Michigan continues to solidify its position as a premier golf travel destination in the United States, boasting unparalleled depth, variety, and seasonal appeal. With over 650 public and resort courses spread across stunning landscapes—from serene lakeshores and dense forests to rolling dunes and northern terrains—the state has long been a significant player in national golf discussions. This reputation was further enhanced as five distinct Michigan golf destinations and properties received national accolades in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Awards, underscoring the robust and varied offerings of Pure Michigan Golf.
Michigan’s golf identity is continuously evolving, encompassing the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula, the refined resort experiences of Northern Michigan, and the modern championship public courses near Detroit, all while remaining deeply connected to its natural surroundings. These recent honors not only celebrate individual course excellence but also highlight a compelling statewide narrative: golf in Michigan is transcending its regional appeal to become a nationally recognized destination experience.
Upper Peninsula Leads the Way in Pure Michigan Golf Destinations
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has earned the top spot, securing the No. 1 ranking nationally in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Destinations list. Traditionally known for outdoor adventures like dense forests, snow sports, and remote shoreline getaways, the U.P. has quietly transformed over the past two decades into one of the most captivating and unique golf regions in the U.S.
The Upper Peninsula’s distinctiveness in the Pure Michigan Golf landscape lies in its strong sense of place. Courses are masterfully integrated into dramatic natural topography, where rock outcroppings, dense hardwoods, and sweeping water views play as significant a role as any architectural design.
Key golf tourism hubs in the region include Island Resort & Casino and Bay Mills Resort & Casino. Individually, courses like Sweetgrass Golf Club and Sage Run Golf Course offer modern championship challenges, while the highly acclaimed Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club stands out as one of the most visually stunning and strategically demanding courses in the Midwest.
The region’s blend of public accessibility, resort amenities, and remote natural beauty provides a unique character unmatched elsewhere. Even historic Mackinac Island contributes to this narrative with courses such as The Jewel and Wawashkamo, harmoniously blending tradition with an unmistakably scenic experience.
Renowned for its rugged identity and outdoor culture, the Upper Peninsula has emerged as a flagship for Pure Michigan Golf, demonstrating that remote geography can be a significant advantage in contemporary golf tourism.
Petoskey Area Solidifies Its Elite Golf Status
Ranking fifth in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Destinations category, the Petoskey Area has firmly established itself as one of the Midwest’s most concentrated and high-quality golf regions. Situated along the northern shores of Little Traverse Bay, this Northern Michigan locale offers an exceptional density of courses within a compact driving distance, making it perfect for golf travelers seeking diverse options without extensive travel.
Bay Harbor Golf Club remains a primary draw for many visiting golfers, celebrated as one of the country’s most visually dynamic courses. Its layout, which traverses Lake Michigan bluffs, former quarry sites, and hardwood forest corridors, delivers a sequence of golfing experiences that feel akin to playing multiple courses in one.
Complementing Bay Harbor, the area features a distinguished collection of respected layouts, including Belvedere Golf Club, Dunmaglas, Charlevoix Golf & Fitness, Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, and Chestnut Valley Golf Club. The Highlands courses, part of the BOYNE Golf portfolio, further enhance the region’s prestige by providing numerous championship-level choices in close proximity.
Regional leaders note that this recognition validates what golfers have increasingly discovered: the Petoskey Area is no longer an emerging destination but a fully established cornerstone of Pure Michigan Golf. With its captivating lake views, rolling terrain, and walkable resort communities like Petoskey and Harbor Springs, the region offers both exceptional golfing depth and desirable lifestyle appeal.
BOYNE Golf Sets the Standard for Resort Excellence
BOYNE Golf is Michigan’s sole representative in the 10BEST Golf Resorts category and stands as one of North America’s most influential resort golf operators. With multiple properties across Northern Michigan, BOYNE Golf boasts a 60-year legacy of destination golf, built on variety, hospitality, and designs inspired by the natural landscape.
At the core of its offerings is Bay Harbor Golf Club, a 27-hole experience divided into the Links, Quarry, and Preserve courses. Each nine offers a distinct interpretation of Michigan’s terrain, from dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline cliffs to serene forested corridors and reclaimed quarry landscapes.
Nearby, The Highlands presents a diverse array of layouts, including The Heather, Arthur Hills, The Moor, and the Donald Ross Memorial course, alongside the newer Doon Brae par-3 experience. Collectively, these courses create one of the nation’s most comprehensive golf resorts, allowing players to experience multiple design philosophies during a single stay.
Boyne Mountain adds another dimension with its Monument and Alpine courses, offering elevated mountain-style golf and sweeping vistas that contrast with the lakeside experiences found elsewhere in the portfolio.
The lodging experience is equally integral to BOYNE Golf’s identity, featuring properties such as The Inn at Bay Harbor, Mountain Grand Lodge, Chalet Edelweiss, and the recently revitalized Main Lodge at The Highlands, which combines boutique hospitality with classic resort architecture.
Within the broader Pure Michigan Golf ecosystem, BOYNE Golf serves as both a gateway and an anchor, connecting travelers to various regions while maintaining consistently high standards of play and service.
Modern Public Golf Excellence in Michigan’s Diverse Landscapes
Beyond resorts and dedicated golf regions, Michigan’s strength in public golf was also recognized with two standout courses in the USA TODAY 10BEST Public Golf Courses category.
The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth represents a significant advancement in public golf within the Detroit metropolitan area. Designed by Ray Hearn, this course masterfully transforms a historic property into a contemporary championship layout, balancing strategic design with accessibility for public play. Its inclusion reflects the ongoing evolution of Michigan’s urban golf landscape, where redevelopment and design innovation are redefining expectations.
Joining it is Black Lake Golf Club, a Rees Jones-designed course nestled in a secluded forest setting along Black Lake. Owned by the United Auto Workers, the course is renowned for its immaculate conditioning, environmental integration, and championship pedigree. Its location within 1,000 acres of northern Michigan forest exemplifies the state’s signature blend of seclusion and immersion in nature.
Together, these courses demonstrate that Pure Michigan Golf is not confined to a single geography or style, spanning metropolitan redevelopment initiatives, deep-forest championship tracks, and everything in between.
A Statewide Identity Rooted in Pure Michigan Golf
The national recognition of these five destinations reinforces a growing acknowledgment among golfers and industry professionals: Michigan is one of the most complete golf states in the nation. Few places offer such a broad spectrum of experiences within a single state—from lakeside resort golf to rugged wilderness layouts and modern public championship courses.
What distinguishes Pure Michigan Golf is not merely its quantity but its compelling contrast. A golfer can experience dramatic cliffside holes overlooking Lake Michigan, then travel a few hours inland to play forest-lined fairways or enjoy polished resort environments with full-service hospitality. This diversity creates a travel experience that feels both expansive and cohesive.
As national rankings continue to spotlight Michigan’s premier properties and regions, the state’s golf identity becomes increasingly defined. Pure Michigan Golf has evolved from a marketing slogan into a tangible experience that consistently attracts national attention, seasonal visitors, and repeat travelers drawn by both its variety and its quality.
Michigan’s latest accolades in the USA TODAY 10BEST Awards confirm what many in the golf world already know: when it comes to destination golf in America, Michigan stands in a league of its own.
