Signature hole: The back nine, added in 1998, will quickly remove any comfort from the first nine. 6; Shortest hole - 155-yard No. Rogers City Country Club No. Sugarbush No. Signature hole: No. 11; Shortest hole - 176-yard No. 9 at Hidden River. x. 12 has a fierce dogleg left that's 334 yards total for a par 4. The idea of a reversible golf course is as old at the Old Course at St. Andrews, and golf architect Joel Goldstrand built a series of nine-hole reversible courses for small clubs in Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota back in the 1980s. It's not long but there are hidden hazards from tee to green. TOP PUBLIC COURSES:This might be Michigan's most underrated golf course, GOLFWEEK'S BEST: Where to play incredible golf in Michigan. 16 (Photo Courtesy of The Timbers), Par: 72 l Longest hole - 568-yard No. What makes this a challenge: Tree-lined course with secluded feel, Pilgrim's Run rewards for straight drives. The Gailes at Lakewood Shores No. 14; Shortest hole - 153-yard No. Crystal Downs in Frankfort leads the list. 8; Shortest hole - 154-yard No. Hawks Eye Golf Resort (Courtesy Hawks Eye Facebook), Location: 2620 Hawk's Eye Dr, Bellaire MI, 49615, Par: 72 | Longest hole -607-yard No. Oakland Hills Country Club | South. Miss the island green on your second shot and you'll pay the price while players laying up will have a short to mid-iron approach into the green. It was famously Tom Watson's home course when his family spent summers in northern Michigan from childhood through his college years, and the eight-time major champion considers it one of his three favorite courses in the country, behind Augusta National and Pebble Beach. 11 at Arcadia Bluffs. (Photo courtesy of The Medalist GC, Location: 15701 N Dr No, Marshall MI 49068, Par: 72 | Longest hole - 578-yard No. Eagle Glen Golf Course (Photo courtesy of Eagle Glen), Location: 1251 Clubhouse Dr Farwell MI, 48622, Par: 72 l Longest hole - 552-yard No. It was featured in the book "1,001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die.". 9 (Photo courtesy of Forest Akers), Location: 3535 Forest Rd, Lansing, MI 48910, Par: 72 l Longest hole - 592-yard No. Players will face a risk-reward second shot after hitting off an elevated tee. 13; Shortest hole - 137-yard No. Recently its been under the stewardship of architect Bruce Hepner who has kept the layout sharp and pure. What makes this a challenge: The course is nestled within the Manistee National Forest with hilly terrain and several ravines that are beautiful - unless you are eaten up by one of them. Only three holes are considered straight shots while nine dogleg turn to the left and two go to the right, making the course play longer for average players who battle a slice. What makes this a challenge: The length gives some players the idea it might be easy to score well but the greens can make that a difficult chore. FREEP'S TOP 10:Ranking metro Detroit's Top 10 Public Golf Courses: Here's who made the list and why, GOLFWEEK'S BEST: Where to play incredible golf in Michigan. Hole No. Signature hole: No. But miss it and the water could make you pay dearly. And No. 1 New York, No. There is also water in play on 11 of 18 holes. 14. Rattle Run Golf Course No. 17, Total yardage: Longest - 6,955 Black; Shortest - 5,149 from Red, Hole No. Oakland University | R & S Sharf. Signature hole: No. The best courses you can play in Michigan, The best courses you can play in South Carolina, PGA Tour stops in each state you can play, The best courses you can play in California, The best courses you can play in North Carolina, Eagle Eye Golf & Banquet Center: Eagle Eye, TimberStone at Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort, Island Resort & Casino: Sweetgrass Golf Club, Eagle Eye Golf & Banquet Center: Hawk Hollow. 12; Shortest hole - 162-yard No. Water comes into play on about half of the holes and with no housing surrounding the course, wind can play a major factor. 17 at Colonial. Bloomfield Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, 15. What makes this a challenge: Nice secluded fairways flanked by white birch and pines that meander along the AuSable River. Golfweeks Best released its 2022 list of best private golf courses in each state this week. Although birdies are entirely possible so are big numbers. A round finishes with the shortest par 4 on the back nine at 357 yards. 2 at Pilgrim's Run. 5 (Photo courtesy of Bird Creek GC). 2 at Mullenhurst. 7, Total yardage: Longest - 7,056 from Black; Shortest - 5,050 from Red. (Photo courtesy of Stonehedge), Par: 72 | Longest - 6,628 yards Black; Shortest - 5,370 yards Gold, Yardage: Longest hole - 555-yard No. Check below to see which layouts top the lineup. 