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Michigan has long been a golfer’s paradise, and now it’s official: eight different golf courses in the state have earned spots on Golf Digest’s 2025-2026 list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. That impressive tally solidifies what locals have known for years – from the Metro Detroit area to the far reaches of “Up North,” Michigan’s public golf offerings rank among the nation’s best. These aren’t just good courses for Michigan; they’re world-class courses, period, open to anyone with a tee time.
Despite a shorter playing season than warmer states, the Great Lakes State shines in national rankings thanks to its diverse landscapes and passionate golf culture. Northwest Michigan, in particular, has emerged as one of America’s great golf destinations. It’s easy to see why: within a few hours’ drive of Metro Detroit, you can find yourself teeing off atop windswept Lake Michigan bluffs, threading shots through serene pine forests, or even playing a hole that literally takes you into a rock quarry. And you don’t need a country club membership to do it – these acclaimed “public tracks” welcome everyday golfers, families, and visitors looking to experience championship-caliber golf with a friendly Michigan vibe.
Below, we take a tour of the eight Michigan courses that made Golf Digest’s 2025 list, each with its own unique character and appeal. From a top-20 national gem that every golfer should experience to a one-of-a-kind reversible course you won’t find anywhere else in North America, these courses showcase the best of Michigan golf. Whether you’re a Metro Detroit local planning a summer road trip, a family looking for a fun outing, or a savvy golfer ticking off bucket-list courses, these destinations offer something special. Let’s dive into what makes each course worthy of its elite ranking – and why you might want to book a tee time (or a whole weekend getaway) soon.
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Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, Facebook
Arcadia Bluffs (Bluffs Course) – Ranked #16
14710 Northwood Hwy, Arcadia, MI 49613
Website: Arcadia Bluffs
Michigan’s highest-ranked public course, Arcadia Bluffs (Bluffs Course), sits dramatically atop coastal bluffs in northwest Michigan and is nothing short of legendary. Perched 150 feet above Lake Michigan, this course offers panoramic shoreline views that draw comparisons to golf’s most iconic seaside venues. Nearly every hole features a stunning backdrop of blue water and sky, especially at sunset when golfers often linger to soak in the beauty. It’s no wonder Arcadia Bluffs is revered for its wind-swept native grasses, sod-walled bunkers, wide fairways, and spacious greens reminiscent of a classic links course. In fact, first-time visitors are sometimes amazed that such a links-style golf experience exists in the Midwest – complete with fescue-covered dunes and steady breezes off the lake that can challenge even low handicappers.
Opened in 1999 and designed by Warren Henderson and Rick Smith, Arcadia Bluffs quickly became a must-play for golf enthusiasts. The layout maximizes the terrain’s natural contours, with several holes cascading toward the lake. Highlights include a thrilling stretch on the back nine: the par-5 11th, par-4 12th, and the signature par-3 13th, where your tee shot must carry a Lake Michigan ravine to a green perched on the cliff’s edge. Every hole, however, has its own postcard-worthy vista. Despite the dramatic setting, Arcadia Bluffs is eminently playable for average golfers – fairways are generous, and multiple tee boxes let you choose your challenge. The real test often comes from Mother Nature; wind conditions can turn a comfortable round into an exhilarating adventure, truly capturing the spirit of links golf.
Unique Michigan Golf Experience: Upper Deck Golf at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor
For Metro Detroiters, Arcadia Bluffs is about a four-hour drive into Pure Michigan’s vacation heartland – and absolutely worth the trip. Many golfers make a weekend of it, staying in the on-site lodge or nearby coastal towns. The course’s beautiful clubhouse, styled like an old lakeside lodge, offers hearty food and a chance to unwind while watching the sun sink into Lake Michigan. It’s an experience that goes beyond just golf; it’s about enjoying Michigan’s natural splendor. Arcadia’s Bluffs Course embodies the phrase “Pure Michigan” with its combination of world-class design and breathtaking scenery. It’s no surprise this course sits at #16 on Golf Digest’s national public rankings, and for golf lovers, it’s a bucket-list round that showcases the very best of Michigan golf.
