Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Michigan - Golfers' Choice 2024

Our reviewers single out the best public golf courses in Michigan.
Ravines golf course - 15th hole
Arnold Palmer-designed Ravines Golf Club is among the top-rated courses on Michigan's west side.

What are the top public golf courses in Michigan?

It depends who you ask. In the case of GolfPass' annual Golfers Choice ranking lists, you are the expert, along with thousands of your fellow golfers.

We compile our annual Golfers' Choice lists by analyzing the ratings and reviews submitted by members of our community - golfers like you - throughout the previous year. We use GolfPass' Ratings Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course's subcategory averages. Courses must offer public access and have received at least two reviews in 2023 to be eligible for this year's list. If you want to play any of these courses, hover your browser over the course photo and if tee times are available, you can click to book directly.

Want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses in Michigan or any other future Golfers' Choice lists? Click here to review a golf course, whether it’s your first or your 100th.

Michigan golf courses reviewed in 2023: 312
Reviews of Michigan golf courses in 2023: 5,599

  1. The Fortress

    Frankenmuth, Michigan
    Public
    4.8164936559
    259

    Green fee: $75
    What they're saying: "Fortress is a great course. Had a great time playing this challenging course. Although the greens had been aerated, it was still a lot of fun. All Michigan courses are probably aerated by now. Look forward to playing this course again next year." - jjohnston1257

  2. Sugarbush Golf Club

    Davison, Michigan
    Public
    4.6180852229
    198

    Green fee: $50
    What they're saying: "Awesome Course.It has been a few years since I have played at Sugarbush and I was pleasantly surprised with all of the updates to the course and clubhouse. I would give them 10 stars if possible." - Michael5531396

  3. Gladstone Golf Course

    Gladstone, Michigan
    Public
    4.9304059652
    160

    Green fee: $42
    What they're saying: "Awesome hidden gem. We are from (Wisconsin), but come up here to golf many times a year. Love the 2 covered bridges. Great holes and nice rolling hills. In the pines, it smells wonderful, too." - abrahamdawn

  4. Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort - Stonehedge South

    Green fee: $64
    What they're saying: "Great course. The layout was challenging, providing an opportunity to try different shots and clubs (other than driver from a par 4 tee). The starter provided great playing tips. Will return again." - s9d3765

  5. Ravines Golf Club

    Saugatuck, Michigan
    Public
    3.6927536232
    376

    Green fee: $59-$84
    What they're saying: "The Ravines has a northern Michigan feel with many holes surrounded by hardwoods forest. It is very playable with generous fairways and some forced carries. There are a number of tee options that can provide a challenge for every level of player. Afternoon and senior rates make this course a bargain for a course of this quality." - hiwayner

  6. Indian River Golf Club

    Indian River, Michigan
    Public
    4.3285509326
    44

    Green fee: $42-$67
    What they're saying: "Greeted by golf attendant who helped with bags. They were on top with reservation details. Courses was in fine shape. Greens are fun; large with significant breaks. Relatively quick. Fairways were in good shape. We like this course for its beauty and views. Several fun holes. Hit into a few traps and they were playable. Course had tough pin placements today; tourney in this morning and one tomorrow." - Sparty1971

  7. George Young Recreation Golf Course

    Gaastra, Michigan
    Public
    4.7326203209
    43

    Green fee: $35-$65
    What they're saying: "Staff was over the top friendly. Everyone we dealt with was very friendly and helpful. Course was in nice shape for the lack of rain and early season. Was very pleased with how the greens rolled. Nothing but positive things to say about this course. Beautiful scenery!!!" - lbreeze316

  8. Shepherd's Hollow

    Clarkston, Michigan
    Public
    4.0571428571
    16

    What they're saying: "Consistently rated one of the top courses in metro-Detroit for a reason. I played with a bachelor party so didn't take the round too seriously, which helped. Played 10-27 layout and will not forget the approach back to the clubhouse. Very beautiful course." - GolfNinja6798

  9. Harbor Shores

    Benton Harbor, Michigan
    Public/Resort
    4.7602697934
    223

    Green fee: $120-$225
    What they're saying: "The history behind this course and what it's become are phenomenal. Every hole presents its challenges and are all unique but plays fair. It's not the course that beats you up. If you don't hit the ball in your intended position, you're bound to pay strokes. I've played a lot of Michigan golf and this one matches any of the best. Jack Nicklaus design has put all lot of thought and strategy into making this a PGA quality course what it is. Being a signature course will ensure that its quality will always (be) there." - kreefta

  10. Forest Akers West Golf Course

    East Lansing, Michigan
    Public
    4.5848
    264

    Green fee: $43-$85
    What they're saying: "I love to play when I travel and Forest Akers West didn’t disappoint! Michigan lacks a little scenery, but Forest Akers West was in phenomenal shape, and I feel like I definitely got my money's worth! It was one of the prettiest courses I’ve played, and it has some challenges with tight fairways, vegtation, and hooks." - Keppnerean