18 (556 yards, par 5). What makes this a challenge: Designed to give players a feel for what it's like to play in Scotland, Eagle Glen's website says "the course consists of large, quick, undulating greens that always roll true, well-manicured bent grass tees and fairways, environmentally protected natural wetlands, 73 bunkers, lots of heather and hundreds of mounds. To qualify, a course must allow public play in some fashion. 8 at Centennial Acres. A Guide to Beautiful Michigan Golf Courses Across the State Oregon leads that list, with Wisconsin in second. What makes this a challenge: Part of the Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort, Stonehedge South has a secluded setting with beautiful wooded terrain that can be intimidating, especially with the vast amount of rolling topography, and terrifying with a number of narrow fairways. 1. 8 this year, up one spot from 2021. 5 at the Ravines. Signature hole: No. 18 (Photo courtesy of The Orchards). What makes this a challenge: Arnold Palmer Signature Course that leans up against Lake Michigan and its dunes. Arcadia Bluffs 2. Signature hole: No. Here are the top-ranked courses for 2021-2022, as scored in our seven scoring criteria by Golf Digest's course-ranking panelists. The fairway is tight and there's lots of water, making accuracy off the tee and from the fairway crucial. Here's the best of the best of public golf in Michigan, according to Golf Digest's course-ranking panelists. In fact, the club boast its provides "country club conditions at public course prices" and promises the greens will be as good as you'll find at most private courses once the weather finally warms up. 3, Total yardage: Longest - 6,806 from Blue; Shortest - 5,090 from Red, Huron Breeze No. 6 at Fox Run. (Photo courtesy of Hemlock GC), Location: 5105 W Decker Rd, Ludington, MI 49431, Par: 72 | Longest hole - 584-yard No. Signature hole: No. Signature hole: No. Hole No. The quantity of really good public courses can probably only be matched by the Pinehurst area. Belvedere, perhaps the most underrated course in the state and an old-school classic, slid up two spots to No. READ MORE:Arnold Palmer gives you a chance at one of most rewarding golf shots in southeast Michigan. (Cheboygan Golf and Country Club Facebook), Course name: Cheboygan Golf and Country Club, Location: 1431 Old Mackinaw Rd, Cheboygan MI, 49721, Par: 70 | Longest hole - 477-yard No. The leader remains no surprise, as Arcadia Bluffs' Bluffs Course gets the honor of No. WANT TO GET AWAY? Hole No. Many holes are tree-lined, and several water hazards create demanding tee shots and approaches. 18; Shortest hole - 165-yard No. Signature hole: No. Eagle Eye BIG CAT:After a painful PGA Championship, is it time for Tiger Woods to consider retirement? (Photo courtesy of Hidden River), Course name: Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, Location: 7688 Maple River Rd, Brutus MI, 49716, Par: 72 | Longest hole - 636-yard No. William Watson, whose career began in Minnesota building courses such as Minikahda and Interlachen before moving on to work in California, designed Belvedere in the mid 1920s. Golfweek has published its exhaustive state-by-state rankings for public-access courses, and Michigan once again gets a list of the top 20 most highly rated spots. 16; Shortest hole - 149-yard No. Michigan's top five remained unchanged from a year ago: 1. 2023 www.freep.com. What makes this a challenge: The front nine has smaller greens with enough trees and bunkers to provide some problems while the back is more wide open. Boyne Highlands (Arthur Hills), Harbor Springs, 20. 1 at Colonial. Just don't miss left. 6, Total yardage: Longest - 7,016 Championship; Shortest - 5,483 Senior. The course is especially scenic in the fall, when the colorful foliage creates a stunning backdrop. Don't miss it because there is a marsh behind it. 17 (Photo courtesy of Eagle Eye), Signature hole: No. 14 Crystal Downs, a northern Michigan neighbor that every visitor wants to play, even though its private and Arcadia is public. 3, Total yardage: Longest - 6,541 from Blue; Shortest - 5,146 from Red, Hole No. In a recent breakdown of the best five public-access courses in each state, Golfweeks Best which employs a mix of more than 800 golfers around the world rated Michigan as the seventh-best state to play elite golf courses at daily-fee or resort facilities. 100 Greatest Public Best In State One of three grand "new Pebble Beaches" that debuted in the late 1990s, Bay Harbor was ranked third in Golf Digest's survey of Best New Upscale Public. It's also surrounded by trees. What makes this a challenge: The front nine is cut through trees and players have to shape the ball to score well. Pine Mountain Resort (Timber Stone), Iron Mountain. 