Forest Dunes Golf Club – Ranked #37
6376 Forest Dunes Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
Website: Forest Dunes Golf Club
Tucked away in northern Michigan’s Huron National Forest (about 3 hours north of Detroit), Forest Dunes Golf Club offers a sublime contrast of settings in one 18-hole track. This highly ranked course – #37 on Golf Digest’s list – is often described as having “two distinct personalities”. The front nine plays like a classic parkland course, winding through corridors of jack pines and hardwoods in the national forest. Here you’ll find immaculate fairways framed by tall trees and glimpses of wildlife; it’s a tranquil, pure Michigan woods vibe. By the time you make the turn, however, Forest Dunes shows off a different side: the back nine emerges onto glacial sand dunes and more open, rugged terrain. Suddenly the vistas widen, and you’re navigating scrubby native sand areas, scruffy underbrush, and gleaming white sand bunkers that pop against the green grass. It’s a brilliant yin-yang design that keeps golfers on their toes and utterly captivated.
Designed by former British Open champion Tom Weiskopf, Forest Dunes has earned a reputation for top-notch conditioning and a layout that’s challenging yet fair. Wide fairways and true-rolling greens give players of all skill levels a chance to enjoy a good round, while strategic bunkering and risk-reward choices keep things interesting for low handicappers. Notably, Forest Dunes even features a fun twist: an optional 19th hole par-3, nicknamed “Bye Hole,” used to settle tied matches or just add a little extra excitement at the end of your round. This playful addition embodies the club’s welcoming spirit – even serious golf here is not taken too seriously.
For Metro Detroit families or golf groups, Forest Dunes is a perfect weekend getaway spot. The on-site lodging means you can roll out of bed and be on the first tee in minutes, and the remote location provides a true escape from city life. In the evenings, gather around the fire pit or visit the casual sports bar on property to swap stories from the day’s play. Plus, Forest Dunes is part of a larger golf resort complex – as we’ll see next, it’s home to one of the most innovative golf experiences in the country, The Loop. But even standing on its own, Forest Dunes Golf Club delivers a pure golf retreat amid nature’s beauty. With its split personality layout blending forest and dunes, it showcases Michigan’s diverse landscapes in one round – and firmly earns its place among America’s best public courses.
For Top Michigan Golf Getaways: USA Today Names Michigan's Best Golf Spots.
Arcadia Bluffs (South Course) – Ranked #53
13637 Northwood Hwy, Bear Lake, MI 49614
Website: Arcadia Bluffs (South Course)
While the Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs garners most of the spotlight, its younger sibling – the Arcadia Bluffs South Course – has quickly made a name for itself as a strategic golfer’s dream. Debuting in 2018 just down the road from the original course, the South Course broke into the national rankings at #53, affirming that Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club is a two-headed powerhouse in Michigan’s golf scene. Unlike the windswept lakeside views of the Bluffs, the South Course trades pure scenery for pure strategy – and it does so brilliantly. It’s been described as a “jigsaw puzzle” of a layout, featuring intersecting bunkers, centerline hazards, alternate routes of play, and geometric shaping that will challenge your intellect as much as your swing. In other words, this course makes you think. Every hole presents options: play it safe or dare to cut a corner? Fly a bunker or use the contours to feed your ball toward the target? Golf course architects Dana Fry and Jason Straka designed the South Course as a tribute to timeless inland links and Golden-Age designs, and it shows in the angles and decisions players face.
One of the refreshing things about the South Course is how different it feels from its older sister. No ocean-like water views here – instead, you get rolling terrain dotted with wildflowers and tall fescue, with the occasional glimpse of a farmhouse or barn silo in the distance to remind you you’re in rural northern Michigan. The beauty of the South Course is more subtle, found in its artistic bunkering and the way holes blend into the landscape. You’ll encounter features like center-line bunkers (smack in the middle of fairways) that force you to choose a side, and even squared-off, almost geometric greens that add a unique visual flair. It’s the kind of course that golf geeks adore, as you could play it repeatedly and discover new strategies each time.
