The Michigan public golf scene is a coveted one, with great courses to be found in all parts of the mitten. Northern Michigan receives the most national recognition for its stellar resort courses around Traverse City, Gaylord and Harbor Springs. But the state is gorgeous in more spots than the north, and while the northern courses are known for value, golfers in Michigan still find them pricey compared to other spots, particularly around Grand Rapids and central Michigan near the state capital.
Golf Advisor's top 25 golf courses in Michigan in 2015, as rated by Golf Advisor reviewers (not me, a Michigan native) showcase well known courses that make national top 100 lists, like Boyne, Bay Harbor, Shanty Creek, Eagle Eye and Harbor Shores. But there are also courses that are more beloved by the locals, including a few lesser known resorts. Four of Michigan's top courses made Golf Advisor's Top 50 in the U.S. list, and the kicker is that these four are probably not the ones you're used to seeing. Michiganders all have a great value-course in their back pocket, no matter where they live, while Chicago residents find great, affordable options a short drive away in the state's southwest side. If there's anything we can conclude from Michigan's top 25, rated by you, it's that there are a lot of great, affordable courses in Michigan designed by less well known architects that you're probably missing out on. If you're more interested in playing the best nationally known courses according to expert reviews, you can check out Jason Scott Deegan's (also a Michigan native) top 15 courses in Northern Michigan.
To find this ranking, we took a combination of a course's overall and subcategory scores from reviews submitted in 2015. You can view each course's details by clicking on their link below.
Top 25 golf courses in Michigan
Cedar Springs
Hamilton
Gaylord
Ypsilanti
Bellaire
Holly
19. Lyon Oaks
Wixom
Gaylord
Harbor Springs
Bay Harbor
Charlevoix
Bellaire
Benton Harbor
Marshall
South Lyon
Bath
Saugatuck
Augusta
Augusta
Harbor Springs
5. Pohlcat
Mount Pleasant
Twin Lake
Bath
Battle Creek
Holland
I understand the metrics, but no Arcadia makes this list void in my opinion.
what about Meridian Sun in Haslett
Whoaaaaaa.... Harbor Shores should DEFINITELY be higher on this list, and where's Arcadia Bluffs?
Arcadia didn't receive enough reviews to qualify in 2015. I certainly gave it five stars when I played it.