Western Michigan Golf Course recommendations

[KSP]

So I have a week off in July and was considering making a western Michigan solo golf trip out of it. I think I’d go as far north as Arcadia Bluffs and play that wonderful course. I will be coming from the direction of Chicago, and mostly taking 196/31 and hugging the coast.

 

I was wondering what courses I should hit along the way. I might spend a few nights slowly making my way up/down the coast, playing 18 or 36 a day, with Arcadia being the furthest destination. I’m willing to go inland a bit, but don’t want to deviate too far from the coast (maybe 30-45 minutes inland).

 

I’m perfectly happy to add some value courses with some of the more costly courses (though they all seem a good value compared to other areas of the country).

 

Anyway, thanks for the info!

[VNutz]

Hemlock isn't too far off 31. I've not played there but I've heard good things. If you want something a bit closer to Chicago, Harbor Shores is pretty good, albeit a bit crazy with some holes and greens complexes. If you're willing to travel a little more inland, Pilgrim's Run has long been one of my favorite courses up there. And don't forget Arcadia has a 2nd course now. As mentioned, Michigan golf is generally very attractive price wise in comparison to many other parts of the country. Best of luck and have fun.

[JeffreySpicoli]

Fresh from Golfweek. I'll let you figure how far you're willing to drive.

 

Best Courses You Can Play (Michigan)

 

1. Arcadia Bluffs, Arcadia (No, 44 m)

2. Greywalls at Marquette GC, Marquette (No. 84 m)

3. Forest Dunes (The Loop – Red & Black), Roscommon (No. 69 m)

4. Forest Dunes (Weiskopf Course), Roscommon (m)

5. Gull Lake View Resort (Stoatin Brae), Augusta (m)

6. Belvedere, Charlevoix ©

7. Eagle Eye, Bath (m)

8. LochenHeath, Williamsburg (m)

9. Tullymore Golf Resort (Tullymore), Stanwood (m)

10. Island Resort and Casino (Sweetgrass), Harris (m)

11. University of Michigan GC, Ann Arbor ©

12. Treetops (Signature), Gaylord (m)

13. Pilgrim’s Run, Pierson (m)

14. TimberStone, Iron Mountain (m)

15. Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, Brutus (m)

16. Bay Harbor Golf Club (Links/Quarry), Bay Harbor (m)

17. Orchards, Washington (m)

18. Lakewood Shores Resort (Gailes), Oscoda (m)

19. Diamond Springs GC, Hamilton (m)

20. Black Lake, Onaway (m)

 

(m): modern

©: classic

 

Best Resort Courses

 

Forest Dunes – The Loop (Red & Black), Roscommon

Forest Dunes (Weiskopf Course), Roscommon

TimberStone, Iron Mountain

Treetops (Signature), Gaylord

Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, Brutus

Bay Harbor GC (Links/Quarry), Bay Harbor

Boyne Highlands (Hills Course), Boyne

Grand Traverse Resort (Bear), Traverse City

 

Best Residential Courses

 

Tullymore, Stanwood (df)

[DrOldSchool]

Coming from the Chicago side there are options...

 

Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor is... unique, hosts a Senior Tour event every other year. You may have seen the Nicklaus/Miller putt video from the 10th hole on that course.

 

The Ravines is a nice Palmer layout near Saugatuck. Been a few years since I've played it though.

 

Angels Crossing South of Kalamazoo is a fun round with HUGE greens, usually good rates. Conditions were decent, not great in May when I was up there.

[postfold]

South to North:

Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor

maybe Hawkshead in South Haven

maybe Diamond Springs in Hamilton - I don't like it as much as some

maybe Ravines just south of Holland - don't know about current conditions

Meadows at Grand Valley State in Allendale

Muskegon CC (private) if you can get on

go inland to 131 north of Grand Rapids and play Pilgrim's Run, it's worth it.

Hemlock in Ludington

Arcadia

 

I'm sure there are more I'm not thinking of at the moment

[stlouismark]

My favorite SW Michigan courses:

 

The Ravines in Saugatuck. Great condition and layout.

 

Hawks Head in South Haven.

 

Lake Michigan Hills in Benton Harbor.

 

Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor.

 

Pilgrims Run in Pierson.

[BG5]

Must Plays in my opinion include both Arcadia Courses (Bluffs and South), Pilgrims Run, and Kingsley Club. That will allow you to play some of the best Michigan has to offer. Harbor Shores could be thrown into this group but it would be last on my list.

 

If your ok with playing some B level courses (still great tracks) then consider Hemlock, Ravines, Hawkshead, & Diamond Springs.

[KSP]

Thanks so far. All sound like good recommendations. Do they typically have reduced replay rates in this neck of the woods?

[Jose c.]

agree with play both Arcadia's courses.