5 Best Golf Courses in Michigan

Michigan is rapidly emerging as one of the top golf destinations in the country, and for good reason. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests and rolling dunes to fairways along the banks of the Great Lakes, Michigan’s golf scene is as visually captivating as it is challenging

Explore our guide to discover some of the best golf courses in Michigan that every golfer should have on their bucket list.

Best Golf Courses in Michigan

1. Crystal Downs Country Club

Frankfurt

Crystal Downs Country Club, or simply “The Downs,” as it’s referred to by members, is one of golf’s best-kept secrets. It occupies a spectacular piece of land between Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, and is arguably one of the best examples of golf course architecture that is both entirely original and remarkably imaginative.

Designed by Alister MacKenzie in the late 1920s, just after he completed Cypress Point and only years before his work on Augusta National, Crystal Downs showcases MacKenzie’s genius at the height of his career. The course construction was supervised by Perry Maxwell, as MacKenzie journeyed home to Scotland, and it’s believed that Maxwell may have taken some artistic license. Nonetheless, the final product was and is outstanding.

The course features fairways that zigzag and roll over the glacial landscape, but it’s the greens that leave the most lasting impression. Wildly contoured and boldly designed, they challenge golfers with their steep, undulating surfaces that echo MacKenzie’s adventurous spirit. 

2. Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs Course)

Arcadia

Not only is the Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs one of the best golf courses in Michigan, but it’s one of the few premier courses nationwide that’s actually open to the public. Many liken the design here to Whistling Straits, Arcadia’s neighbor just across the lake, but the Bluffs Course is no imitation. 

With roughly 3,000 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, the views here are nothing short of spectacular. But don’t let the stunning scenery lull you into a false sense of security. This course has teeth. Wind-swept grasses are ready to snag any errant shots, dramatic elevation changes will test your club selection, and deep sod-walled bunkers are to be avoided – all this intensified by the unpredictable winds. Wide fairways and greens provide some relief, but even they come with their own tricky undulations.

After your round, take a seat on the Adirondack Chairs, one of the best 19th holes in golf, perched right behind the 18th green. Watch golfers hit their final approach shots and enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Michigan on the horizon. It’s the perfect spot to toast a round well played, or to console yourself after a challenging day on the links.

3. Oakland Hills Country Club (South)

Bloomfield Hills

Having hosted 17 major championships, one can confidently say the South Course at Oakland Hills Country Club has established itself as a premier venue in professional golf. Of those tournaments, some of the most notable include six U.S. Opens, the 35th Ryder Cup in 2004, and three PGA Championships. A few of the greatest names in the game have played and won here including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Ben Hogan. Hogan himself famously declared that he had “brought this monster to its knees” after his win, and the course has proudly carried the nickname “The Monster” ever since.

Walter Hagen, the club’s first head professional, is another famous name tied to Oakland Hills. Founded in 1916 just outside Detroit, the course has undergone several renovations and restorations over the last century but still remains one of the fairest tests in golf. 

4. Kingsley Club

Kingsley

Kingsley Club may not have the thrills of an oceanfront setting or the allure of a centuries-old course, but it doesn’t need it. It is as dramatic a setting for golf as you can imagine, without the frills.

Nestled in the rolling landscape of Northern Michigan, Kingsley Club is a modern masterpiece, having debuted in 2001, that exudes a timeless quality. Designed by the visionary Mike DeVries, whose childhood experiences at Crystal Downs influenced his work, the course seamlessly marries natural beauty with thoughtful design.

DeVries, known for his minimalist approach, crafted a course that looks and feels organically integrated into its environment. True to his philosophy, DeVries moved minimal earth, letting the rugged terrain shape the course’s character. This approach is evident in the course’s distinctive features, from its rugged bunkers with raw edges to greens defined by natural punchbowls and plateaus.

The course’s design showcases a fascinating contrast between its open, links-like front nine and the more wooded, rolling back nine. The back nine, framed by tall pines and steep slopes, offers a more traditional Northern Michigan feel, complete with breathtaking vistas and dramatic elevation changes. Needless to say, there is no weak hole on the scorecard and every single one has character. 

5. Forest Dunes Golf Club (Weiskopf)

Roscommon

Forest Dunes Golf Club boasts three spectacular courses, but none quite match the 18-hole layout designed by Tom Weiskopf. Opened in 2002, this course is not only one of the best golf courses in Michigan but also ranks among the top public tracks in the United States.

Similar to Kingsley Club, Forest Dunes has a bit of a split personality. The front nine, with its lush grass, towering pines, and pristine white-sand bunkers, channels a parkland style that some liken to Augusta National. In contrast, the back nine embraces a rugged, Pine Valley-inspired aesthetic, featuring bold bunkering and wispy native grasses.

BONUS: While you’re at Forest Dunes, don’t miss The Loop – another one of the best golf courses in Michigan, but with a twist. Designed by Tom Doak, The Loop is a realization of Doak’s dream concept of a golf course with reversible fairways and greens that allow you to play the same course in different directions.

The Loop has two routings: the clockwise Black Course, which is slightly favored, and the counter-clockwise Red Course. Each routing is a par 70 with five par threes on the scorecard. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Golf Courses in Michigan