Michigan is solidifying its position as a premier golf travel destination, boasting a depth and variety of courses that are increasingly gaining national recognition. With over 650 public and resort courses spread across diverse landscapes, the state has earned its place in national golf discussions. This reputation was further amplified as five Michigan golf destinations and properties were honored in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Awards, highlighting the breadth and quality of Pure Michigan Golf.
The accolades cover a range of experiences, from the rugged natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula and the polished resort offerings in Northern Michigan to modern championship public courses near Detroit. These awards reflect not only individual course excellence but also a broader statewide narrative: golf in Michigan is now a nationally recognized destination experience.
Upper Peninsula Leads Pure Michigan Golf Destinations
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) took the top spot, ranking No. 1 nationally among USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Destinations. While traditionally known for outdoor adventures, the U.P. has quietly transformed into a highly distinctive and compelling golf region over the past two decades. Its courses are uniquely integrated into dramatic natural terrain, where rock formations, dense forests, and expansive water views significantly influence the playing experience.
Key contributors to the U.P.’s golf tourism include Island Resort & Casino and Bay Mills Resort & Casino. Individual courses like Sweetgrass Golf Club and Sage Run Golf Course offer modern championship challenges, while the visually striking and strategically demanding Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club is considered one of the Midwest’s premier courses. Historic Mackinac Island also adds to the U.P.’s golf appeal with courses like The Jewel and Wawashkamo, blending tradition with scenic beauty.
Petoskey Area Recognized Among Elite Golf Regions
Securing the No. 5 position in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Destinations category, the Petoskey Area has established itself as a high-quality, concentrated golf region in the Midwest. Located on the northern shores of Little Traverse Bay, this Northern Michigan gem offers a remarkable density of courses within a short driving distance, appealing to golfers seeking variety without extensive travel.
Bay Harbor Golf Club is a major draw, renowned for its visually dynamic layout that traverses Lake Michigan bluffs, former quarry land, and hardwood forests. Other notable courses in the area include Belvedere Golf Club, Dunmaglas, Charlevoix Golf & Fitness, Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, and Chestnut Valley Golf Club. The Highlands at BOYNE Golf further enhances the area’s reputation with multiple championship-level options.
The recognition validates the growing discovery by golfers that the Petoskey Area is a firmly established pillar of Pure Michigan Golf, offering a compelling blend of lake views, rolling terrain, and the lifestyle appeal of walkable resort communities.
BOYNE Golf Sets Benchmark for Resort Excellence
BOYNE Golf is Michigan’s sole representative in the 10BEST Golf Resorts category and a leading resort golf operator in North America. With multiple properties across Northern Michigan, BOYNE Golf leverages a 60-year legacy of destination golf built on variety, hospitality, and landscape-inspired design.
The portfolio features Bay Harbor Golf Club with its 27 holes across the Links, Quarry, and Preserve courses, each offering a distinct interpretation of Michigan’s terrain. The Highlands provides a diverse collection of layouts, including The Heather, Arthur Hills, The Moor, and the Donald Ross Memorial course, alongside the newer Doon Brae par-3 experience. Boyne Mountain’s Monument and Alpine courses offer a different, elevated mountain-style golf experience.
Accommodations at BOYNE Golf, such as The Inn at Bay Harbor and the revitalized Main Lodge at The Highlands, complement the exceptional golf offerings, contributing to a comprehensive resort experience.
Michigan’s Urban and Forest Landscapes Showcase Public Golf Strength
Michigan’s strength in public golf was also highlighted with two courses recognized in the USA TODAY 10BEST Public Golf Courses category. The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth represents a modern approach to public golf in the Detroit metro area, offering a contemporary championship layout on a historic property.
Joining it is Black Lake Golf Club, a Rees Jones-designed course set in a secluded forest along Black Lake. Known for its pristine condition and championship pedigree, it exemplifies the state’s signature blend of natural beauty and immersive golf experiences.
These public courses demonstrate that Pure Michigan Golf encompasses a wide range of styles and geographies, from urban redevelopment projects to deep-forest championship tracks.
A Statewide Identity Built Around Pure Michigan Golf
The national recognition of these five destinations confirms Michigan’s status as one of the most comprehensive golf states in the country. The state offers an exceptional spectrum of experiences, from lakeside resort golf and rugged wilderness layouts to modern public championship courses, all within its borders.
The distinctiveness of Pure Michigan Golf lies in its contrast and diversity. Golfers can experience dramatic cliffside holes overlooking Lake Michigan and then travel inland to forest-lined fairways or sophisticated resort environments. This variety creates a cohesive yet expansive travel experience.
As national rankings continue to spotlight Michigan’s premier properties and regions, the state’s golf identity becomes increasingly defined. Pure Michigan Golf is more than a marketing slogan; it’s a tangible experience that attracts national attention, seasonal travelers, and repeat visitors drawn to its unparalleled variety and quality.
