Try Something New at These FootGolf Courses in Michigan

Try Something New at These FootGolf Courses in Michigan

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FootGolf is one of the fastest-growing sports and it's no surprise that it's taking off across Pure Michigan, too. This combination of golf and soccer is played on a standard regulation golf course, a resource in which Michigan is rich, ranking in the top five states when it comes to number of courses. The state is also known for innovation—and inventive well describes this combination of soccer and golf.
 
The game is just as it sounds. It's played on a golf course but using feet as the club and a #5 soccer ball as the golf ball. Hole lengths are shortened, not unlike the way front and back tees are regularly used for players of differing ability, and instead of aiming for the regular hole and flag, you kick toward the larger 21-inch diameter cups that join regular holes on the greens.
 
Grab a friend with clubs or without and give this new sport a try at one of these Michigan courses:
 

Northern Michigan
1. Shanty Creek ResortBellaire

Players on Shanty Creek Resort FootGolf course
Shanty Creek Resort Course | Photo Courtesy of Shanty Creek Resort

Shanty Creek offers FootGolf on its Summit course, where there's one FootGolf hole on every green. Rates here wrap in ball rental and there are other perks too, including on-site lodging. When the round is done, rent one of their new e-bikes, which—like FootGolf—lets a group of varying athletic abilities ride together by offering powered assistance when the hills get steep.
 

2. Elmbrook Golf CourseTraverse City

Elmbrook FootGolf course
Elmbrook Golf Course | Credit Elmbrook Golf Course

Elmbrook is known for encouraging fun. The course offers night golfing with glow-in-the-dark balls and has 18 holes of FootGolf set up on the front nine. The rates are discounted for a group. Interestingly, they initially added FootGolf thinking it would be a draw for children's birthday parties, but the median age has ranged between 20 and 35.
 

3. Dunes Golf ClubEmpire

The Dunes Golf Club offers 18 holes at a club located near Glen Lake and the Sleeping Bear Dunes on M-22, a route voted America's prettiest fall drive. The nearby Pierce Stocking Scenic Trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is worth visiting after a game for the stunning views.
 

4. Treetops Resort Gaylord

Treetops offers FootGolf on its Rick Smith Tradition course, one often listed among Michigan's best courses. When the round is done, there's on-site horseback riding, kayaking, bike rentals, fly fishing, whitewater rafting and some of the prettiest fall vistas.
 

5. The JewelMackinac Island

Jewel FootGolf course at the Grand Hotel
The Jewel Golf Course| Credit the Grand Hotel Jewel Golf Course

The Jewel in the Grand Hotel offers FootGolf daily from on one of the most unique courses in Northern Michigan—and perhaps the world. Built in 1901 and redesigned by golf course architect Jerry Matthews in 1987, the Jewel is the only course in the country at which golfers move from the front to the back nine on a horse-drawn carriage. It also boasts a view of the Mackinac Bridge
 

Central Michigan
6. Stormy Creek Golf Course – Grand Rapids

Located on a scenic Kentwood Lake is the first FootGolf option in the Grand Rapids area. It offers 18 holes of play and ball rentals and welcomes groups including team parties and company outings. We recommend calling ahead.
 

7. Maple Hill Golf Course – Grandville

Maple Hill has added 18 holes of FootGolf and an affordable option that allows for unlimited play. Plan ahead as here, tee times are mandatory.
 

8. Riverwood Resort – Mt. Pleasant

Riverwood offers nine holes of FootGolf in association with The Federation of International FootGolf and the American FootGolf League. Here, the average yardage per hole is roughly 150 yards with the longest at 267.
 

Southern Michigan
9. Falcon Golf CourseLansing

Falcon Golf Course is the first FootGolf course in the Lansing area, offering nine links-style holes. The area's a great place to stick around for more outdoor recreation; there are several ways to rent bikes along its riverwalk or to paddle the Grand River.
 

10. Squirrel Hollow Golf CourseBattle Creek

This course has been voted best course in Battle Creek, and it's also now known for its 18-hole FootGolf course and clubhouse for small to mid-sized parties or events.
 

11. The Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center – Plymouth

This course offers 18 holes of FootGolf at the renowned par-3 Strategic Fox course. Fox Hills was the first course in Michigan to partner with the American FootGolf League.
 

12. Fellows Creek Golf CourseCanton

This is a great stop for fans of great golf course design. The 18-hole FootGolf course south of Detroit is laid out atop a Bruce and Jerry Matthews design.
 

13. Huron Hills Golf CourseAnn Arbor

Huron Hills was the first in Washtenaw County to offer FootGolf. This city-run 18-hole course is located along a river trail perfect for paddling, biking and the nearby cultural and dining options of Ann Arbor.