Hit the Greens at These Amazing West Michigan Golf Courses
Tee off and hit the greens at any of the many pristine West Michigan golf courses and resorts. You’ll find state-of-the-art and award-winning courses no matter where you go in West Michigan. Get the details on some of our favorite courses below.
Golf in Northern West Michigan
1. Mackinac Island
Golfing is a treat all on its own, but what makes a day of golfing even better is the view you have while you’re on the green. This is what really sets Mackinac Island's golf courses apart. The Grand Hotel’s and Mission Point’s golf courses both feature breathtaking views of the Straits of Mackinac, glorious Lake Huron expanding as far as the eye can see, and the sloping hills of the island itself. You almost don't want to tear your eyes away long enough to tee up!
2. Mission Point Resort - Mackinac Island
Want to start small with your West Michigan golf adventure? Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island has an 18 hole putting course called The Greens of Mackinac. This course offers a unique putting experience with 18 real bent grass greens, with conditions that rival those found on any championship course. The course also offers glow golf on Fridays and Saturdays from dusk until midnight, where the balls, flags, tees, cups, and even golfers glow.
3. Traverse City
Golf has been an important part of the Traverse City experience for decades. In 1954, after a career that included two U.S. Open victories, five PGA championships, and four triumphs at the British Open, Walter Hagen decided that of all the places he’d ever played, Traverse City was where he wanted to live. Since then, the quality of play in Traverse City has increased exponentially. Oddly enough, Traverse City is situated on the western edge of the eastern time zone, so far north that the light of a midsummer day can last until nearly 10pm. This means that it’s easy to get in a full 18 holes, visit a winery, do some shopping, spend an hour or two at the beach, enjoy a world-class dinner, and still have time for a second round.
4. Grand Traverse Resort - Traverse City
You can golf year-round with the Grand Traverse Resort’s indoor and outdoor golf courses in Traverse City. Their Golf Academy is an indoor-outdoor hybrid that offers fun for golfers of all skill levels looking to improve their game. Once you’re ready, make your way to one of the resort’s three 18 hole courses, which have received awards from Golf Digest, Travel + Leisure, and USA Today.
5. Manitou Passage Golf Club - Cedar
Manitou Passage Golf Club, is located near the Sleeping Bear Dunes, is just minutes away in Cedar. This Arnold Palmer Signature Course is 18 holes with a deep challenge brought on by the area’s history of glacial formation.
6. Shanty Creek Resorts - Bellaire
An unforgettable golf vacation awaits at the four Northern Michigan golf courses of Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire. Hit the links at Arnold Palmer’s The Legend, Tom Weiskopf’s Cedar River, the challenging Schuss Mountain course, and the original Summit Golf Course. For a new twist on the classic game, Shanty Creek offers GolfBoards as an alternative to traditional golf carts. Combining the ease of a traditional golf cart with the freedom of a snowboard, GolfBoards add a new experience to the game. Daily golf specials, along with overnight golf packages, can be found on Shanty Creek’s website.
Golf in Central West Michigan
7. Pigeon Creek Golf Course - West Olive
Pigeon Creek Golf Course in West Olive features all the hallmarks of Michigan links-style golf. The course gives all levels of golfers an enjoyable experience, offering four different tees to choose from. The course also offers a few risk and reward holes that are sure to get you excited every time you step to the tee. Along with a beautifully maintained course, you’ll find a 12 tee driving range and two practice greens to hone your golf game before heading out for your next round.
8. Muskegon Country Club - Muskegon
The Muskegon area has 15 publicly accessible courses, making it a golfer’s paradise. Enjoy the gorgeous spring and summer weather with the area’s abundance of natural beauty while you tee off. One of the courses to check out is at the Muskegon Country Club. Once you’re done with 18 holes of golf, make sure to refuel at SE4SONS Gastropub before heading out to another course.
Golf in Southern West Michigan
9. Gull Lake View - Augusta
West Michigan's largest golf resort, Gull Lake View in Augusta, recently opened its sixth championship course. The newest course, Stoatin Brae, has everything a premier golf destination needs, such as rolling topography, spectacular views, and pure, uncompromising golf. There is nothing tricky or obscure about Stoatin Brae. It’s all right there in front of the golfer with a delightful Scottish flare, from the inviting first tee, to the green on the long 18th hole.
10. The Golf Club at Harbor Shores - Benton Harbor
The Golf Club at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor has become a premier destination for golfers throughout the Midwest. Harbor Shores frequently hosts one of golf’s biggest events: The Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid. This major championship, known for its intense competition among the legendary names in golf, made its home at Harbor Shores in 2012, 2014, and 2016. With a new title change, Harbor Shores will also be host to The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024.
11. Journeyman Distillery - Three Oaks
Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks has expanded the back deck area to feature an 18 hole public putting green! Welter's Folley Putting Green features a series of Himalayan Hills inspired by the St. Andrew's course in Scotland. The project was completed in Spring 2018 and is a great way to spend summer outdoors! It's open for all ages to play and equipment is provided with admission to the course.
12. Battle Creek
You’re invited to the Battle Creek area for a fantastic golf weekend. They even have a service at the Visitor’s Center that will help you plan your golf trip. With 16 great courses and eight lodging options, you’ll be glad of the help to create your perfect golf outing.
About the Author: Courtney Sheffer is the Marketing Director for the West Michigan Tourist Association, and loves getting out and exploring West Michigan. You can find out even more about the many golf courses & resorts located throughout West Michigan at the WMTA Golf Map.