13 Best Golf Courses in Michigan
Michigan's golf scene is nothing short of extraordinary. The collection of highly ranked courses includes architecture by Tom Doak and Mike DeVries. Between the granite cliffs of Greywalls in the Upper Peninsula and the windswept Lake Michigan bluffs of Arcadia, there is a champion fairway waiting to be explored. Courses cluster around Traverse City, Petoskey, and the southeast Detroit metro. Pricing varies dramatically between public layouts welcoming day visitors and private clubs reserved for members. The thirteen Michigan courses ahead each carry their own architectural pedigree.
Kingsley Club
Continually ranking among Golf Digest's Second 100 Greatest, Kingsley Club is an under-the-radar name in the American golf world. Designed by minimalist architect Mike DeVries and opened in 2001, it features an open, links-style front nine, a heavily wooded back nine, and no water hazards. The club is private, and its fees are not publicly published, though it does house a dedicated Pro Shop where golfers can purchase premium gear.
The rustic 4-bedroom Member Cottages sit on a bluff overlooking the 17th hole, while the clubhouse offers a welcoming space for coffee and casual dining. The club strongly encourages walking and maintains a caddie program, staying true to its pure, unhurried golf culture. You can access the club by flying into Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, about 20 minutes away, and the summer and early fall seasons are ideal to experience this part of Northern Michigan.
Forest Dunes Golf Club
Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon is one of the most architecturally diverse golf experiences, set amid the Huron National Forest and designed by Tom Weiskopf. The front nine of the course is lined with pine trees, while the back nine features striking dunes. Additionally, minimalist architect Tom Doak designed The Loop, offering two 18-hole layouts that share the same fairways and greens. Green fees for the course or The Loop typically range $125 to $185 and include access to the practice facility and putting course, with cart fees separate.
Lake AuSable Lodge provides on-site lodging with private villas and luxury cottages within distance of the first tee. The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Keeper's Pub and Bootlegger Bar provide plenty of options for refreshments. The Forest Dunes Golf Shop is nearby, as well as the 15,000-square-foot clubhouse. Visiting in late June through September in Northern Michigan is best for ideal golfing conditions, and you get there from Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, roughly one hour away.
Crystal Downs Country Club
The private Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort is a masterpiece co-designed by Alister MacKenzie and his associate Perry Maxwell. Situated on a rolling dune ridge directly between the shores of Lake Michigan and inland Crystal Lake, it is renowned for significant elevation changes, fast greens, and internal contours that regularly test even the most seasoned golfers. As an exclusive private club, green fees are reserved for members and are not listed; however, their accompanying guests may pay up to $500 in fees.
The Crystal Downs Clubhouse features a formal dining room, event space, tennis court, and practice facilities. Late spring through fall is the best time of year to visit, when the weather is most favorable, with the nearby lakeside town of Frankfort offering local lodging and dining for those planning a trip. The nearest major airport is Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, approximately 40 miles away, while private pilots can land closer at Frankfort Dow Memorial Field.
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club in Arcadia is a celebrated public golf destination, with the flagship Bluffs Course revered for its wind-swept native grasses, sod-walled bunkers, wide fairways, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Green fees for the three separate courses range $70 to $250 per round, with GPS-equipped carts and use of the practice range included. There is also a seasonal caddie program available if needed.
The club offers exceptional on-site lodging with The Dining Room as an option for upscale full-service dining, or the Lakeview Room for a more casual meal, complete with sunset views of the lake from the terrace. The Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs shop offers well-stocked golf-branded apparel and equipment, a 24-hour fitness center nearby, and comprehensive practice facilities that round out the amenities. The course is open to the public seven days a week from April through November, while June through September offers the best weather and course conditions. The Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is approximately 50 miles away, and the smaller airports of Frankfort Dow Memorial Airport are 16 miles north, while Manistee County Blacker Airport is 16 miles south.