For golfers traveling up to Arcadia, playing both courses in a weekend offers the perfect one-two punch. Many Metro Detroit golfers plan an “Arcadia weekend” and come back raving that the South Course was just as memorable as the famous Bluffs – if not more so for those who love a cerebral challenge. And don’t worry, the South Course is still plenty scenic (this is northern Michigan, after all). It may not have Lake Michigan in play, but its landscape of hills and heather has a charm reminiscent of Scotland’s inland courses. Ultimately, Arcadia Bluffs South is ideal for those who want to test their course-management skills and enjoy creative golf architecture. Together with the Bluffs Course, it makes Arcadia Bluffs one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest, offering two very different top-100 caliber experiences side by side.
Marquette Golf Club, Facebook
Marquette Golf Club – Ranked #55
1075 Grove St, Marquette, MI 49855
Website: Marquette Golf Club
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is a world apart, known for rugged natural beauty – and Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club fits right in with that reputation. Ranked #55 on Golf Digest’s greatest public courses list, Greywalls is often described as a “wild, wonderful ride” through the rocky terrain overlooking Lake Superior. This course is as much an adventure hike as it is a round of golf. Granite rock outcroppings define many holes, shaping fairways and framing greens in dramatic fashion. One moment you might be threading a tee shot through a gap in the rocks; the next, you’re hitting to a green guarded by a sheer stone wall that nature put there. The landscape is hilly and untamed – expect significant elevation changes that not only test your club selection but also provide some absolutely breathtaking views. From the very first tee, you’re greeted with a panorama of Lake Superior in the distance, reminding you that you’re on sacred golf ground in the far north.
Designed by Mike DeVries and opened in 2005, Greywalls is a semi-private club that gladly welcomes public play. The course’s reputation has grown steadily, often appearing on “hidden gem” lists before earning its way into the Top 100. It’s not a stretch to call it one of the most unique golf courses in the country. Fairways at Greywalls can be uneven and are sometimes interrupted by natural rock ridges. There are blind shots, multi-tiered greens, and a routing that never lets you get too comfortable. For example, the short par-4 5th hole is often cited: it’s not long, but a granite ridge cuts across it, meaning precision (or sometimes a creative bank shot off a rock) can reward you more than brute force. Holes like that give Greywalls its character – quirky for sure, but immensely fun for those with an adventurous spirit.
Playing Greywalls requires a bit of a journey – Marquette is about 8 hours from Metro Detroit by car, up on the U.P.’s northern shore. Yet many Michigan golfers consider it a pilgrimage worth making at least once. If you go, consider pairing it with a visit to the scenic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or a stay in the quaint town of Marquette, making it a full family trip. The course itself has a rustic clubhouse and the vibe is unpretentious U.P. hospitality. Golfers often say Greywalls is “worth the hike” – both literally (the terrain is hilly, so bring your walking shoes or take a cart) and figuratively, for the journey to get there. In the peak of summer, when the days are long up north, an evening round at Greywalls with the late daylight dancing off the rock walls and pines is something you won’t forget. It’s pure Michigan wilderness golf at its finest, and it proudly carries the flag for Yooper golf on the national stage.
For Metro Detroit Golf Events: LIV Golf Michigan Debut at The Cardinal.
The Loop: Black Course – Ranked #63
6376 Forest Dunes Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653
Website: The Loop: Black Course
Imagine a golf course you can play clockwise one day and counter-clockwise the next – essentially, two courses in one. That’s exactly the magic of The Loop at Forest Dunes, the innovative reversible layout that has golf architecture fans buzzing. The Loop actually comprises two distinct courses (Black and Red), using the same 18 greens and fairways but in opposite directions on alternating days. The Black Course, ranked #63 on the Top 100 Public list, is the routing played clockwise, and it edges out its sibling by a few spots in the rankings. Together, the Loop Black and Red represent North America’s only truly reversible golf course – a concept so seamlessly executed that many golfers say it’s hard to believe the holes were designed to be played in reverse the next day.