6 at Meadows. 8 at Tullymore (Photo courtesy of Tullymore GR), Location: 11969 Tullymore Dr, Stanwood, MI 49346, Par: 72 | Longest hole - 615-yard No. Yes, all that eye candy can distract your game, as can strong winds that are common. 6 at Cedar Chase. What makes this a challenge: Course was built by Paul Taylor in 1993 and features wide fairways. (Photo courtesy of Champion Hill). 7 in Golfweeks Best ranking of elite private clubs in the U.S., following in the wake of No. (Photo courtesy of Crown GC), Location: 2430 W. Crown Drive Traverse City MI, 49684, Par: 72 | Longest hole - 543-yard No. 5 (429, par 4). Where the Bluffs Course is a feast for the eye, the South Course is a treat for the intellect. Wisconsin falls to No. A MUST-PLAY: This might be Michigan's most underrated golf course True North True North, designed by Jim Engh and opened in 2004, is another classic "Up North feel" layout carved through the. What makes this a challenge: There are five ponds and a small creek on a rather wide-open course. What makes this a challenge: The majority of this course is tree lined with mildly sloped greens. Just 90 minutes from Chicago in western Michigan, Harbor Shores is a scenic Jack Nicklaus layout that often gets high marks for conditioning from our panelists. 14 in 2003. Holes mesh seamlessly with the surrounding terrain and dense tree lines. (Photo courtesy of Eldorado GC), Location: 7839 46 1/2 Rd, Cadillac, MI 49601, Par: 72 | Longest hole -582-yard No. Michigan Top 10 Public Golf Courses: Stonebridge has great conditions Or, they can play their tee shot off a mound on the right rear of the green and try to get the ball to trickle down toward the hole. 3; Shortest hole - 159-yard No. 13, Total yardage: Longest - 6,563 from Gold; Shortest - 4,995 from Red. 8 this year, up one spot from 2021. It interprets the strategic spirit of Raynor and Chicago Golf Club without replicating any specific holes. 17 (201 yards, par 3). ALCONA COUNTY Course name: White Pines National Golf Resort Location: 3450 N. Hubbard Lake Road, Spruce, MI 48762 Par: 72 l Longest hole - 582-yard No. Pierce Lake Golf Course (Photo courtesy of Pierce Lake GC), Location: 1175 S. Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118, Par: 72 l Longest hole - 577-yard No. 12, Total yardage: Longest - 7,000 from Blue; Shortest - 5,118 from Red, The Dream No. The landing area off the tee is narrow so accuracy is a must on a fairway that is a dogleg right. What makes this a challenge:Keep it in play and you're likely to score well. 1. 10 (Photo courtesy of Katke-Cousins), Location: 492 Golf View Ln, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, Par: 72 l Longest hole - 625-yard No. Accuracy is key with bunkers dotted along the approach to the green. 15; Shortest hole - 158-yard No. 5 at Grandview. It's heavily bunkered, features several holes that wind through trees and others that are laid out in a links style. The Jack Nicklaus-designed northern Michigan gem opened in 1985 and has plenty of characterwith tiered greens, native fescue, moguls and deep pot bunkers. The second hole features a peninsula green so accuracy on the approach shot is a must. We allowed that, and it won. Hole No. Beginning with an elevated tee, No. What makes this a challenge: Water comes into play on 16 holes, including all four par 3s. 14; Shortest hole - 162-yard No. Try and hit it as far as you can off the tee on the par 4s and 5s and you might not have a good shot into the green. A 250-year-old white oak tree sits behind the tee, which plays up to an elevated green. "There are some other holes that are a bit more demanding because of the trees and forced carries but they're just not as long. 6. 18 at Eldorado. 18; Shortest hole - 181-yard No. Gull Lake View Golf Resort, with its six 18-hole courses in western Michigan, is one of the best stay and play options in Michigan. Signature hole: No. Michigan's top five remained unchanged from a year ago: Arcadia Bluffs Greywalls The Loop at Forest Dunes Forest Dunes Eagle Eye. 16, Total yardage: Longest - 5,613; Shortest - 4,768, The Fields GC (Photo courtesy of The Fields). Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, Brutus, 16. Total yardage: Longest - 6,873 from Gold; Shortest - 5,067 from Green. 12. One site lists it with 24 bunkers overall. There's a fairly good sized pond in front of the green and after carrying the water, players will find a green that slopes left to right. What makes this a challenge: One of the premier courses nationally as well as in the state, Arcadia Bluffs has 3,000 feet of shoreline on Lake Michigan. Signature hole: No. For subsequent rankings, weve separated the two into conventional 18-hole candidates. You can take aim over it to put yourself in good position - for par. 2 at Harbor Shores. For public golfers, particularly, it is as good as it gets. Greywalls 3. Hole No. (Photo courtesy of Crown GC). 