredible Michigan state parks to vast water bodies to wonderful beach towns and beautiful vineyards in Michigan, this Midwest state has something for everyone.

The state also offers some of the best golf courses in the country.

If golfing is your thing you are going to love these golf courses in Michigan. So without further ado let me walk you through what I feel are the best golf courses in Michigan.

15 Best Golf Courses In Michigan You Must Play

Northville Hills Golf Club, Northville

Located in Northville, Michigan, the Northville Hills Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole course. The course was designed by Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest golfers of all time.

The course is known for its rolling hills, water features, and beautiful landscaping. This Michigan golf course offers a challenging layout with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The course features several water hazards and bunkers, making it a fun but difficult course for golfers of all skill levels.

You will need to make a reservation and there is a recommended attire and pace of play here so check before you go.

It is just a 30-minute car journey from downtown Detroit and 20 minutes from Ann Arbor. This is one of the Detroit golf courses you will want to try out.

 Stay at the Hampton Inn Detroit Northville and make a weekend of it.

Farmington Hills Golf Club, Farmington Hills

This Michigan golf course is located in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and is a beautiful 18-hole golf course set on 175 acres.

The course features stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

It is one of the best golfing venues, the course is challenging enough for most and features manicured bent grass tees, fairways and greens, ponds, and gently rolling hills.

There is a driving range on site and a clubhouse with a full-service restaurant and a huge outdoor patio. They also offer golf lessons and classes.

This is one of the best public golf courses in Michigan that offers all the amenities and is in a beautiful location.

Stay at the Residence Inn Detroit Farmington Hills for a great getaway.

The University of Michigan Golf Course, Ann Arbor

Located in Ann Arbor this is one of the top golf courses in Michigan. The course features tree-lined fairways, rolling hills, and challenging greens.

It has hosted numerous amateur and professional tournaments.

The University of Michigan Golf Course was designed by legendary golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, who also designed Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters’ Tournament.

It is a beautiful 18-hole course with a 23,000-square-foot clubhouse and a patio with outside seating and a fire pit.

To play here you need to be a guest of an affiliated golfer or you will need to purchase a one-day package.

It’s best to call beforehand just to check if you can access the course and book in as necessary. Of all the things to do in Michigan playing here should be high on your list.

There are so many things to do in Ann Arbor so why not stay awhile and enjoy this destination? Graduate Ann Arbor makes a perfect base for exploring.

Thornapple Pointe, Grand Rapids Is One Of The Best Golf Courses In Michigan

If you are looking for Grand Rapids Golf Courses then we feel this one should be top of your list. While the 18-hole course is impressive the views are incredible.

Built on the banks of the Thornapple River you get panoramic views while you are playing.

The course winds along 7000 feet of river frontage and takes you through gently rolling hills, through hardwood-lined fairways.

And near three of the most enchanting, untouched wetlands found in the Midwest.

A game of golf here is as much about the surroundings as is it the golf. People also comment on how friendly the staff is here.

You can play 9 or 18 holes and they do offer early bird, senior, and family specials here. Again book before you go to guarantee space. This is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Michigan.

If you want to explore Grand Rapids some more here are 17 Best Things To Do In Grand Rapids MI you shouldn’t miss.

Canopy By Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown makes a great base.

Arcadia Bluffs, Traverse City

If you are looking for Traverse City Golf Courses then consider Arcadia Bluffs. Yes, it is an hour’s drive away from the city but it is so worth it.

This course has a reputation and is rated in the top 100 golf courses in the States. The club has two courses both catering to a different golf style.

The Bluffs Course is a links-style layout suitable for all levels. It is undulating and open with wind-swept native grasses, sod-walled bunkers, wide fairways, and spacious greens.

The South Course is built like the classic courses you don’t get to see anymore. It has wide fairways and approaches.

There is little protection from the wind and there is a mix of north, south, east, and west-facing holes.

The amenities here are top notch and the site even offers accommodation. This is one of the top golf courses in Michigan.

There is so much to see and do in Traverse City so why not stay at The Baywatch Resort and make a weekend of it?

Fox Creek Golf Course, Livonia

If you are looking for Livonia Golf Courses then Fox Creek Golf Course might be for you. This stunning course has earned a reputation as one of the best courses in the state and for good reason.

This has tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and some treacherous sand bunkers.

It’s a course where shot accuracy is very important. You might want to bring plenty of balls with you as some will end up in the water.

Wildlife often roams the course so keep an eye out. The restaurant offers a full-service menu and Coach’s Corner is a great place to relax after a great round.

For Michigan golf, it is a more reasonable price than some others and you will need to call ahead to book.

The Detroit Marriott Livonia is a great place to stay in the area.

One Of The Best Golf Courses In Michigan Is Leslie Park Golf Course, Ann Arbor

If you are looking for Ann Arbor Golf Courses then you might want to consider Leslie Park Golf Course.

This course is the winner of several awards, such as Golf Digest’s #1 Municipal Course in Michigan, and Ann Arbor News’ Best Place to Golf.

As well as Michigan Golfer’s Top Ten Muni’s, and Michigan Golf Network’s Top Ten Funnest to Play.

This is one of the best public golf courses in Michigan is one of the highest-rated city-owned golf courses in the state and is well worth a visit. The 18-hole course is a championship layout across 6,600 yards.

There have hitting nets and a practice green on-site and the course offers weekly specials. Clun rental is also available here.

This is one of the best golf courses in Michigan.

The restaurants in Ann Arbor are great so if you can check one of them out.

The Jewel Golf Course, Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Golf Courses are unique and the Jewel Cold Course is no exception. This course is one of the only golf courses in the world where you have to get a horse and carriage ride between the nines.