Master architect Tom Doak, a Traverse City-based designer known worldwide, created The Loop on a mostly flat canvas at Forest Dunes Resort. To make a reversible course work, Doak gave The Loop a firm, links-like feel – wide fairways, sparse bunkering that works from both directions, and approaches into greens that are cleverly contoured to accept shots from two opposite angles. The Black Course plays in a clockwise direction, meaning the front nine loops out to a far corner of the property and the back nine brings you back in, when played in the Black routing. Golf Digest notes that the Black is slightly shorter in yardage and was ranked a bit higher than the Red, but both offer a first-class experience. The genius of The Loop is how natural it all feels – nothing about the terrain betrays that you might play it the other way around tomorrow. One day a bunker is on your left off the tee; the next day on the Red routing, that very same bunker might sit to the right side of your approach shot to a completely different green. It’s a golfer’s brain teaser in the best way.
Playing The Loop Black is a thrill for purists and adventurous players alike. Walking-only and using a flip-card yardage book (since traditional hole diagrams don’t apply here), golfers get an old-school experience with modern innovation. Conditions are kept firm and fast, so you can try bump-and-run shots and creative lines – again, very much like golf across the pond. Both Black and Red layouts share a minimalist aesthetic: no water hazards, very few trees in play, and little to no rough. This is golf that emphasizes strategy and shot-making over raw power. Many locals and tourists do a “36-hole day” to experience Black in the morning and Red in the afternoon, truly appreciating the craftsmanship that went into making one piece of land play two very different ways. Located at the Forest Dunes resort in Roscommon (the same property as the Forest Dunes course mentioned earlier), The Loop adds another dimension to Michigan’s golf portfolio. If you’re the type who’s always looking for something new and unique in golf, The Loop Black (and its counterpart Red) should be high on your list.
The Loop: Red Course – Ranked #68
6376 Forest Dunes Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
Website: The Loop: Red Course
The flip side of the Loop Black is, of course, The Loop: Red Course, which Golf Digest ranked #68 among America’s public courses. The Red Course is the counter-clockwise routing of Tom Doak’s reversible design, and while it shares the same bones as the Black, it offers its own distinct challenges and charms. When you play The Loop Red, you start out in the opposite direction – effectively playing the course “backwards” relative to the Black routing. Both the Red and Black configurations flow out and back – you head out to what’s normally the far end of the property by the 9th hole, then turn around and work your way back to the clubhouse by 18. It’s during this journey that you truly appreciate Doak’s brilliance: greens that were receptive from one angle yesterday now present a completely new target shape today, and hazards you barely noticed before suddenly come into play in unexpected ways. The designers crafted the terrain, bunkering and approaches so cleverly that the dual functionality feels seamless. In fact, first-timers often have a hard time visualizing the alternate routing until they see it themselves – it’s that well integrated.
In terms of play, the Loop Red might play a hair longer than the Black and perhaps with slightly different wind orientation, giving it a subtly tougher or easier feel depending on the day’s conditions. But make no mistake: both Red and Black are equally ranked among golfers who’ve experienced them. Many argue the Red is just as fun, if not more, especially on holes that open up new sightlines and strategies. For example, a long par-4 that you played downwind on Black might be into the breeze on Red, turning it into a totally different three-shot test, and vice versa. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check Forest Dunes’ schedule – they typically alternate the courses daily (one day Black, next day Red) to give all guests a chance to play both. It’s a common sight to see a group of Metro Detroit friends or a family of golf addicts enthusiastically comparing notes over dinner, debating which Loop course they liked better that day.
