Michigan’s public golf scene is legendary — from the Lake Michigan bluffs to forested Upper Peninsula courses. With over 650 public courses, picking the right one can be overwhelming. Here’s a detailed look at the 5 best public golf courses in Michigan in 2026.
Course type: Links-style public
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,400+ yards (Championship tees)
Designer: Warren Henderson and Rick Smith
Arcadia Bluffs is Michigan’s most photographed course, offering dramatic cliffs, tall native grasses, and wind-swept fairways reminiscent of Scottish links. The signature 7th hole, a 176-yard par 3, sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan — a must-play and must-photograph hole.
Clubhouse with dining and golf shop
Overnight accommodations nearby
Golf lessons and practice range
- Tip: Play the South Course after your main round for a quieter, more intimate layout with equally breathtaking views.
2. Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club – Marquette, MI
Course type: Forested/Highlands public
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,900 yards
Designer: Original by William Langford, remodeled by Rick Smith
Greywalls combines Upper Peninsula rugged beauty with classic golf design. Fairways weave between pine and hardwood forests, with strategic bunkering and elevation changes. The 11th hole, a long par 5 uphill, is considered one of Michigan’s toughest public holes.
Practice facilities and short-game areas
Full-service clubhouse
Annual tournaments open to the public
- Tip: Early morning tee times reward you with calm winds and peaceful forest views — the experience feels almost meditative.
3. The Loop & Forest Dunes – Roscommon, MI
- Course type: Innovative public/resort
Holes: 18 (Forest Dunes) + 18 (The Loop)
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,300–7,600 yards
Designer: Tom Weiskopf (Forest Dunes) & Coore/Crenshaw (The Loop)
The Loop is a unique, constantly shifting layout — tees, fairways, and holes change daily, so no round is the same. Forest Dunes offers traditional Michigan dunes and forest routing, challenging your entire skill set. Signature hole: 16th The Loop, a par 3 over a natural ravine.
On-site lodging at Forest Dunes Lodge
Pro shop and club rentals
Golf school with elite instructors
- Tip: Book a multi-round package — the experience of playing both layouts in the same trip is unforgettable.
4. Belvedere Golf Club – Charlevoix, MI
Course type: Classic tree-lined public
Holes: 18
Par: 70
Yardage: 6,700 yards
Designer: Classic Michigan layout, early 20th century
Belvedere emphasizes accuracy over power. Its par 4 14th hole, lined by tall oaks, is famous for requiring a precise tee shot. The course retains a traditional “old Michigan” feel, less crowded than big-name courses.
Small, welcoming clubhouse
Snack bar & beverages
Walking-friendly with carts optional
- Tip: Try a late afternoon round — the light filtering through the trees makes every shot magical.
5. Bay Harbor Golf Club – Petoskey, MI
Course type: Resort/semi-private public
Holes: 36 (Links + Quarry courses)
Par: 72 (both courses)
Yardage: 7,000–7,500 yards
Designer: Arthur Hills (Links), Gary Player (Quarry)
Bay Harbor’s Links Course hugs Lake Michigan, offering water views on nearly half the holes. The Quarry Course is known for dramatic elevation changes and sculpted bunkers. It’s perfect for golfers who enjoy a resort-quality experience with public access.
Full-service resort and spa
Clubhouse dining & pro shop
On-site lodging and vacation rentals
- Tip: Book a sunrise tee time on the Links Course for a breathtaking morning view over Little Traverse Bay.
6. Harbor Shores Golf Club – Benton Harbor, MI
- Course type: Resort public
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,200 yards
Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Harbor Shores hosted the Senior PGA Championship and is a top-tier public course with links-style holes along the St. Joseph River. Its signature 17th hole, a challenging par 3 over water, is both scenic and strategic.
Full-service clubhouse & pro shop
On-site lodging at resort villas
Practice facility & golf academy
- Tip: Schedule tee times during spring or fall weekdays for the best rate and fewer crowds.
7. Tullymore Golf Resort – Stanwood, MI
- Course type: Resort public
Holes: 36 (North & South courses)
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,000–7,400 yards
Designer: Tom Weiskopf (South), Mike DeVries (North)
Tullymore is known for its rolling hills, lush fairways, and tree-lined challenges. North and South courses offer completely different experiences, giving golfers a two-in-one adventure.
On-site hotel and restaurant
Golf school & practice range
Spa and fitness center
- Tip: Try the South course in the morning for cooler temperatures and quieter conditions.
8. American Dunes – Grand Haven, MI
- Course type: Links-style public
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,300 yards
Designer: Rees Jones
American Dunes offers classic Great Lakes dunes golf, with large rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers. Its 7th hole, a par 3 with wind challenges, is particularly famous.
Clubhouse with dining and event space
Golf shop & rentals
Practice facility
- Tip: Pair your round with a visit to nearby Lake Michigan beaches — perfect for a full day experience.
9. Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club – Union Pier, MI
Course type: Links-style resort public
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,100 yards
Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
Pilgrim’s Run is known for its rolling dunes, dramatic elevation changes, and scenic water features. The 15th hole, a long par 5 over water, is a highlight for players.
Lodging options with golf packages
Pro shop and driving range
Full-service clubhouse
- Tip: Sunrise rounds here are breathtaking, with mist rising from ponds and morning sun hitting the dunes.
10. Eagle Eye Golf Club – Bath, MI
- Course type: Resort public
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,400 yards
Designer: Arthur Hills
Eagle Eye offers rolling hills, lush bunkering, and a memorable experience for all skill levels. The 12th hole, a long par 4 with a forced carry over water, is one of the course’s most challenging shots.
Full-service clubhouse and dining
Driving range and practice facilities
On-site lodging at Eagle Eye Resort
- Tip: The back nine is tougher — save your energy and enjoy the views over Michigan farmland.
Final Thoughts
Michigan is a hidden gem for golfers, offering world-class public courses, scenic landscapes, and diverse challenges for every skill level. From the windy Lake Michigan cliffs at Arcadia Bluffs to the forest-lined holes at Greywalls and Eagle Eye, these 10 courses represent the best public golfing experiences in 2026. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full golf trip, this guide ensures you pick courses that deliver both challenge and unforgettable views.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time to play public golf in Michigan?
The prime season is May through September, when weather is warm and courses are in top condition.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially for popular courses like Arcadia Bluffs or Harbor Shores, weekends fill up quickly.
Are these courses suitable for beginners?
Most are playable for all levels, though some like The Loop at Forest Dunes are more challenging for advanced golfers.
Can I stay overnight near these golf courses?
Many courses, such as Bay Harbor and Tullymore, offer on-site lodging or nearby resorts, perfect for golf vacations.
Do public courses in Michigan allow carts?
Yes, nearly all allow carts, but walking is also an option on courses like Belvedere or Greywalls for a traditional golf experience.
