Michigan is solidifying its position as a premier golf travel destination, thanks to the recent recognition of five of its golf locations and properties in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Awards. This acknowledgment highlights the state’s extensive and varied golf offerings, boasting over 650 public and resort courses across diverse landscapes, from lakeside shores and forests to dunes and rolling northern terrains.
The state’s golf identity is continuously evolving, embracing everything from the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula and the refined resort experiences of Northern Michigan to modern championship public courses near Detroit. This widespread recognition signifies that Michigan’s golf scene is no longer a regional secret but a nationally recognized destination.
Upper Peninsula Leads as a Top Pure Michigan Golf Destination
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan secured the top spot as the No. 1 golf destination in the nation according to USA TODAY’s 10BEST Golf Destinations list. While traditionally known for outdoor adventures like dense forests and remote shorelines, the U.P. has transformed into a highly attractive and distinctive golf region over the past two decades.
Its unique appeal lies in how its courses are seamlessly integrated into the dramatic natural environment. Rock outcroppings, thick hardwood forests, and sweeping water views significantly influence the playing experience, complementing the architectural design. Destinations like Island Resort & Casino and Bay Mills Resort & Casino are central to the region’s golf tourism, featuring courses such as Sweetgrass Golf Club and Sage Run Golf Course that offer modern championship challenges. The visually stunning and strategically demanding Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club is also a notable highlight.
The combination of public accessibility, resort hospitality, and remote natural beauty creates an unparalleled character. Even historic Mackinac Island contributes with courses like The Jewel and Wawashkamo, blending tradition with breathtaking scenery. The Upper Peninsula’s rugged identity and outdoor culture have established it as a prime example of how remote geography can be a significant asset in contemporary golf tourism.
Petoskey Area Continues Its Ascent as an Elite Golf Region
The Petoskey Area has solidified its status as one of the Midwest’s most concentrated and high-quality golf regions, ranking No. 5 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Golf Destinations category. Situated along the northern shores of Little Traverse Bay, this Northern Michigan locale offers a remarkable density of courses within easy driving distance, making it ideal for golfers seeking variety without extensive travel.
Bay Harbor Golf Club is a major draw, widely recognized for its visually stunning design. Its layout navigates Lake Michigan bluffs, former quarry lands, and hardwood forest corridors, offering a diverse golfing experience within a single venue. The region also boasts other 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 area’s reputation with multiple championship-level options nearby.
This recognition validates the growing discovery by golfers that the Petoskey Area is a well-established pillar of Pure Michigan Golf. Its appeal extends beyond golf, offering lakeside views, rolling terrain, and walkable resort communities like Petoskey and Harbor Springs, combining golfing depth with lifestyle attractiveness.
BOYNE Golf Sets the Standard for Resort Excellence
BOYNE Golf is Michigan’s sole representative in the 10BEST Golf Resorts category and is recognized as one of North America’s most influential golf resort operators. With properties across Northern Michigan, BOYNE Golf boasts a 60-year legacy of destination golf, emphasizing variety, hospitality, and designs inspired by the natural landscape.
The centerpiece is Bay Harbor Golf Club, featuring 27 holes across the Links, Quarry, and Preserve courses, each showcasing different aspects of Michigan’s terrain. The Highlands offers a variety of courses, including The Heather, Arthur Hills, The Moor, the Donald Ross Memorial course, and the newer Doon Brae par-3 experience, creating a comprehensive resort offering with diverse design philosophies.
Boyne Mountain adds another dimension with its Monument and Alpine courses, providing elevated mountain-style golf and panoramic views that contrast with the lakeside settings elsewhere. The lodging experience is also a key component, with properties like The Inn at Bay Harbor, Mountain Grand Lodge, Chalet Edelweiss, and the reimagined Main Lodge at The Highlands blending boutique hospitality with classic resort architecture.
Within the broader Pure Michigan Golf landscape, BOYNE Golf serves as both a gateway and an anchor, connecting travelers to various regions while maintaining high standards of play and service.
Modern Public Golf Excellence in Michigan’s Urban and Natural Settings
Michigan’s strength in public golf was further highlighted by two distinguished courses in the USA TODAY 10BEST Public Golf Courses category.
The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth exemplifies the modern transformation of public golf in the Detroit metropolitan area. Designed by Ray Hearn, this championship layout revitalizes a historic property with contemporary design principles, offering strategic play that is also accessible to the public. Its inclusion reflects the ongoing evolution of urban golf in Michigan through redevelopment and design innovation.
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 known for its immaculate conditioning, environmental integration, and championship quality, set within 1,000 acres of northern Michigan forest, reinforcing the state’s signature blend of seclusion and natural immersion.
These courses demonstrate that Pure Michigan Golf encompasses a wide range of geographies and styles, from metropolitan redevelopment projects to remote forest championship tracks.
A Statewide Identity Rooted in Pure Michigan Golf
The national recognition of these five destinations confirms what golfers and industry professionals increasingly acknowledge: Michigan is one of the most complete golf states in the nation. It offers an exceptional range of experiences within its borders, from lakeside resort golf and rugged wilderness layouts to modern public championship courses.
Pure Michigan Golf is defined not just by quantity but by its remarkable contrast. Golfers can experience dramatic cliffside holes overlooking Lake Michigan, then travel 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 top properties and regions, the state’s golf identity becomes even clearer. Pure Michigan Golf is more than a marketing slogan; it’s a tangible experience that attracts national attention, seasonal visitors, and repeat guests drawn by both the variety and the quality of the golf offerings. Michigan’s latest accolades in the USA TODAY 10BEST Awards affirm that when it comes to destination golf in America, Michigan stands in a league of its own.