Best Public Golf Courses in Michigan
Northern Michigan is one of the most underrated golf destinations in the country. The Traverse City and Petoskey areas host a concentration of well-designed resort courses surrounded by forests and Great Lakes views that rival anything in the Midwest. The courses below represent the best public access golf Michigan has to offer — from the dunes of Lake Michigan to the resort corridors of the north.
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club features 18 holes with a par of 72, stretching from a manageable 4,868 yards from the forward tees to a challenging 12,633 yards from the back. This championship layout offers multiple tee options, including Black, Blue, White, Gold, and Red, accommodating golfers of all skill levels and preferences. The course is designed with a mix of prairie and links-style characteristics, providing a unique playing experience. Golfers will appreciate the well-maintained grass types, including fine fescue and bluegrass, which contribute to the overall beauty of the course and the challenge it presents.
Bay Harbor Golf Club features the Quarry and Preserve nines, creating a balanced challenge for golfers of all skill levels. With a par of 71 and yardage ranging from 4,040 to 6,774, players can choose from seven sets of tees to match their game. The meticulously maintained bentgrass greens and fairways provide smooth roll and true play. Expect to encounter thoughtful elevation changes and strategically placed hazards that require careful course management and precise shot-making.
The Heather course at Boyne Highlands stretches from a manageable 6,207 yards from the forward tees to a challenging 6,647 yards from the back tees, all while maintaining a par of 72. With a mix of purple, purple correct, and orange tee options, players of various skill levels can tailor their experience. The course features lush bentgrass greens and fairways, providing a smooth playing surface that rewards precision. Expect rolling hills, strategic water hazards, and well-placed bunkers that demand thoughtful course management throughout your round.
The Signature at Treetops Resort is a delightful 18-hole course that stretches from a manageable 4,604 yards on the forward tees to a more demanding 6,285 yards from the back. This par 70 course challenges golfers with a mix of strategic layout and beautiful natural features, all while being playable for a range of skill levels. With tee options available in blue, white, and red, players can choose the level that suits their game best. The course is known for its rolling terrain and pristine greens, making for an enjoyable day out on the links.
At Forest Dunes Golf Club, golfers can explore a diverse landscape across its 18 holes, which play to a par of 72. The course stretches from a challenging 12,639 yards from the back tees to a more approachable 5,032 yards from the forward tees, accommodating players of all skill levels. The course features bent grass on both greens and fairways, ensuring smooth putts and consistent play throughout the season. With various tee options including Mens I and Womens IV, there's a setup that caters to everyone's game. Expect to navigate thoughtfully placed hazards and rolling terrain that will challenge even the most seasoned golfer.
Black Lake Golf Club offers an inviting 18-hole experience with a par of 72, featuring yardages ranging from 5,673 yards from the forward tees to 6,391 from the back. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy multiple tee options, including White and Silver, allowing for a tailored challenge based on your game. The course is primarily laid out with Providence fairways and green surfaces of Pennlinks and Provid, providing a consistent playing surface. With a combination of strategic layout and natural landscapes, players will find the course to be engaging and enjoyable, inviting them back time and again.
The Betsie Valley Course at Crystal Mountain features an 18-hole, par 72 layout that stretches from a manageable 5,096 yards from the forward tees to a challenging 6,553 yards from the back tees. With bent grass fairways and greens, golfers can expect smooth putting surfaces and beautifully kept playing conditions. The varied tee options — Championship, Back, and Red — allow players of all skill levels to enjoy the course while providing unique challenges for those looking to test their game. Expect some elevation changes and strategic holes that require thoughtful club selection and course management.
Grandview Golf Club features 18 par-72 holes that stretch from 6,181 yards on the forward tees to 6,598 yards from the back. The course is well-maintained with bent grass on both the fairways and greens, offering a smooth putting surface that's a highlight for many players. With options for Blue and White tees, golfers of all skill levels can find an enjoyable challenge here. Expect a good mix of open views and strategic shot placement, ensuring you'll need both distance and accuracy to score well.