Michigan is solidifying its position as a leading golf travel destination in the United States, boasting a remarkable depth and variety of courses. With over 650 public and resort courses spread across stunning natural landscapes, the state has consistently been a significant player in national golf discussions. This reputation has been further enhanced as five Michigan golf destinations and properties received prestigious national honors in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Awards, underscoring the exceptional quality and diversity of Pure Michigan Golf.
From the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula to the refined resort experiences in Northern Michigan and the modern championship public courses near Detroit, Michigan’s golf identity is continuously evolving while remaining deeply connected to its natural surroundings. These recent accolades signify more than just individual course excellence; they represent a statewide narrative: golf in Michigan is no longer a regional best-kept secret, but a nationally recognized destination experience.
Upper Peninsula Leads the Way for Pure Michigan Golf Destinations
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has achieved the highest honor, securing the No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Destinations list nationwide. Traditionally known for outdoor adventures like dense forests, winter sports, and remote lakeside getaways, the U.P. has quietly transformed over the past two decades into one of the most captivating and unique golf regions in the United States.
What sets the Upper Peninsula apart in the Pure Michigan Golf story is its profound sense of place. Courses are seamlessly integrated into dramatic natural terrains, where rock formations, thick hardwood forests, and sweeping water views influence the playing experience as much as any architectural design.
Key destinations like Island Resort & Casino and Bay Mills Resort & Casino anchor the region’s golf tourism, while renowned courses such as Sweetgrass Golf Club and Sage Run Golf Course offer modern championship challenges. Furthermore, the acclaimed Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club stands as one of the most visually stunning and strategically demanding courses in the Midwest.
The region’s combination of public access, welcoming resort accommodations, and secluded natural beauty creates a distinct character that is difficult to find elsewhere. Even historic Mackinac Island contributes to this rich tapestry with courses like The Jewel and Wawashkamo, blending tradition with an undeniably scenic experience.
The Upper Peninsula, long recognized for its rugged identity and outdoor lifestyle, has emerged as a premier showcase for Pure Michigan Golf, demonstrating that remote geography can be a significant advantage in contemporary golf tourism.
Petoskey Area Continues Its Ascendancy Among Elite Golf Regions
Securing the No. 5 position 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 destinations. Situated along the northern shores of Little Traverse Bay, this Northern Michigan locale offers an impressive density of courses within a short driving distance, making it an ideal choice for golf travelers seeking variety without extended travel times.
A primary draw for many visiting golfers remains Bay Harbor Golf Club, widely celebrated as one of the most visually impressive courses in the nation. Its routing along Lake Michigan bluffs, through former quarry land, and into hardwood forest areas creates a diverse range of golfing experiences, feeling akin to multiple courses in one.
In addition to Bay Harbor, the area features a distinguished collection of respected courses, 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 standing by providing multiple championship-level options 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 combination of lake views, rolling terrain, and charming walkable resort communities like Petoskey and Harbor Springs, the region offers both golfing depth and lifestyle appeal.
BOYNE Golf Sets the Standard for Resort Excellence
In the 10BEST Golf Resorts category, BOYNE Golf stands as Michigan’s sole representative and is recognized 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, exceptional hospitality, and designs deeply integrated with the natural landscape.
At the core of their portfolio is Bay Harbor Golf Club, offering a 27-hole experience divided into the Links, Quarry, and Preserve courses. Each nine provides a unique interpretation of Michigan’s terrain, from dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline cliffs to secluded forest corridors and reclaimed quarry landscapes.
Nearby, The Highlands presents a diverse selection 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 offerings create one of the most comprehensive golf resorts in the country, allowing players to experience multiple design philosophies during a single stay.
Boyne Mountain adds another dimension with its Monument and Alpine courses, featuring elevated mountain-style golf and sweeping vistas that provide a striking contrast to the lakeside experiences found elsewhere in their portfolio.
The lodging experience is equally integral to BOYNE Golf’s identity, with properties such as The Inn at Bay Harbor, Mountain Grand Lodge, Chalet Edelweiss, and the recently revitalized Main Lodge at The Highlands, which harmoniously blends 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 consistently maintaining a high standard of play and service.
Modern Public Golf Strength in Michigan’s Urban and Forest Landscapes
Beyond resorts and destination regions, Michigan’s strength in public golf was further recognized through two standout courses in the USA TODAY 10BEST Public Golf Courses category.
The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth exemplifies the modern evolution of public golf in the Detroit metropolitan area. Designed by Ray Hearn, this course masterfully reinterprets a historic property into a contemporary championship layout, balancing strategic design with accessible public play. Its inclusion highlights the ongoing transformation of Michigan’s urban golf landscape, where redevelopment and design innovation are reshaping 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 pristine condition, environmental integration, and championship pedigree. Its location within 1,000 acres of northern Michigan forest reinforces the state’s signature blend of seclusion and immersion in nature.
Together, these courses underscore that Pure Michigan Golf is not confined to a single geography or style. It encompasses metropolitan redevelopment projects, deep-forest championship tracks, and everything in between.
A Statewide Identity Built Around Pure Michigan Golf
The national recognition of these five destinations reinforces what golf travelers and industry professionals have increasingly acknowledged: Michigan is one of the most complete golf states in the country. Few destinations 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 makes Pure Michigan Golf distinctive is not just its quantity but its compelling contrasts. A golfer can experience dramatic cliffside holes overlooking Lake Michigan, then travel a few hours inland to discover forest-lined fairways or polished resort environments offering full-service hospitality. This diversity creates a travel experience that feels both expansive and cohesive.
As national rankings continue to spotlight Michigan’s strongest properties and regions, the state’s golf identity becomes even more defined. Pure Michigan Golf is no longer merely a marketing slogan; it is a tangible experience that continues to attract national attention, seasonal visitors, and repeat guests drawn by both the variety and the 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 is in a league of its own.
