Formula 18 GolfLocal Knowledge

Formula 18 Golf

Courses / Best in state

Best Public Golf Courses in Michigan

Experts + Golfers + Story + Architect + Challenge + Access = the Total Score

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  1. 1Harbor ShoresBenton Harbor · Public · Est. 2010Jack Nicklaus8.7Legendary★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    239 reviews from GolfPass
  2. 2Bay Harbor Golf Club - Links/QuarryBay Harbor · Public · Est. 1998Arthur Hills8.6Legendary★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    59 reviews from GolfPass
  3. 3Eagle Eye GcBath · Public · Est. 2003Chris Lutzke8.6Legendary★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    237 reviews from GolfPass
  4. 4Pilgrim's Run GcPierson · Public · Est. 1997Mike DeVries (greens and bunkers); committee routing8.6Legendary★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    234 reviews from GolfPass
  5. 5Forest Dunes Golf ClubRoscommon · Resort · Est. 2002Tom Weiskopf (resort also home to The Loop, a reversible course by Tom Doak)8.5Legendary★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    114 reviews from GolfPass
  6. 6Marquette Golf Club - GreywallsMarquette · Public · Est. 2005Mike DeVries8.4Destination★ 4.9Online Golfer Rating
    12 reviews from GolfPass
  7. 7Arthur HillsHarbor Springs · Resort · Est. 1995Arthur Hills8.4Destination★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    26 reviews from GolfPass
  8. 8Tullymore Golf ResortStanwood · Resort · Est. 2002Jim Engh8.3Destination★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    93 reviews from GolfPass
  9. 9American Dunes Golf ClubGrand Haven · Public · Est. 2020Jack Nicklaus8.0Destination★ 5.0Online Golfer Rating
    2 reviews from GolfPass
  10. 10Arcadia Bluffs GcArcadia · Public · Est. 1999Warren Henderson and Rick Smith8.0Destination★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    49 reviews from GolfPass
  11. 11Gull Lake View Gc & Resort - Stoatin BraeAugusta · Resort · Est. 2017Renaissance Golf Design (Eric Iverson, Don Placek, Brian Schneider, Brian Slawnik)7.8Destination★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    177 reviews from GolfPass
  12. 12Grand Traverse Resort - The BearAcme · Resort · Est. 1985Jack Nicklaus (The Bear), Gary Player (The Wolverine), William Newcomb (Spruce Run)7.7Destination★ 4.4Online Golfer Rating
    117 reviews from GolfPass
  13. 13University of Michigan Golf CourseAnn Arbor · Public · Est. 1931Alister MacKenzie (with Perry Maxwell)7.7Destination★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    12 reviews from GolfPass
  14. 14Sweetgrass Golf ClubHarris · Resort · Est. 2008Paul Albanese (with Chris Lutzke)7.6Destination★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    12 reviews from GolfPass
  15. 15Hidden River Golf & Casting ClubBrutus · Semi-private · Est. 1998W. Bruce Matthews III (Design 3)7.6Destination★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    61 reviews from GolfPass
  16. 16Forest Dunes - The LoopRoscommon · Public · Est. 2016Tom Doak (Renaissance Golf Design)7.6Destination★ 4.1Online Golfer Rating
    36 reviews from GolfPass
  17. 17Arcadia Bluffs - South CourseArcadia · Resort · Est. 2018Dana Fry & Jason Straka7.5Destination★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    17 reviews from GolfPass
  18. 18The HeatherHarbor Springs · Resort · Est. 1966Robert Trent Jones Sr.7.4Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    43 reviews from GolfPass
  19. 19Belvedere Golf ClubCharlevoix · Semi-private · Est. 1927William "Willie" Watson7.4Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    7 reviews from GolfPass
  20. 20Black Lake GcOnaway · Public · Est. 2000Rees Jones (with Greg Muirhead)7.3Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    253 reviews from GolfPass
  21. 21Shepherd's Hollow Golf ClubClarkston · Public · Est. 2001Arthur Hills (with Steve Forrest)7.2Memorable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    16 reviews from GolfPass
  22. 22Treetops Resort - Smith SignatureGaylord · Resort · Est. 1993Rick Smith7.2Memorable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    21 reviews from GolfPass
  23. 23Meadows Gc At GvsuAllendale · Public · Est. 1994Michael Hurdzan7.1Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    742 reviews from GolfPass
  24. 24RavinesSaugatuck · Public · Est. 1999Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay7.1Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    379 reviews from GolfPass
  25. 25FortressFrankenmuth · Public · Est. 1992Dick Nugent7.0Memorable★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    282 reviews from GolfPass
  26. 26Sage Run GcBark River · Resort · Est. 2018Paul Albanese6.9Memorable★ 4.0Online Golfer Rating
    25 reviews from GolfPass
  27. 27Sugarbush Golf ClubDavison · Public · Est. 1995Larry and David Mancour6.8Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    206 reviews from GolfPass
  28. 28Bucks Run Golf ClubMt Pleasant · Public · Est. 2000Jerry Matthews6.8Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    37 reviews from GolfPass
  29. 29Hawk Hollow Gc - 1-9 / 10-18Bath · Public · Est. 1996Jerry Matthews6.8Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    228 reviews from GolfPass
  30. 30Coyote Preserve GcFenton · Public · Est. 2001Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay6.8Memorable★ 4.4Online Golfer Rating