14; Shortest hole - 172-yard No. (Photo courtesy of Mullenhurst). (Photo courtesy Michaywe Pines GC). 15, Total yardage: Longest - 7,250 from Silver; Shortest - 4,668 from Gold, Hole No. Golfweek, part of the USA TODAY Network, released it's rankings Wednesday of the top public-access golf courses in each state in the U.S. Michigan's top 20 list saw many familiar names, as well as some interesting new ones. This might be Michigan's most underrated golf course. Hole No. Golfweek has published its exhaustive state-by-state rankings, Arnold Palmer gives you a chance at one of most rewarding golf shots in southeast Michigan, cut through one-of-a-kind rock outcroppings, 5 most important tips for proper golf etiquette: Here's what you should not do, ranking of the top 10 publics, with insight on each, This might be Michigan's most underrated golf course, Why American Dunes Golf Club feels like a Fourth of July party while honoring fallen soldiers, No. The hole requires a shot over a deep ravine. 7, Total yardage: Longest - 6,603 from Blue; Shortest - 4,938 from Red. 6 (502 yards, par 5). Forest Akers West No. 8 provides views of the North Manitou Island and Shoal Lighthouse along a 570-yard par 5. The Hills features one of the most spectacular and fun holes in the state, the par-5 13th, which plays down the mountain and offers awesome views of the forest below. Junior Amateur here. 18; Shortest hole - 205-yard No. Signature hole: No. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). What makes this a challenge: Two different kinds of settings between the front nine (open) and the more difficult back nine (wooded). What makes this a challenge: Designed by Robert Trent Jones, The Orchards hosted the 2002 U.S. Publinx Championship as well as the Michigan Open three times. 10 (Photo courtesy of The Gailes). 14, Total yardage: Longest - 6,508 Blue; Shortest - 4,812 Red, Bird Creek No. 18 (Photo courtesy of Bird Creek), Location: 7850 North Van Dyke Road, Port Austin, MI 48467, Par: 72 l Longest hole - 551-yard No. Channeling another famous but rather indifferent site, the designers turned to Chicago Golf Club and the architecture of McDonald/Raynor for inspiration. (Photo courtesy of Hidden River. 3 (Photo courtesy of Red Hawk GC). Although Grande doesn't have a specific signature hole, this is one that is the most talked about. It's tight and although it's not long the fairways are lined with deep, fescue grass, which also protects many greens. 9. 8, Total yardage: Longest - 6,906 from Blue; Shortest - 5,118 from Red, No. There are a lot of uneven lies around the greens and the course has plenty of bunkers, wetlands, trees and water hazards. 4; Shortest hole - 163-yard No. 2. That said, there are some demanding shots, including the approaches to several small, elevated greens. 2023 www.freep.com. Belvedere, perhaps the most underrated course in the state and an old-school classic, slid up two spots to No. 13 (Photo courtesy of Sugarbush Golf Club), Signature hole: No. What makes this a challenge: Nice mix of short and long holes with some tricky doglegs mixed in. Playing along 1,100 acres in northern Michigans Sturgeon River Valley, the Tribute is one of two 18-hole layouts at Otsego Resort. And even by No. 5 (520 yards, par 5). Signature hole: No. The back side is more open with larger greens but wind comes into play more than on the front nine. ", Eagle Eye Golf Club No. 8 (416 yards, par 4). \What are the most overrated and underrated golf courses? 10 at Missaukee. What makes this a challenge: Nothing about Eagle Eye is easy and that's what makes it so much fun to play. While the region is most recognized for its award-winning resort destinations, golfers visiting the region should be on the lookout for some of the stand-alone golf courses that often fall under the radar. It crosses the fairway on some and comes into play near the green on others. Hole No. Signature hole: No. Michigan golf spotlighted in Top 200 resort courses in U.S. 12, Total yardage: Longest - 6,954 from Gold; Shortest - 5,246 from Red, The Gailes No. , Frankfort (2) Oakland Hills C.C . Correct shot placement and club selection is a must. Rolling mounds and open front nine with a more wooded final nine make this a diverse course to play. Threatening pot bunkers and grassy gully protect the green. 