Thinking about playing golf in Michigan? The short answer is a resounding yes. You’ll find some of the most stunning, challenging, and memorable courses in the entire country here. This post will walk you through exactly when to plan your trip, where to find the state’s best golf experiences, and give you some actionable coaching advice to help you play well on these spectacular Great Lakes layouts.
Understanding Michigan’s Golf Season
Unlike some warm-weather destinations, Michigan has a distinct and glorious golf season. Timing your trip correctly is the first step to an amazing experience. The season generally runs from late April through mid-October, but what the course looks and plays like can change dramatically within that window.
The Peak Season: June, July, and August
This is it - the heart of "America's Summer Golf Capital." During these months, Michigan golf is at its absolute best. The courses are lush, green, and in pristine condition. The weather is typically warm and sunny, with daytime highs comfortably in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. The real gift of a Michigan summer, however, is the daylight. With sunsets stretching past 9:00 PM, you have ample time for a full 18-hole round after work or even to squeeze in 36 holes if you’re ambitious.
A Coach’s Tip: This perfection comes at a price. Peak season means peak demand. Tee times, especially at renowned resort courses "Up North," can be booked weeks or even months in advance. Don't wait until the last minute. The moment you know your dates, get your tee times locked in.
The Shoulder Seasons: April/May and September/October
If you're looking for value and a different kind of beauty, the shoulder seasons are incredible. In spring, you’ll watch the courses come back to life after their winter slumber. Rates are lower, and the crowds are thinner.
The real spectacle, however, is the fall. From mid-September through October, the landscape explodes into a display of red, orange, and yellow foliage. Playing a tree-lined fairway in Northern Michigan during peak fall color is an experience every golfer should have. The air is crisp and cool, which is perfect for walking.
A Coach’s Tip: The weather during these months is famously unpredictable. A round could start in sunshine and end with a chilly wind and rain. Layering is your best strategy. Always pack a windbreaker and quality rain gear in your bag, even if the forecast looks clear. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be cold and wet on hole 12.
What About Winter Golf?
Unless you're a fan of hitting orange balls on frozen, snow-covered ground, traditional outdoor golf is not an option from around November to March. This is hibernation season for Michigan courses. However, the state has a thriving indoor golf scene with countless high-tech simulators where you can keep your swing in shape through the colder months.
Where to Play: A Golfer's Guide to Michigan's Regions
Michigan's sheer size and geographical diversity mean you can find just about any style of golf you want. The state is home to over 650 public courses, more than any other state in the nation. To simplify things, let's break it down by region.
Northern Michigan (Lower Peninsula): The "Up North" Golf Mecca
This is the bucket-list destination. When people rave about Michigan golf, they are often talking about the courses scattered from Traverse City to Gaylord and along the shores of Lake Michigan. The landscape here is defined by dramatic elevation changes, dense forests, sandy soil, and breathtaking vistas.
- The Draw: Resort-style, championship golf designed by world-renowned architects. Expect dramatic shots from elevated tees down to fairways hundreds of feet below.
- Go-To Spots:
- Arcadia Bluffs: Two world-class courses, The Bluffs and The South, offering stunning Lake Michigan views and a firm, fast playing style reminiscent of seaside links.
- Forest Dunes: Home to three distinct Top 100 courses, including the original Forest Dunes, the reversible "Loop" course, and the newly opened Bootlegger short course. A must-visit for any serious golfer.
- Boyne Resorts: A collection of ten courses across three properties, offering endless variety. The Heather, Bay Harbor, and Arthur Hills at Boyne Highlands are legendary.
- Gaylord Golf Mecca: A consortium of courses including the dramatic Treetops Resort. This area packs an incredible amount of top-tier golf into one small region.
West Michigan: Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore
This region offers a outstanding mix of courses that often fly under the national radar but provide exceptional quality and value. You'll find layouts that range from classic parkland to more modern designs weaving through the rolling terrain and near the stunning Lake Michigan coastline.
- The Draw: High-quality, beautifully maintained courses that are generally more accessible and affordable than their "Up North" counterparts.
- Go-To Spots:
- The Mines Golf Club (Grand Rapids): Built on a former gypsum mine, offering unique topography and a great challenge right near downtown.
- Pilgrim's Run (Pierson): A perennial "Best in State" contender that feels like an "Up North" course without the long drive. Secluded and stunning.
