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 in Grand Haven, and both courses at Arcadia Bluffs—didn’t make the list due to not having enough reviews.

Here’s what’s exciting for Northern Michigan golfers: 16 of the 25 top-ranked courses are in Golf Up North’s backyard! We’ve always said this region is a golf paradise, and GolfPass clearly agrees. From Cadillac to Petoskey, Gaylord to Traverse City, Northern Michigan continues to shine as a premier golf destination.

GolfPass’ Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Michigan:

25. George Young Golf Course – Gaastra
24. The Fortress Golf Course – Frankenmuth
23. Timber Trace Golf Club – Pinckney
22. Loon Golf Resort – The Ridge Course – Gaylord
21. Crown Golf Course – Traverse City
20. The Links at Bowen Lake – Gowen
19. The Medalist Golf Club – Marshall
18. Gaylord Golf Club – Gaylord
17. Manitou Passage Golf Club – Cedar
16. Lakewood on the Green Golf Course – Cadillac
15. Hills of Lenawee Golf Club & Banquet Center – Adrian
14. Gladstone Golf Course – Gladstone
13. Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort – Augusta
12. Eagle Glen Golf Course – Farwell
11. Loon Golf Resort – The Lakes Course – Gaylord
10. Black Lake Golf Club – Onaway
9. Missaukee Golf Course – Lake City
8. Alpena Golf Club – Alpena
7. Crooked Tree Golf Club – Petoskey
6. The Preserve/Links at Bay Harbor Golf Club – Bay Harbor
5. The Heather at The Highlands (Boyne) – Harbor Springs
4. Alpine at Boyne Mountain Resort – Boyne Falls
3. Harbor Shores – Benton Harbor
2. Grand Traverse Resort & Spa – The Wolverine Course – Acme
1. Eldorado – Cadillac

We’ve had the pleasure of golfing and writing about many of these incredible Northern Michigan courses. From fairways lined with towering pines to breathtaking waterfront greens, we’ve played, photographed, and shared our experiences at some of the best courses in the region. Click HERE to see the courses we’ve visited and check out our photos!

With more than half of the list located in Northern Michigan, there’s no denying this region is a golfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a local or planning a trip up north, these courses are a must-play. Time to grab your clubs and experience the best of Michigan golf!

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.