The course is incredibly scenic and tees, fairways, and greens are kept in immaculate condition. The two nines are a mile and a half apart.

The first nine overlooks Lake Huron and Round Island, and the second nine the Mackinac Bridge and the Upper Peninsula.

The horse and carriage ride between the two takes about 15 minutes and is rather beautiful. There are no carts allowed on Mackinac Island so come prepared to walk.

There is so much to see and do on Mackinac Island and the restaurants are great too.

Milham Park Municipal Golf Course, Kalamazoo

If you are looking for Kalamazoo Golf Courses then the Milham Park Municipal Golf Course might be worth a try. It’s a challenging 18-hole, par 72 layout located on 130 acres.

Milham Park Municipal Golf Course regularly hosts tournaments and is considered to be one of the best-conditioned municipal courses in the state.

The course dates from the 1930s and the first gold professional here were Robert Millar.

The course is on the southern edge of Kalamazoo opposite Milam Park. There is also a snack bar, practice facilities, and a shop on site. Golf Michigan doesn’t get much better than this.

This is one of the must-try golf courses in Michigan.

There are so many things to do in Kalamazoo that you could make a weekend of it.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown is a good option.

Rouge Park, Detroit, Is One Of The Best Golf Courses In Michigan

Rouse Park is one of the Michigan golf courses you will want to visit. It’s just a 20-minute drive from the city and is part of the Detroit Park System.

The course was opened in 1928 and is an 18-hole layout. It has wide fairways and is built on sloping terrain. The river that runs through the course forms a water hazard on 9 different holes.

Hile 2 is considered by many to be one of the most difficult golf holes in Detroit. It is one of the best golf courses in Michigan.

The Detroit Club is a perfect place to enjoy the Detroit attractions.

Tullymore Golf Resort, Stanwood

Located in Stanwood, Michigan, Tullymore Golf Resort is consistently ranked as one of the top golf destinations in the state.

The resort features two championship golf courses – Tullymore Golf Course and St. Ives Golf Course – both of which offer a range of challenges and stunning views.

The resort is nestled in 800 acres of pristine Michigan woodlands and wetlands and offers luxury accommodations and first-class amenities.

This resort also features an 18-hole putting course, as well as on-site lodging options for those looking to stay and play.

This is one of the best Michigan golf resorts and is good for experienced and novice golfers.

Forest Dunes Golf Club, Roscommon

This golf club, located in Roscommon, Michigan, is known for its challenging course and beautiful surroundings.

The course was designed by Tom Weiskopf and offers a mix of tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and bunkers.

It is annually ranked among the 25 golf courses nationally and people praise its fast greens and intriguing layout.

This is also the home of what is known as the “reversible” golf course called The Loop. Designed by Tom Doak the course is a favorite among avid players.

 In addition to the championship course, Forest Dunes also offers a 10-hole short course and a 9-hole putting course.

The resort also features on-site lodging options and dining. Michigan golf courses don’t get much better than the ones here.

Bay Harbor Golf Club, Petoskey

This golf club, located in Petoskey, Michigan, offers three championship golf courses – The Links, The Quarry, and The Preserve – all of which offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and challenging courses.

The courses were designed by renowned golf course architects, Arthur Hills and Stephen Kircher.

This resort offers a variety of golf packages that include lodging, dining, and rounds of golf. Golfers should also be prepared for challenging greens on all three courses.

The clubhouse also has incredible views over Traverse Bay. Everything about this place begs you to relax and take it easy in this beautiful location.

This is one of the best golf courses on Lake Michigan.

The Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey at Victories Square is a great base to explore this area.

Boyne Highlands Resort, Harbour Springs

Located in Harbor Springs, Michigan, Boyne Highlands Resort is home to four championship golf courses – The Heather, Arthur Hills, Donald Ross Memorial, and The Moor – each of which offers a unique golfing experience.

The Heather Course is a Robert Trent Jones design and the 2019 National Golf Course Owners Course of the Year. Arthur Hills and the Donald Ross Memorial have breathtaking views.

The Moor is considered the most challenging.

The resort also offers golf lessons and clinics for golfers of all skill levels.

In addition to the championship courses, Boyne Highlands also features a variety of other golf activities, such as a driving range, practice greens, and golf instruction.

The resort also offers a range of lodging and dining options

This is one of the Michigan golf resorts that has something for everyone.

The Best Western of Harbor Springs is a great base to explore this area.

Belvedere Golf Club, Charlevoix

This is one of the golf courses in Michigan if you like to experience the game it is meant to be played. Everything about this course is traditional and is a must-play course in northern Michigan.

The club was founded in 1925 and first played in 1937. The course is a classic William Watson design and is a favorite for many pro golfers including five-time British Open winner Tom Watson.

This is a course for golf Michigan purists. They have hosted the Michigan State Amateur Golf tournaments over 38 times.

ou can play as a guest here but the times from 12-2 are reserved for members only.

if you love the tradition and history of golf then this is one of the best Michigan golf courses for you.

The Earl in Charlevoix is a great place to stay in the area.

Packing List When Golfing In Michigan

If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Michigan, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting Michigan golf clubs. 

It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos.

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for golfing and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

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As you can see when it comes to the best golf courses in Michigan there are so many to choose from.

Whether you choose one of the golf courses on Lake Michigan or one of the Michigan PGA courses I know you will have a great time.

Before visiting any of these courses, it’s also a good idea to check their websites for any specific rules or regulations, such as dress codes or tee time requirements.

Many of these courses may also require advanced reservations, especially during peak season. And of course, be sure to bring your golf clubs and your A-game!