  11. The Tamaracks Golf Course

    Harrison, Michigan
    Public
    4.6317388494
    271

    Green fee: $33-$43
    What they're saying: "Great Course. This is a hidden little gem; excellent fairway and greens. The course is challenging with smaller greens, surrounded by water or bunkers. Bring plenty of extra balls!" - Kimknight

  12. Hills of Lenawee Golf Club & Banquet Center

    Green fee: $65
    What they're saying: "The greens were and fairways were in excellent shape." - dano111

  13. Woodland Hills

    Sandusky, Michigan
    Semi-Private
    4.1088935574
    55

    Green fee: $34-$39+
    What they're saying: "A great course "hidden away". Course conditions were fantastic and well cared for. Carts are newer models and worked flawlessly. Reminded me of a few courses in Myrtle Beach. Would definitely play this course again and was well worth the drive." - Hercules300AAC

  14. Eagle Glen

    Farwell, Michigan
    Public
    4.7979162703
    265

    Green fee: $35-$50
    What they're saying: "Best bang for your buck. I've played here numerous times. The course is always in great shape. $38 for 18 with a cart is an excellent price for a course this well maintained." - Guruwelder

  15. Gaylord Golf Club

    Gaylord, Michigan
    Semi-Private
    4.6931038276
    411

    Green fee: $50-$70
    What they're saying: "Interesting layout with many different types of holes and shots required. Fairways and greens were perfect. Staff was very friendly. Pace was a little slow and if you haven't played before some holes are hard to figure out. (Will) Definitely play there again because it was in great shape." - ronkay

  16. Hunters Ridge

    Howell, Michigan
    Public
    4.6987761842
    281

    Green fee: $30+
    What they're saying: "Good Course good condition well maintained. Cart paths are gravel and dusty in dry conditions. Overall course was enjoyable and fun to play." - markwebb

  17. Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort - Stonehedge North

    Green fee: $64
    What they're saying: "Favorite Gull Lake View golf course yet. While I haven't played Stoatin Brae, I have played the other 5 courses. This course is really fun and has a great putting green. Wish they had electric carts. The small restaurant for the North Course was open for just a little bit, but we saw it had closed at like 12:45 PM - which seemed really odd. We had to go to the main restaurant over by the South course if we wanted anything." - TeslaDriver

  18. Eldorado Golf Course

    Cadillac, Michigan
    Public
    4.6464747688
    286

    What they're saying: "We played at a perfect time. The colors on the leaves were just starting to change and the weather was in the low 70's. Course was a challenge with a few blind drives and guarded greens. We only played 9. Everyone was friendly and helpful." - Rtizie89

  19. Fox Hills Golf Center - Golden Fox

    Plymouth, Michigan
    Public
    4.3325918603
    126

    What they're saying: "Excellent Course. If you haven't play Golden Fox you're going to want to add it to your list." - moverdave

  20. Michaywe Pines

    Gaylord, Michigan
    Public
    4.2920941176
    37

    Green fee: $47-$59
    What they're saying: "Great track! Enjoyable and forgiving course with big fairways and challenging greens." - jdtwait

  21. Metamora Golf & Country Club

    Metamora, Michigan
    Private
    4.6649411765
    280

    What they're saying: "For the money, you won't find a nicer course in the area." - jstevanus1

  22. St. Ives Golf Club

    Stanwood, Michigan
    Semi-Private
    4.8221294118
    89

    Green fee: $90-$145
    What they're saying: "This course was well maintained. The maintenance crew were very friendly when I got lost. The car girl was funny and wonderful to talk to, and the food at the clubhouse was perfect. If I could rate this course, I’d rate it a 10 out of 10." - Cyprian6835699

  23. Bay Harbor Golf Club

    Bay Harbor, Michigan
    Resort
    4.6833105335
    58

    Green fee: $199+
    What they're saying: "You won’t beat the views on this course! And the conditions were great! My only complaint was the driving range was closed, so we could not warm up. But other than that it was a great experience!" - oudynmk

  24. Timber Trace Golf Club

    Pinckney, Michigan
    Public
    4.6451984246
    227

    Green fee: $39-$59
    What they're saying: "It’s so dialed in. Perfect conditions. Great value as well. 5 stars for sure. Love it." - wcsmichfan

  25. Grand Traverse Resort & Spa - The Wolverine

    Green fee: $80-$175
    What they're saying: "The course was lush and in superb condition. The layout was beautiful to the eyes and challenging. The holes were well designed and varied. This will now be one of my favorite courses!" - dmistick

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1,200 courses and written about golf destinations in 28 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer's Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Follow him on Instagram at @jasondeegangolfpass and X/Twitter at @WorldGolfer.
Tim Gavrich is a Senior Writer for GolfPass. Follow him on Twitter @TimGavrich and on Instagram @TimGavrich.

Comments (1)

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Great list but when visiting my girl's family in Portage, i love playing Angel's Crossing in Vicksburg. Tricky, quirky, difficult, well designed course with complex large greens that invite a three putt. Inexpensive too.

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Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Michigan - Golfers' Choice 2024
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