Oakland Hills Country Club
With its South Course recognized by Golf Digest in their 2025-26 list as a Top-20 course in the United States, Oakland Hills Country Club is one of the most distinguished private clubs in American golf. Founded in 1916, the country club is home to the historic South Course, a Donald Ross design that opened in 1918 and has since become a premier championship venue. Six US Open tournaments have been hosted at the club, as well as three PGA Championships and the 2004 Ryder Cup.
The clubhouse boasts three kitchens, ballrooms, a 3600 sq.ft. Pro Shop, a cigar room, and a two-level men's locker room with an open mezzanine. As a strictly private club, green fees are reserved for members and their guests and are not listed publicly. Summer and early fall offer the finest conditions for play. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is approximately 30 to 40 minutes away, with Oakland County International Airport serving private and corporate flyers closer to the club, making Oakland Hills an accessible destination for serious golfers.
Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club
Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is visually dramatic for its wild and natural landscape. Designed by architect Mike DeVries and named Greywalls for the massive granite rocks with severe elevation changes throughout, this course provides fantastic vistas over Lake Superior starting at the first tee. Upon opening in 2005, it immediately received national acclaim as one of the top-ten new courses, landing in major publications such as Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Travel + Leisure Golf.
Green fees are $235 during the regular season, from May 22 to September 13. Special rates during the spring, up to May 21, are $145, and fall season rates are $155 until closing day. Located near the Heritage Course, it shares the Marquette Golf Clubhouse, which has a pro shop, restaurant, and full practice facilities. While there is no on-site lodging, the city of Marquette is minutes away, with a range of hotels and local amenities. June through September offers optimal weather conditions, and the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport is less than 20 miles away, making access to the Club easy.
American Dunes Golf Club
The visually striking American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, which opened in 2021, was renovated and designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his firm, Nicklaus Design. The firm transformed a wooded, old layout by removing acres of trees and revealing a landscape of sand and native dunes, replacing repetitive holes with enticing ones that challenge golfers of all skill levels. Green fees for the Patriot 18 package vary by week, with the bulk of the season costing about $205 for a day pass. Special rates are available for active military, veterans, and first responders. In addition, the spring and fall seasons offer the best weather conditions.
The fighter-pilot-themed CAVU Squadron Bar and Restaurant delivers a memorable clubhouse dining experience that honors military history. At the same time, The Shop at American Dunes Golf Club offers a variety of Honor-branded merchandise. Currently, there is no lodging on site, though the town of Grand Haven offers nearby accommodations such as the Looking Glass Beachfront Inn. Visitors can also use Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, which is approximately 40 minutes away.
Bay Harbor Golf Club
Bay Harbor Golf Club near Petoskey has been consistently ranked among the finest resort courses in the country by Golf Digest between 1999 and 2018. Designed by Arthur Hills, the 27-hole layout is divided into three distinctive nines: The Links, The Quarry, and The Preserve. Each nine offers a unique challenge along the Lake Michigan coastline, allowing golfers to mix and match 18-hole combinations. Conditions are generally best from June through September.
Bay Harbor's green fees can reach upward of $440 at peak summer times, with twilight rates starting at $155. The Links Grille, located inside the main clubhouse, is where guests can dine on the veranda and soak in views of Lake Michigan, alongside the fully stocked Golf Shop and premier practice facilities. The Inn at Bay Harbor offers luxurious on-site lodging, including cottages, a private beach, and a full-service spa. Visitors can book flights to Pellston Regional Airport, approximately 24 miles away, or Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is another option, about 63 miles away.
Orchard Lake Country Club
Established in 1926, the historic Orchard Lake Country Club was designed by the renowned British partnership of Harry Colt and Charles Alison, showcasing extensive scenery across the 795-acre Orchard Lake. The 18-hole course is set in a park-like area with hills, offering challenging sloping lies and demanding greens that are characteristic of Colt and Alison's design style. Green fees are available exclusively to members and their guests due to the club's strictly private atmosphere.
