Bay Meadows Family Golf Course

Jack Nicklaus designed this championship course back in 1985, and Golf Digest still ranks it the 18th toughest in America — plan on bringing your A-game and a few extra sleeves of balls.

Champion Hill Golf Course in Benzie County delivers challenging golf with authentic Northern Michigan character. The course winds through rolling terrain dotted with mature hardwoods and evergreens, creating natural obstacles that test your shot-making skills. Each hole presents unique elevation changes and strategic decisions that keep rounds interesting for golfers of all abilities. The well-maintained greens roll true, while fairways reward accurate drives. Located just a short drive from Traverse City, this course combines affordable golf with scenic beauty that captures the essence of Up North golf without the pretension of resort courses.

Carved through the rolling hills of Benzie County, Mistwood Golf Course tells the story of Northern Michigan's natural beauty translated into challenging fairways. This family-owned course opened in the 1990s when local golf enthusiasts decided their community deserved something special. The signature holes wind through dense hardwood forests where morning mist clings to ancient oaks and maples. What started as a dream between friends has become a golfer's sanctuary, where deer often graze near the greens and the pace stays refreshingly unhurried compared to busier Traverse City courses.

The resort's original course started as the humble Acme Public Golf Course and grew into a 6,741-yard William Newcomb design that locals still prefer for its walkability and charm.

The rolling fairways at Interlochen Golf Course have been drawing players since 1967, when local golf enthusiasts transformed dense Michigan woodland into one of Grand Traverse County's most beloved courses. Located just minutes from the famous Interlochen Center for the Arts, this 18-hole championship course winds through mature hardwoods and open meadows. The signature 16th hole plays across a natural wetland that comes alive with wildlife during spring migration. Local golfers know to book early for weekend tee times, especially during cherry blossom season when the course becomes a canvas of pink and white blooms.

Rolling through the scenic hills of Antrim County, A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort's Antrim Dells course captures the raw beauty of Northern Michigan's landscape. Ancient glacial formations create dramatic elevation changes that challenge golfers while rewarding them with sweeping views of pristine woodlands and sparkling water hazards. The course winds through mature hardwood forests where deer often graze along the fairways. What sets this place apart is its welcoming attitude toward four-legged companions – your dog can join you for a round, making it a rare gem among championship-caliber courses. The layout respects the natural terrain, creating holes that feel carved by nature itself rather than bulldozers.