What’s also great about The Loop (both Red and Black) is the laid-back atmosphere surrounding it. There’s no pretentiousness here; at the turn (or between rounds) you can relax at the rustic halfway house or even the new 10-hole short course “Bootlegger” on site if you’ve got energy left. Forest Dunes has embraced a family-friendly, hang-out-and-play vibe – you might see kids playing the short course barefoot or parents teaching their teens how to putt on the massive practice green, all while serious golfers are heading out to tackle the next reversible round. The Loop Red, as part of this environment, manages to be both elite and unassuming. It showcases top-100 design and strategic merit, yet it’s still just good old fun golf in the heart of Michigan’s woods. Experiencing both Red and Black is like solving a puzzle from two sides, and it’s something every golf enthusiast (and certainly every Michigander who loves the game) should try at least once.
Tullymore Golf Resort, Facebook
Tullymore Golf Resort – Ranked #70
11969 Tullymore Dr, Stanwood, MI 49346
Website: Tullymore Golf Resort
Centrally located in Michigan’s lower peninsula – and only about an hour north of Grand Rapids or under three hours from Metro Detroit – Tullymore Golf Resort offers a luxurious yet comfortable golf escape that has earned national acclaim. Its flagship course, Tullymore Golf Club, comes in at #70 on Golf Digest’s top public courses, and for good reason. This Jim Engh-designed masterpiece sprawls over 800 acres of woodlands and wetlands near the village of Stanwood, delivering a Northwoods-meets-upscale-resort vibe. Golfers will find themselves meandering through quiet stands of trees and around marshland edges, encountering Engh’s signature design elements like massive, artistic bunkering and bowl-shaped greens. In fact, Tullymore is noted for its unique “muscle” bunkers and bowled greens – bold features that give the course a distinctive look and challenge. Fairways here can be generous, but if you miss them, you might find your ball in one of those muscular bunkers or in the native grasses that line many holes. The course strikes a balance between beauty and brawn: one moment you’re admiring wildflowers and the reflection of a blue sky in a pond, the next you’re figuring out how to carry a wetlands area to reach a distant flag.
Tullymore has been a favorite on “best in Michigan” lists since it opened in 2002, often vying for the top spot in state-level rankings. Players particularly love the variety of holes – doglegs that bend both left and right, short par-4s that tempt you to drive the green, and long par-5s where strategy is a must. The pristine conditioning and five-star service also set it apart. As a resort, Tullymore caters to families and groups looking for more than just golf. The property features luxurious accommodations and amenities including indoor/outdoor pools and a fitness center, plus multiple dining options. You can stay in anything from a cozy inn room for a couples’ retreat to a multi-bedroom cottage or rental home if you’ve brought the whole gang for a buddies trip. In the summer, many Metro Detroit families come up to Tullymore to enjoy a little of everything: dad or mom gets a morning round in at a championship course, and the afternoon might be spent by the pool or exploring nearby lakes and towns.
One of Tullymore’s advantages is its location – it’s a bit closer to southern Michigan population centers than the far-northern courses, making it an accessible getaway. Yet once you’re on property, you feel blissfully removed from everyday life. The resort is surrounded by nature, and evenings can be spent around a bonfire or stargazing in the clear night sky after dinner. If you’re a golfer who also appreciates comfort and top-notch hospitality, Tullymore delivers a complete package. The course itself will test and delight you with its engaging design, and off the course you’ll have plenty of ways to relax and have fun. It’s easy to see why Tullymore Golf Resort not only ranks among America’s best public tracks but also remains a beloved destination for Michigan locals and visitors alike.