18 is 531-yard par 5 that begins with a tee shot over water with trees on the left to challenge your driver skill. Demanding tee shots are needed on many holes, especially the 435-yard No. (MLive file pgoto), Course name: Meadows Golf Club at Grand Valley State, Location: 4645 West Campus, Allendale MI, 49401, Par: 72 | Longest hole - 601-yard No 14; Shortest hole - 192-yard No. The 540-yard par 5 has a dogleg right that makes it a challenge to reach the green in two. 5, Total yardage: Longest - 6,371 from Blue; Shortest - 4,829 from Red, Hole No. 4 at Stonehedge South. The greens are fast and feature lots of slopes and undulation, making it a challenge to putt. In 1948, Dean Lind defeated future U.S. Open champion Ken Venturi in the final of the inaugural U.S. What makes this a challenge: Built on what was originally a farm, Lakeview Hills North winds through woods in some spots and is wide open in others. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design sits at the base of the resorts ski slopes and offers a stern ball-striking test, with tree-lined doglegs and water hazards demanding accuracy. Gull Lake View Resort (Stoatin Brae), Augusta, T10. Kingsley. There are some natural marsh areas to navigate around. Built in the early 1920s on rolling farmland by golden-age golf architect William Watson, Belvedere opened in 1925 and quickly rose to prominence hosting the Michigan Amateur, with Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones and Gene Sarazen among its early fairway strollers. 18 at Champion Hill. All rights reserved. Metamora Golf and Country Club (Photo courtesy of Metamora G&CC), Location: 1600 Club Dr Metamora MI, 48455, Par: 72 l Longest hole - 534-yard No. The large greens roll true and are always well manicured. Arcadia Bluffs last June was named among the top 10 19th holes in the U.S., its patio and Adirondack chairsoffering unlimited views of 3,100 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. The hole has an expansive green. Michigan is one the most underrated golf destinations in North America. 9; Shortest hole - 146-yard No. The greens are small but heavily undulated. 17 is a par 5 with a wide fairway that has a creek about 60 yards from the center of the green. Birch Valley Golf Course. Michigan's top 20 public golf course rankings for 2023 - Detroit Free Press 8 this year, up one spot from 2021. You get out there and you're always going to be hitting a third shot in. The tee box is shaped like a horse shoe and depending on the pin placement, No. Players either love it or love to hate it. An accurate tee shot is a must as players hit from an elevated tee box to the green down below. What makes this a challenge: The number of water hazards at River's Edge makes it unique compared to other layouts in the area. 10 (Par 3), Hole No. 10; Shortest hole - 184-yard No. These are Michigan's most challenging golf courses - mlive.com That course, Pine Dunes in Frankston, Texas, is built on much the same terrain, sand dunes covered in pines. 13 at HawksHead. Can stretch it to 6800. "I think it's the second best public course in Michigan, and I make sure I play it at least once every summer. The most enjoyable holes on Pinecroft are Nos. With its crystal clear inland waters, sparkling Lake Michigan beaches, and miles of rolling sand dunes in theSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Leelanau was the perfect setting for Manitou Passage Golf Club. (Photo courtesy of Arcadia Bluffs GC). Boyne Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry), Bay Harbor, 8. White Pines National Golf Resort (Photo courtesy of White Pines National), Course name: White Pines National Golf Resort, Location: 3450 N. Hubbard Lake Road, Spruce, MI 48762, Par: 72 l Longest hole - 582-yard No. (Photo courtesy Manitou Passage GC), Location: 4600 Club Drive, Cedar, MI 49621, Par: 71 | Longest hole - 572-yard No. Strategic bunkering and a minimum of water hazards add to the character of this unique course. Contact: Website | 231-898-2450Signature hole: No. Located in Onaway, Black Lake Golf Club is owned by the UAW and part of a 1,000-acre forest retreat, the United Auto Workers' (UAW) Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center. 14; Shortest hole - 186-yard No. What makes this a challenge: A great course unless you stray off the fairway, then there are plenty of bunkers, tall grass and marshes to occupy your time. 16; Shortest hole - 164-yard No. 6. 