Family Golf Getaways

Premier Michigan resorts offer so many choices they actually qualify as destinations in their own right. With a growing lineup of family fun, pampering spas, exceptional food and more-- you're sure to find one just right for you.

BOYNE RESORTS

Golf on a total of nine courses gets top billing for three Boyne USA resorts Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and the Bay Harbor. But plenty of other activities from new zip lines to the spa and Boyne Mountains huge water park appeal to families at these resorts, located about 45 minutes apart near Petoskey in the northwestern corner of the Lower Peninsula.

The Inn at Bay Harbor, rising like a grand 19th-century lake resort on the shore of Little Traverse Bay, exudes an upscale vibe. That impression is reinforced by 27 holes of golf that have been called the Pebble Beach of the Midwest.

Bavarian-style Boyne Highlands lodge stands amid 7,000 wooded acres just east of Harbor Springs. Nearby, you'll find lodgings ranging from condos to cottages. Down the road from the sprawling lodge, you'll find the country club complex, serving four courses, including the acclaimed Arthur Hills and the Donald Ross, which re-creates some of this noted designers most famous holes.

THUNDER BAY

This comfortable family-owned resort takes full advantage of its woodsy northeast Lower Peninsula setting. Horse-drawn wagons take guests through the forest to an elk preserve and a five-course dinner cooked on wood-burning stoves in a lovely, spacious cabin. Woods frame the resorts 18-hole course. Golfers find ample challenge here, especially the big finish over water and rocks to No. 17s elevated green and No. 18s two-tier green.

GARLAND

Secluded deep in the forests of the northeastern Lower Peninsula, this year-round resort is likely to inspire love at first sight. The massive log lodge features a two-story lobby with a towering cathedral ceiling, enormous stone fireplace and beautiful stained-glass window support that impression.

Four championship courses dotted with sparkling water and blooming flower beds draw golfers who probably won't be able to resist playing at least some of every day. Off the courses, guests canoe, tube and fly fish on the famed nearby Au Sable River. Hiking and mountain biking trails weave through the 3,000-acre enclave.

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT & SPA

You can see the 17-story glass-sheathed tower from miles away. Its surrounded by trees and carefully manicured golf courses. This huge 900 acres retreat, with 600 guest rooms, suites and condos founded its reputation on golf. But it also has built an impressive list of add-ons including a spa, indoor tennis and sports center, and fine dining in the tower-top restaurant. The Bear, a par-72 course designed by Jack Nicklaus is rated one of the nations most challenging and also takes the price for Michigan's toughest.

SHANTY CREEK RESORTS

This 4,500-acre resort features 72 holes of championship golf on four courses. Cedar River Golf Club a Tom Weiskopf design; The Legend a dramatic and challenging Arnold Palmer design, Schuss Mountain and The Summit.

Family lodging is at three distinct villages Cedar River Village, Schuss Village and Summit Villageall known for their legendary Northern Michigan hospitality. All three areas share a wide menu of activities. You can swim in the four pools, mountain bike and hike. Youngsters sign up for horseback riding, crafts and other activities. The Golf Academy includes programs for golfers at every skills level and women and juniors too.

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPA

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville (34 miles south of Traverse City) has evolved into an exceptional Northern Michigan retreat. Whether guests come to golf or hit the Crystal Spa, they find ways to nourish mind, body and spirit. The spa took five years to build, as owners traveled the world to find and incorporate their favorite elements. At 11,000 square feet, the result is amazing from the organic decor to services like the fresh-air facial.

Lodgings range from hotel rooms to lovely three-bedroom cottages along the golf course and mountaintop homes. Splashing in the enormous pool and water playground, mountain biking and golf on two player-friendly courses entertain families who fill the resort in summer. You also can find quiet along the forested trails in the resorts 30-sculpture Michigan Legacy Art Park. 

THE HOMESTEAD

A Lake Michigan beach lures families to this laid-back retreat (25 miles west of Traverse City). Nearly completely surrounded by vast Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this complex of condominiums and townhomes grew around a historic inn that started as a school 70 years ago. The inn still serves as the centerpiece for a growing number of condos, hotel rooms and vacation homes.

And, there's still a lot of learning going on at the resorts tennis, fly-fishing and golf schools. Guests also can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle the river. Other highlights include childrens programs, shops and trails into the dunes.

GAYLORD IS AMERICA'S SUMMER GOLF MECCA

This Northern Michigan golf hub boasts 17 spectacular championship courses, anchored by four destination resorts. The area is also known for its unique Alpine Village--themed downtown which lures vacationers to its top-notch shopping, galleries and restaurants.

If the uncluttered greens and immaculate course don't spark your spirit for a Pure Michigan golf adventure, then the pristine wilderness golf experience, complete with great family activities on and off the green will. Plan your Gaylord Golf adventure and save time and money with a golf vacation package.

TULLYMORE GOLF RESORT

Tullymore Golf Resort offers first class golf on two nationally awarded golf courses designed by Jim Engh and Jerry Matthews. St. Ives Golf Club and Tullymore Golf Club have unique layouts, challenging holes and stunning scenery. Tullymore is rated 14th in the top 100 greatest public courses in America by Golf Digest. The resort is complete with succulent meals prepared by a nationally renowned chef preparing your meals at the restaurant. Imagine a day spa, with all the amenities.

For a complete list of Michigan golf destinations, click here.