When golfers think of ultimate bucket-list destinations, places like Scottsdale or Pebble Beach often come to mind. But there is a hidden gem tucked away in the Midwest that rivals the world’s best, boasting long summer days, crisp lake breezes, and dramatic elevation changes.
Welcome to Northern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula—fondly known as America’s Summer Golf Capital.
Skip the trek across the Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula; the region surrounding Little Traverse Bay, Boyne Valley, and Gaylord holds enough championship-caliber fairways to keep you swinging for a lifetime. If you’re ready to plan the ultimate summer or early fall golf road trip, here are the must-visit Northern Michigan golf destinations to put on your radar.
1. The Crown Jewel: BOYNE Golf
You can’t talk about Northern Michigan golf without talking about BOYNE Golf, a collection of 11 magnificent championship courses spread across three world-class resort properties. Each location offers a completely unique vibe and aesthetic.
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The Highlands (Harbor Springs): Steeped in classic championship heritage, The Highlands is home to The Heather—a timeless Robert Trent Jones, Sr. masterpiece that was named a National Course of the Year. For a unique twist, play the Donald Ross Memorial, which serves as a “greatest hits” compilation replicating some of the designer’s most iconic holes from around the world. Don’t forget to check out Doon Brae, their newly minted short course designed for pure, casual fun.
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Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls): If you love dramatic elevation changes and sweeping panoramas, Boyne Mountain is your playground. Here, you’ll find The Alpine and The Monument. Both courses offer the unforgettable experience of teeing off high on the mountain and playing your way down through lush, heavily wooded corridors.
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Bay Harbor Golf Club & The Inn at Bay Harbor: Designed by Arthur Hills and nestled right on the shore of Lake Michigan, Bay Harbor is often called the “Pebble Beach of the Midwest.” It features three distinct nine-hole routings—The Links, The Quarry, and The Preserve—that seamlessly combine for an epic 18. Playing alongside dramatic shale cliffs, crashing waves, and rugged quarry walls makes this one of the most visually stunning rounds in the country.
2. The Capital of Variety: Treetops Resort (Gaylord)
Just an hour east of the Boyne area lies Gaylord, Michigan, home to Treetops Resort. True to its name, this destination is defined by rolling topography and spectacular views overlooking the Pigeon River Valley.
Treetops boasts 81 holes of championship golf crafted by the legends of course design: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (The Masterpiece), Tom Fazio (The Premier), and Rick Smith (The Signature and The Tradition).
Perhaps its biggest claim to fame is Threetops, consistently voted one of the absolute best par-3 courses in the United States. With unparalleled elevation drops from the tee boxes, it proves that a course doesn’t have to be 7,000 yards long to leave you completely breathless.
3. Lakeside Charm: Shanty Creek Resorts (Bellaire)
Located in the beautiful chain-of-lakes region just a short drive from Traverse City, Shanty Creek is a sprawling 5,000-acre resort featuring four distinct championship courses.
The standout star here is The Legend, an Arnold Palmer design that winds through ridges, streams, and hardwood forests, offering beautiful glimpses of Lake Bellaire. For those looking for a modern, strategic test, Tom Doak’s Cedar River course is a masterclass in utilizing the natural, rugged contours of the Northern Michigan landscape.
4. Historic Elegance: Belvedere Golf Club (Petoskey)
If you want to take a break from the mega-resorts and walk the paths of golf history, head to Belvedere Golf Club in Charlevoix (just minutes from Petoskey). Opened in 1925 and designed by William Watson, this historic gem has hosted legends like Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen, and it was a favorite summer track of Bobby Jones. Lovingly restored to its original architectural intent, its classic, old-school layout rewards precision and thoughtful shot-making.
All Star Travel Tips for Your Northern Michigan Golf Trip
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Take Advantage of the Daylight: Because Northern Michigan sits on the very western edge of the Eastern Time Zone, summer days are incredibly long. In June and July, it doesn’t get dark until nearly 10:00 PM! This makes booking a 36-hole day incredibly easy and relaxing.
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Fly or Drive? For Midwesterners, Northern Michigan is a classic, scenic road trip. However, if you are traveling from further away, you can easily fly into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, which offers direct flights from major hubs across the country. From there, you are less than an hour’s drive from paradise.
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Pack for the Evenings: Even in July, northern lake breezes mean the mornings and evenings can get crisp. Pack a light windbreaker or quarter-zip alongside your golf polos.
Book Your Next Fairway Getaway
From the dramatic lakeside cliffs of Bay Harbor to the mountain peaks of Boyne, Northern Michigan delivers pristine conditioning, unparalleled variety, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to pack your clubs and experience America’s Summer Golf Capital for yourself? Let All Star Travel help you secure the perfect rental car, hotel accommodations, and resort stays for your next epic golf buddy trip or family vacation.