Bay Harbor Golf Club (Links/Quarry) – Ranked #100
5800 Coastal Ridge Dr, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Website: Bay Harbor Golf Club (Links/Quarry)
Rounding out the list at #100 is a course so spectacular that it’s often dubbed the “Pebble Beach of the Midwest.” Welcome to Bay Harbor Golf Club, specifically the famed Links/Quarry routing along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Situated just outside Petoskey and Harbor Springs (a popular resort area for Metro Detroit vacationers), Bay Harbor offers 27 holes divided into three nines – Links, Quarry, and Preserve – and it’s the Links/Quarry combination that Golf Digest honors among the top 100. This Arthur Hills design, unveiled in the late 1990s, was heralded as one of the “new Pebble Beaches” upon its debut, and one look at the scenery tells you why. The Links nine plays atop towering bluffs and dunes overlooking Little Traverse Bay, giving golfers constant views of Lake Michigan’s sparkling waters. The Quarry nine, by contrast, dives inland through the remnants of an old limestone quarry and along a rocky shoreline, creating a dramatic contrast of stone, water, and lush fairways. One minute you’re hitting toward a distant lake horizon; the next you’re down in the quarry, aiming at a green guarded by massive rock walls with Lake Michigan peeking back in view. It’s a jaw-dropping experience that photographs simply don’t do justice.
Bay Harbor is part of the Boyne Resorts family, known for top-notch hospitality and a bevy of recreational activities. The course itself was built on the site of an abandoned quarry and cement plant – a brilliant environmental turnaround that resulted in one of the most visually stunning courses anywhere. Signature holes abound on the Links/Quarry layout: for example, the par-5 sixth on the Links is a seaside stunner that might remind you of Pebble Beach’s cliffs, and the Quarry’s closing stretch has you literally playing along a cliff’s edge and over quarry lakes. It’s the kind of course where you’ll want to stop and take pictures (and indeed many a family photo has been snapped by the famous shoreline holes). But don’t let the beauty distract you too much – Bay Harbor can be a challenging play when the wind kicks up off the bay. The good news is there are multiple tee sets for all skill levels, so everyone from novices to scratch players can enjoy the round in their comfort zone.
For families and travelers, Bay Harbor’s location is ideal. The charming towns of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Charlevoix are nearby, offering shopping, dining, and beaches – plenty for non-golfers to do while the golfers tackle the course. In the summer, it’s common to see Metro Detroit area families include a day at Bay Harbor as part of their Up North vacation. And if you need a break from golf (as if!), the region boasts other attractions like the famous Tunnel of Trees scenic drive and Mackinac Island just a short ferry ride away. As a golf course, Bay Harbor’s Links/Quarry is thrilling, scenic, and totally unique – truly deserving of its place among America’s best. It caps off Michigan’s showing in the Top 100 with pure flair: a course that combines the state’s natural lakefront splendor with creative, daring design. If you haven’t played it yet, put it on your list – it’s a round you’ll be talking about for years.
Time to Tee Off: Plan Your Michigan Golf Adventure
With eight of America’s greatest public courses right here in our backyard, Michigan golfers have an enviable playground to explore. These courses aren’t just highly ranked; each offers a distinct flavor of what makes golf in Michigan so special – whether it’s the roar of Lake Michigan waves below a cliffside green, the quiet pines of a deep forest fairway, or the thrill of conquering a truly unique design. The best part is that they’re all accessible. You can book a tee time, pack up the car with your clubs (and maybe the kids and dog, too), and set off on your own golf road trip. Why not make 2025 the year you experience these top-ranked tracks for yourself?
If you’re feeling inspired, here’s your call to action: plan a visit to one (or several) of these courses and see what the buzz is about. Make a weekend of it – Michigan’s golf resorts and nearby towns are ready to host you with plenty of activities, dining, and family fun on tap. And if you’ve already played some of these gems, consider sharing your experiences or telling us which Michigan course is your favorite. Local golf communities thrive on word of mouth and friendly debate about which course tops the list, and your insight might help a fellow golfer decide their next trip.
Lastly, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just someone who appreciates the great lifestyle our region offers, remember that having resources like these courses is part of what makes Michigan a wonderful place to live. As a Metro Detroit real estate expert and community neighbor might tell you, amenities like world-class golf, beautiful parks, and welcoming neighborhoods all go hand-in-hand. So if you ever want to connect with a local expert – be it for insider tips on the area’s best kept secrets or even advice on finding that dream home base for your Michigan adventures – don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, here’s to hitting the fairways, making memories, and enjoying the best public golf that Michigan (and America) has to offer. See you on the first tee!
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