Fantastic Fairway Getaways in Northern Michigan
Get maximum distance from your golf escape by adding fun side trips between rounds.
Arcadia Bluffs, Arcadia
Lake Michigan views from all 18 holes pleasantly distract at Arcadia Bluffs, a links course winding between coastline mounds and swept by bracing winds.
Side trip: Gear up for Twisted Trails Off Road Park, with trails, mud, and rocks for ATV riders who bring their equipment.
Belvedere Golf Club, Charlevoix
A consistent Golf Digest four-star winner, the course pleases players with its accommodating landing areas, true- rolling greens and a creek that meanders through the property.
Side trip: Rent a canoe or kayak from Jordan Valley Outfitters to float on the scenic Jordan River.
Eldorado Golf Course, Cadillac
With four of the first five holes featuring water hazards, the challenges come early and often.
Side trip: See Mitchell and Cadillac lakes by paddleboard or kayak rented from Friends of Mitchell State Park.
Forest Dunes, Roscommon
Named one of Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses for 2017, the original layout designed by Tom Weiskopf cuts through the Huron National Forest. A newer layout, The Loop, reverses course every other day.
Side trip: Hike through the Lower Peninsula’s largest stand of old-growth pine forest or tour the logging museum at Hartwick Pines State Park.
Lakewood Shores, Oscoda
Swept by winds off Lake Huron, The Gailes course tests with Scottish links-style pot bunkers, double greens, and deceptive distances. All make unforgettable golf.
Side trip: Dip a line with one of the area’s fishing charter captains—Lake Huron near Oscoda is known as a prime walleye fishery.
Manitou Passage, Glen Arbor
The Arnold Palmer design is near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; two distinct nines offer views of the Manitou islands and the Leelanau countryside.
Side trip: Find 23 wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, including one in downtown Glen Arbor.
Marquette Golf Club, Marquette
Opened in 1926, the club provides views of Lake Superior on its original course, The Heritage, and its rugged newer companion, Greywalls.
Side trip: Zephyr Wine Bar, the city’s first, boasts small plates, wine, and craft beer amid gracefully rendered minimalist decor.
Otsego Club and Resort, Gaylord
The Tribute course, designed by NBC golf analyst Gary Koch, is one of the state’s most scenic. The layout winds through Sturgeon Valley, with views stretching more than 40 miles.
Side trip: Nearby Pigeon River Country State Forest offers opportunities to view elk in their natural environment.
Sage Run Golf Club, Harris
The brand-new course follows the contours of a large drumlin—a ridge formed by glacial ice.
Side trip: Big-name country and rock music artists perform at the Island Showroom.
TimberStone, Iron Mountain
Ski-terrain fairways echo with the sound of woodpeckers. Enjoy the view from the No. 17 tee.
Side trip: Fumee Lake Natural Area trails go through wetlands, forests and 5 miles of shore.
Wild Bluff Golf Course, Brimley
Freighters pass in the distance as golfers play forest-framed holes.
Side trip: Bet on a good time at Bay Mills Resort and Casino or Kings Club Casino.
By Danny Lee