The elegant Clubhouse sits above the lake, offering wide views of the water, along with resort-like dining and the nearby Orchard Lake Golf Shop, which carries high-end golf apparel. Opportunities for sailing, beach amenities, and fitness facilities round out this membership experience, encouraging guests to visit in spring and fall, while lodging and the local airport are in the city of Detroit, roughly 35 miles away.
Bloomfield Hills Country Club
Bloomfield Hills Country Club is one of the most prestigious and exclusive private clubs in the United States, known for its elite history and its sole focus on the golf experience. Founded in 1909, the 18-hole championship course was redesigned by celebrated British architect Harry S. Colt in 1913. It remains a beautifully well-groomed fairway, with challenging greens and native landscaping throughout the property. Late spring and early fall are considered the best times for playing conditions.
Considered a strictly private club, where green fees are reserved exclusively for members and their guests, inquiries for playing are handled directly through the club. The grand Bloomfield Hills Country Club House exudes a mansion-like atmosphere, complete with a bar, fireplace, and a renowned dining room recognized for exquisite cuisine and impeccable service. Lodging is available in the greater Detroit area, with extensive hotel options nearby, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport is only about 36 miles away.
Franklin Hills Country Club
According to Golf Digest's 2025-'26 rankings, Franklin Hills Country Club is a private course ranked 23rd in the state, with classic architecture that is largely preserved from its original blueprint. Designed by the legendary architect Donald Ross, the 18-hole course is built on dramatic, rolling terrain with over 100 feet of elevation changes defining Ross's finest work. As a strictly private club, green fees are available exclusively to members only and their guests, with rates handled directly through the club, suggesting late spring through early fall for the most favorable playing conditions.
The elegant Albert Kahn-designed Clubhouse features fine and casual dining in a relaxed setting, offering tennis, swimming, and a full calendar of member social events. On-site lodging is not available, though you can find an extensive range of hotels in the nearby Detroit area. Getting to the club from Detroit Metropolitan Airport takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes, while Oakland County International Airport, to the north, caters to private and charter pilots.
Belvedere Golf Club
One of Northern Michigan's most cherished and historic golf destinations, Belvedere Golf Club in Charlevoix has been ranked #22 in Michigan in 2025-2026 for its Golden Age architecture. Designed by Scottish architect William Watson and opened in 1927, the course is strategic and highly walkable, challenging golfers through smart design rather than brute force. Outside guests are welcome, with green fees around $150 during peak season.
The well-stocked Belvedere Pro Shop features an old-school feel and carries top-shelf brands at reasonable prices. There is no lodging available on the grounds; however, the town of Charlevoix is just two miles away, with hotels like the appealing Bay View Inn, ample dining options, and waterfront amenities. Golfers are recommended to visit during the summer through early fall for the most favorable playing conditions, and they can reach the course via Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City.
Point O'Woods Golf and Country Club
Point O'Woods Golf and Country Club in Benton Harbor was designed in 1958 by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr., who considered it among his finest American works. According to Golf Digest, in 2025-2026, it ranked 9th in the state, with a layout that winds through 200 acres of dense woodland, featuring narrow, tree-lined fairways and demanding water hazards, including the celebrated signature ninth hole. Point O'Woods is a private club, and green fees are reserved exclusively for members and their guests.
South Bend International Airport is approximately 45 minutes away, and Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids is reachable within an hour. The clubhouse features an executive chef for fine dining, a bar, patio seating, and amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and a comprehensive practice facility. Fully furnished cottages on the property accommodate up to eight in resort-style surroundings, and visiting in late spring through early fall is recommended for favorable playing conditions.
Golfing Through Michigan
Whether you're navigating the fairways of a Donald Ross creation at the Franklin Hills Country Club or uncovering a hidden treasure within the northern pines, Michigan offers a golf experience that lingers in your memory long after the final putt is made. With its scenic landscapes and a variety of courses suited for weekend players and golf aficionados alike, this Midwest state ranks among the top golf destinations worldwide.
