Golf is more than just a game—it’s a lifelong pursuit filled with challenges, small victories, and the occasional humbling round. Whether you’re new to the sport or have been playing for years, there’s always something to learn and appreciate. From understanding the basics to improving your approach on the course, this section covers the fundamentals, insights, and stories that make golf such a rewarding experience. It’s all about golf!
Looking for our Newsletter? Visit Golf Up North Newsletter
For Golf Equipment articles visit Golf Up North Golf Equipment
Northern Michigan Dominates GolfPass’ Top 25 Public Courses in Michigan - A little-known golf fact: Michigan has more public golf courses than any other state in the country. That makes choosing the top 25 an impressive challenge! Every March, GolfPass releases its Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Michigan, based entirely on reviews from everyday golfers. Using their Ratings Index logic—which gives more weight to recent reviews—they compile a list of the best courses open to the public. To qualify, a course needed at least two reviews and some level of public access. Notably, a few big names—like The Loop and the Dunes Course at Forest Dunes Golf Club, American Dunes... Read More »
How Women Are Driving Change in Golf - Golf may have started as a boys’ club, but women have been quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) making their mark on the sport for centuries. From the early days of being shuffled off to smaller, less challenging courses, to now dominating their own professional tours, women in golf are proving that they can swing with the best of them—sometimes better! The Rise of Women’s Golf: More Than Just a Boys’ Club Back in the day, women in golf were about as common as a hole-in-one. They were often told to stick to the easier courses, while the men took on the... Read More »
How to Read a Green Without Losing Your Mind - The Green Monster So, you’ve found yourself on the green, staring down a putt that looks more like a puzzle than a straight shot. If you’re anything like me, reading a green feels like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs—with a lot of guessing and a little bit of praying. But hey, sometimes that tap and a prayer approach actually works! Let’s break down the art of reading a green, so you can (hopefully) sink more putts than you miss. The Grand Entrance: Approach the Green As you saunter up to the green, start sizing it up like a detective at a crime... Read More »
Golf for Newbies - How to Hit the Greens Without Losing Your Sanity (or Your Ball) So, you’ve decided to pick up golf—welcome to the most frustratingly fun game you’ll ever play! Whether you’re looking to impress your boss or just trying to justify those plaid pants in your closet, here’s how to get started without driving yourself (or your playing partners) batty. Rules, Schmules: But Seriously, Learn Them Golf may seem like it’s all about whacking a little ball, but there’s a whole book of rules and etiquette to navigate first. From scoring to penalties and who hits first, there’s more to it... Read More »
Why Golf is the Healthiest Hobby, You Didn’t Know You Needed - Get Fit, Have Fun, and Soak Up the Sun So, you’re thinking about taking up golf? Or maybe you’re already hooked, but need a little extra motivation to hit the course this weekend? Well, besides being a blast and a great excuse to be outside, golf is actually packed with health benefits. Let’s dive into how swinging those clubs can be good for both body and mind! Get Moving: Physical Fitness Who knew a stroll on the greens could be such a workout? Walking the course, lugging around your clubs, and perfecting that swing aren’t just for show—they all add... Read More »
Why Golf is the Hole-in-One of Sports - 10 Tee-rific Reasons to Play Golf: the sport where you can hit a tiny ball with a metal stick and still call it a good time. But why is this age-old pastime so popular? Here are 10 reasons why golf is the ultimate game for anyone looking to combine outdoor fun, fitness, and maybe even a bit of friendly trash talk. 1 Outdoor Enjoyment Where else can you spend hours wandering through lush, green landscapes without being accused of trespassing? Golf courses are like nature’s playgrounds—minus the swings and slides. You get to breathe in the fresh air, soak up... Read More »
Essential Golf Stretches for a Smooth and Powerful Swing - Prepare for a Better Game with Golf Stretches Golf stretches—who needs ’em, right? I mean, when I watch Guy go through his pre-round routine, it looks like a cross between interpretive dance and a waste of valuable tee time. I’m here to hit balls, not spend ten minutes pretending I’m in a yoga class! 😄 But then I had my annual physical, and the doctor decided to have a chat about my fitness habits. I mentioned my treadmill sessions, occasional rowing, and lifting weights. Naturally, he asked if I stretched before jumping into my morning workouts. I laughed and said,... Read More »
Golf Digest – Northern Michigan’s Best Courses! - We talk a lot about how great golf is in Northern Michigan. No matter where else we have played we always look forward to returning home to our Northern Michigan golf courses. We believe that some of the very best golfing is right here in Northern Michigan. We are not the only ones that think that. Golf Digest reviews course all over the world and looks for the best places to add to their “best” lists. Year after year Northern Michigan always shows strong. Check out the lists below to see how Northern Michigan showed up. The Best States for... Read More »
Swing into Action on National Golfers Day! - The dew-kissed greens stretching out before you, and the satisfying thwack of a well-struck golf ball slicing through the air. For avid golfers, this is not just a daydream but a slice of paradise on National Golfers Day. While the sport itself may seem like a straightforward game of clubs and courses, the history and hidden gems behind golf are as intricate as a perfectly executed putt. So, grab your nine iron and let’s tee for National Golfers Day! A Hole-in-One History Golf traces its roots back to 15th-century Scotland, where it was played on linksland, natural terrain found near... Read More »
Top Ten Reasons I love Golf - As the chill creeps in and there are less chances to hit the courses in Northern Michigan, I start missing the feel of the club in my hands. I miss the sound of the crack as my driver hits the ball. The impossible putt made and I even miss watching my ball go only 2 feet. I have asked myself what I was thinking. Why did I fall in love with a sport I can only do for 5-6 months of the year in Northern Michigan? I travel a little to play over the winter but it is not the... Read More »