Must-try Northern Michigan Golf Courses
By Jeff Wellman
The state of Michigan has nearly 800 golf courses, so picking one to play could be a shot in the dark. Fortunately, we’ve made some of those tough decisions a bit easier on you by outlining some of our favorite courses in Northern Michigan. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting your swing down, there is a course in our area for every skill level. We’ll see you on the fairways!
The Heather at Boyne Highlands
Named 2019 national course of the year, the Heather is a wonderful combination of challenging shots and beautiful scenery. Designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1966, it is the very first of all of the golf courses at Boyne Resorts. It sits at the base of the Boyne Highlands ski resort, and is framed by rolling Northern Michigan hills. Its wide fairways weave through mature trees and many holes are doglegs that require a proper distance to approach the green. With minor elevation changes, the greens are often elevated and protected by deep bunkers. Challenging hazards and forgiving fairways make this a great course for any skill level.
Bay Harbor Courses
Bay Harbor Golf Club is located just south of Petoskey and boasts 27 holes that are divided into three completely distinct 9-hole courses that can be played in three 18-hole combinations.
The Links:
Named “The Pebble Beach of the Midwest,” the Links at Bay Harbor hugs the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, with unobstructed views. Towering bluffs and sand dunes line the fairways, combining the courses unique layout with the natural beauty of the area. Stone cliffs, natural ponds, and babbling waterfalls are all dramatic natural features of the course. This course fully embodies the Northern Michigan lifestyle.
The Quarry:
Located in and around the remains of a massive shale quarry, this Arthur Hills course is a members’ favorite. It plays across towering cliffs, providing many elevated tees with stunning views. The course finishes on a dramatic par 3, right on the shores of the lake. Golf Magazine named its signature seventh hole as one of the top 500 holes in the world.
The Preserve:
This 9-hole course showcases the beauty of Northern Michigan, allowing golfers to experience nature as they golf through its beautiful landscape. Nestled into the hardwoods that surround the Lake Michigan shoreline, the course meanders through a familiar landscape of wildflowers, grass and native wetlands. The tight, narrow fairways demand accuracy, making for a challenging round.
The Monument at Boyne Mountain
With a variety of holes with a unique layout, the Monument is the type of course you could play hundreds of times and never tire of it. Expertly kept, the fast and challenging greens are sure to keep you on your toes. Just outside of Boyne City at Boyne Mountain Resort, the rolling hills of the course offer breathtaking views of Northern Michigan from every hole. From the opening tee shot that sits on the top of Boyne Mountain, to the unique island green on the 18th hole, the Monument will certainly challenge your game.