- Thousand Oaks (Grand Rapids): A tough but fair test with a great layout that puts a premium on shot-making.
Southeast Michigan: The Metro Detroit AreaDon't sleep on the golf around Detroit. While the area is known for legendary private clubs like Oakland Hills, its public and semi-private offerings are deep and challenging. The terrain is flatter than Up North, leading to a much more traditional, classic American golf experience. - The Draw: Championship-caliber parkland courses with a rich history. Many have hosted professional or top amateur events. They demand thoughtful, strategic play.
- Go-To Spots:
- Shepherd's Hollow Golf Club (Clarkston): A 27-hole facility that feels like it was airlifted from Northern Michigan. Dramatic elevation changes and beautiful scenery.
- Orchards Golf Club (Washington): A Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design that hosted the '02 U.S. Amateur Public Links. A strong test for all skill levels.
- St. John's Resort (Plymouth): 27 holes of pristine parkland golf perfect for a convenient and upscale round of golf.
The Upper Peninsula (U.P.): Wild and Rugged GolfFor the truly adventurous golfer, a trip to the U.P. is unforgettable. The courses are fewer and farther between, but the ones that are there are spectacular. Think raw, rugged beauty where the course is carved seamlessly from the dramatic, granite-filled landscape of the Canadian Shield. - The Draw: A truly unique and remote golf experience. You're playing in nature, with courses that feel a world away from everything.
- Go-To Spots:
- Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club (Marquette): A Mike DeVries masterpiece that climbs over, around, and through dramatic rock outcroppings with views of Lake Superior. It’s one of a kind.
- Sweetgrass & Sage Run (Harris): Two excellent, contrasting resort courses that host a professional Epson Tour event each year.
Pro Tips for Playing Your Best Golf in MichiganMichigan's courses are beautiful, but they can also be demanding. As a coach, my goal isn't just to tell you where to play, but how to play well once you get there. Keep these tips in mind.Master the Uneven LieNowhere is this more important than in Northern Michigan. You will rarely have a perfectly flat lie. Being able to adapt is difference between a good round and a frustrating one. The basic idea is to try and match your body's tilt to the slope of the hill. - Ball Above Your Feet: The ball will have a natural tendency to fly to the left (for a right-handed golfer). Grip down on the club, aim a little right of your target, and focus on making a balanced, three-quarters swing.
- Ball Below Your Feet: The ball will tend to fly to the right. Take a little more club than normal, stand a little closer to the ball, and maintain your posture through the swing. The biggest mistake is lifting your chest up at impact.
- Uphill Lie: The slope will naturally add loft to the club, making the ball go higher and shorter. Take at least one extra club, play the ball slightly forward in your stance, and swing with the slope, not into it.
- Downhill Lie: This is the toughest one. The slope will deloft the club, making the ball fly lower and run out more. Take one less club, play the ball back in your stance, and chase the clubhead down the hill through impact.
Course Management is Your Best FriendMany Michigan resort courses are designed to be visually spectacular, which often means they are also visually intimidating. They are built with lots of trouble - deep bunkers, water hazards, and thick fescue - waiting to catch a poorly thought-out shot. Don't fall for the trap of playing "hero golf."From the tee, identify the widest part of the fairway and make that your target. For your approach shots, aim for the center of the green. Resisting the temptation to go after a tucked pin and instead just getting your ball safely on the putting surface is smart golf that saves strokes. Playing for a bogey is always better than bringing a double or triple into play.Extend Your Warm-up RoutineEspecially in the cool mornings of the shoulder seasons, your body won't be as loose as you think. A quick driver-and-wedge warm-up on the range isn't enough. Spend a few extra minutes doing dynamic stretches - torso twists, leg swings, arm circles - to get your golf muscles activated. This will help you make a much better, more committed swing on the first tee and prevent an unnecessary injury.Final ThoughtsMichigan delivers a world-class golf experience that rivals any location in the country. From the unforgettable drama of the northern resorts to the classic layouts in the south, the state offers incredible variety, value, and beauty for every golfer.Navigating these stunning but often tricky courses for the first time can be a challenge, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. When you’re staring down a tough par-4 or your ball ends up on an awkward-looking sidehill lie, we want you to feel confident. With Caddie AI, you can get instant, expert advice right in your pocket. Just describe the hole or even take a picture of your lie, and we’ll give you a simple, smart strategy to help you pull off the shot, taking the guesswork out of the game so you can just enjoy the incredible views.