903 Michigan's must-play courses We asked and you answered. Signature hole: No. 11 (563 yards, par 5). (Photo courtesy of Eldorado GC). Signature hole: No. 14; Shortest hole - 165-yard No. 3, Total yardage: Longest - 7,225 Tournament; Shortest - 5,227 Competition, Katke-Cousins No. 3 (211 yards, par 3). But find any of the several water hazards or bunkers and you'll pay the price. The picturesque par 3 features a water hazard in front of the green with stone lining the pond. Golfweek, part of the USA TODAY Network, released it's rankings Wednesday of the top public-access golf courses in each state in the U.S. Michigan's top 20 list saw many familiar names, as well as some interesting new ones. 2, 8-12, and 18, all of which take full advantage of the elevation changes and views of the lake. What makes this a challenge: There's no water on the course but the large greens are the most challenging part of a layout that features rolling terrain carved throughout the Huron National Forest. 13 at Hemlock. (Photo courtesy of Island Hills GC), Location: 23510 Island Hills Drive, Centreville MI, 49032s, Par: 72 | Longest hole - 640-yard No. Signature hole: No. The best courses you can play in Michigan - Golf Digest 21 Pacific Dunes ever since it finished second to it in the Best New Upscale Public Course race of 2001. (Photo courtesy of Thoroughbred GC), Course name: Thoroughbred Golf Club at Double JJ Resort, Location: 5900 S. Water Road, Rothbury, MI 49452, Par: 72 | Longest hole - 580-yard No. River's Edge doesn't have what is considered a signature hole but one of the most popular is the 18th, which features a shot over water on the approach to the green. 16, Total yardage: Longest - 6,901 from Blue; Shortest - 5,175 from Red, Hole No. 9; Shortest hole - 173-yard No. The 38-foot long green is well protected by two bunker in front. The greens aren't the standard back-to-front layouts and a fair amount of undulation along with strategic pin placements can make putting a challenge. Most of the greens have open fronts. What makes this a challenge: The Timbers' website says the course is surrounded by wetlands and "offers a stiff challenge with water hazards, sand bunkers, woods and wetlands. (Photo courtesy of Bella Vista GC). Black Lake is a scenic Rees Jones-designed northern Michigan layout that was previously ranked for 12 years on our 100 Greatest Public list. ", Dashboard |Website designed & hosted by CourseLogix, If you are having any difficulties to view our website please use the below settings for better accessibility. The hole drops about 200 feet from tee to green and navigating the winds off the lake come into play. Signature holes: The course finishes with back-to-back par 5s - a 569-yard No. Dunmaglas Golf Course (Photo courtesy of Dunlaglas GC), Location: 9031 Boyne City Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720, Par: 72/73 | Longest hole - 532-yard No. The picturesque 17th has a peninsula green that is basically surrounded by water on all sides, creating a difficult tee shot to avoid getting wet. Sand in some of the bunkers has a more natural tone. What makes this a challenge: White Oaks features some longer par 4s, a couple of wetlands and some natural areas that don't get mowed. Several dog legs require strategic club selection." Can be distracting - in a good way - because Lake Michigan is in full view on a few tees. Those overall ratings are averaged to produce all our Golfweeks Best course rankings." Orchard Lake Country Club, Orchard Lake, 13. ), Hole No. Hole No. 15, Total yardage: Longest 6,765 from Black; Shortest - 4,936 from Green, The Quest No. A small green (3,800-square feet) requires careful attention. Hole No. 16, Total yardage: Longest - 5,847 from Blue; Shortest - 4,490 Red. 7 at Hidden River. Ranked for 10 years on our 100 Greatest Public list, The Bear is one of three championship layouts at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Approach with caution because the green slopes back to front and left to right. Don't make it all the way to the flat landing area, however, and you could be left with a downhill lie to a green protected by water on the right and bunkers on the left and in the rear. The par 73 course had 18 great green complexes on a nice piece of land. 17, The Orchards in Washington Township, one of the top courses in metro Detroit, and in comes Boyne Highlands' Arthur Hills course in Harbor Springs at No. 13; Shortest hole - 178-yard No. The greens total 5.5 acres and two-putting for birdie can be a challenge from the wrong spot. 16, Total yardage: Longest - 6,966 Blue; Shortest - 5,137 Red. If you are on a stay and play package or just hanging out on a lake for the weekend, here are five cant miss golf courses that golfers will certainly appreciate. Golfweek is part of the USA TODAY Network. Signature hole: The par-3 No. There are 4,200 feet of wooden bridges to clear the numerous lakes and march areas. 7 (436-yard par 4) begins with an island tee box over wetlands and elevates on the second shot to 25 feet to the top of the dune where Lake Michigan suddenly appears.