Spring through fall, Michigan is one of the world's finest golfing destinations. Known as “America's summer golf mecca,” the Gaylord area [1] alone has over 20 courses, and the U.P. [2] offers a number of seasonal choices, too. While the state has several private clubs — such as Oakland Hills Country Club, which hosted the 2008 PGA Championship — there's also a wide array of public courses.
9900 St. Ives Dr., Stanwood, MI
231/972-4837
Daily Apr.–Oct., $40–125
On the road from Grand Rapids [4] to Cadillac, you'll find this popular resort, celebrated for its pair of spectacular 18-hole courses.
14710 Northwood Hwy., Arcadia, MI
231/889-3001
Daily Apr.–Nov., $50–180
Located along a gorgeous stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, this world-class 18-hole golf course has long been considered the best public course in the state, by golfers and golfing magazines alike.
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme, MI
231/534-6000
www.grandtraverseresort.com [6]
Daily Apr.–Oct., $35–140
With luxurious accommodations, excellent dining, a top-notch spa, an indoor water park, a 24-hour dog care facility, and three on-site golf courses, this 900-acre resort has easily become one of Michigan's finest golfing destinations.
627 A-Ga-Ming Dr., Kewadin, MI
231/264-5081
Daily Apr.–Oct., $44–84
Overlooking lovely Torch Lake, not far north of Traverse City, this long-standing resort presents two 18-hole courses: Torch and the relatively new Sundance.
1 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire, MI
800/678-4111
Apr.–Oct., $33–109
Divided into three villages — Cedar River, Schuss, and Summit — this enormous resort features several dining, lodging, and spa options, numerous downhill skiing runs, and four championship golf courses.
600 Highland Dr., Harbor Springs, MI
231/526-3000 or 800/462-6963
www.boyne.com [9]
Daily May–Oct., $25–134
Just north of Petoskey, this year-round resort offers superb lodging, four spectacular golf courses, and access to a wealth of seasonal activities, from fishing to dog sledding.
7688 Maple River Rd., Brutus, MI
231/529-4653
www.hiddenriver.com [10]
Daily Apr.–Oct., $32–89
Between Petoskey and Mackinaw City [11], you'll find this handsome resort, which appeals to golfers as well as fly fishers.
2800 Maxon Rd., Onaway, MI
989/733-4653
Daily Apr.–Oct., $40–85
Operated by the UAW, this magnificent golf course is part of the union's 1,000-acre family center, which sits astride picturesque Black Lake.
4700 N. Red Oak Rd., Lewiston, MI
989/786-2211 or 877/442-7526
www.garlandusa.com [13]
Daily May–Oct., $30–120
Considered one of the state's most beautiful resorts, this family-owned destination presents four magnificent golf courses amid the woods of northeastern Michigan.
3962 Wilkinson Rd., Gaylord, MI
989/732-6711 or 888/873-3867
www.treetops.com [14]
Daily Apr.–Oct., $30–135
This year-round resort keeps visitors busy with downhill skiing in winter, activities like tennis and biking in summer, and, of course, five stunning golf courses.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/michigan/northeast-michigan/gaylord-area
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/michigan/michigan-s-upper-peninsula
[3] http://www.stivesgolf.com
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/michigan/michigan-s-heartland/grand-rapids
[5] http://www.arcadiabluffs.com
[6] http://www.grandtraverseresort.com
[7] http://www.a-ga-ming.com
[8] http://www.shantycreek.com
[9] http://www.boyne.com
[10] http://www.hiddenriver.com
[11] http://www.moon.com/destinations/michigan/northeast-michigan/mackinaw-city
[12] http://www.blacklakegolf.com
[13] http://www.garlandusa.com
[14] http://www.treetops.com