    472 reviews from GolfPass
  31. 31Cascades Golf CourseJackson · Municipal · Est. 1929Tom Bendelow6.8Memorable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    182 reviews from GolfPass
  32. 32St. Ives Gc (Tullymore Golf Resort)Stanwood · Resort · Est. 1995Jerry Matthews6.7Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    89 reviews from GolfPass
  33. 33Timber Ridge GcEast Lansing · Public · Est. 1989Jerry Matthews6.7Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    99 reviews from GolfPass
  34. 34Boyne Mountain - AlpineBoyne Falls · Resort · Est. 1970William Newcomb6.7Memorable★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    55 reviews from GolfPass
  35. 35Lakes Of Taylor Golf ClubTaylor · Municipal · Est. 1995Arthur Hills6.7Memorable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    499 reviews from GolfPass
  36. 36Treetops Resort - Jones MasterpieceGaylord · Resort · Est. 1987Robert Trent Jones Sr. (Masterpiece); also Tom Fazio, Rick Smith6.7Memorable★ 4.4Online Golfer Rating
    38 reviews from GolfPass
  37. 37Stonegate GcTwin Lake · Public · Est. 2004Pat Grelak6.7Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    401 reviews from GolfPass
  38. 38Eagle Glen GcFarwell · Public · Est. 1992Jerry Matthews (Matthews & Associates)6.7Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    291 reviews from GolfPass
  39. 39Wild Bluff GcBrimley · PublicMike Husby6.6Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    75 reviews from GolfPass
  40. 40Lyon Oaks GcWixom · Municipal · Est. 2002Arthur Hills6.6Memorable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    58 reviews from GolfPass
  41. 41Forest Akers WestLansing · Public · Est. 1958W. Bruce Matthews6.6Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    270 reviews from GolfPass
  42. 42Fox Hills Golf & Banquet CenterPlymouth · Public · Est. 1927Wilfrid Reid (original); Arthur Hills (Golden Fox); Ray Hearn (Strategic Fox)6.6Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    130 reviews from GolfPass
  43. 43Grand Traverse Resort - The WolverineAcme · Resort · Est. 1999Gary Player6.6Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    95 reviews from GolfPass
  44. 44Pierce Lake GcChelsea · Public · Est. 1996Harry Bowers6.6Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    547 reviews from GolfPass
  45. 45Crooked Tree Golf ClubPetoskey · Public · Est. 1991Harry Bowers (Arthur Hills renovation)6.6Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    80 reviews from GolfPass
  46. 46Pheasant Run GcCanton · Municipal · Est. 1995Arthur Hills6.6Memorable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    66 reviews from GolfPass
  47. 47Bedford Valley GcBattle Creek · Public · Est. 1965William Mitchell6.6Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    241 reviews from GolfPass
  48. 48Otsego ClubGaylord · Resort · Est. 1958William H. Diddel6.6Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    147 reviews from GolfPass
  49. 49PohlcatMount Pleasant · Public · Est. 1992Dan Pohl6.6Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    251 reviews from GolfPass
  50. 50EldoradoCadillac · Public · Est. 1996Bob Meyer6.6Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    320 reviews from GolfPass
  51. 51Gaylord Country ClubGaylord · Semi-private · Est. 19246.6Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    434 reviews from GolfPass
  52. 52Washtenaw Golf ClubYpsilanti · Public · Est. 1899Bert Way (1899); John Sweeney (1922)6.6Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    441 reviews from GolfPass
  53. 53George Young Recreational ComplexGaastra · Public · Est. 19846.6Memorable★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    59 reviews from GolfPass
  54. 54Shanty Creek Resort - Cedar River GcBellaire · Resort · Est. 1999Tom Weiskopf6.6Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    175 reviews from GolfPass
  55. 55Rackham Golf CourseHuntington Woods · Municipal · Est. 1925Donald Ross6.6Memorable★ 3.6Online Golfer Rating
    363 reviews from GolfPass
  56. 56Gladstone GcGladstone · Public6.6Memorable★ 4.9Online Golfer Rating
    171 reviews from GolfPass
  57. 57Eagle Crest ResortYpsilanti · Resort · Est. 1989Karl Litten6.5Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    688 reviews from GolfPass
  58. 58Mystic Creek Gc - Lakes/WoodsMilford · Public · Est. 1997Conroy-Dewling Associates6.5Memorable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    324 reviews from GolfPass
  59. 59Grande Golf ClubJackson · Public · Est. 2001Raymond Hearn6.5Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    87 reviews from GolfPass
  60. 60Manitou Passage Golf ClubCedar · Resort · Est. 1998Arnold Palmer Design6.5Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    185 reviews from GolfPass
  61. 61Bella Vista Golf CourseColdwater · Public · Est. 1998Earnie Schrock6.5Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    38 reviews from GolfPass
  62. 62Old Channel Trail GcMontague · Public · Est. 1926Robert Bruce Harris (Woods); W. Bruce Matthews (Meadows); Jerry Matthews (Valley)6.5Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    158 reviews from GolfPass
  63. 63Links At Hunters RidgeHowell · Public · Est. 1995Jerry Matthews and Paul Albanese6.5Memorable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    310 reviews from GolfPass
  64. 64Lakewood on the GreenCadillac · Public · Est. 1980Pete Smith6.5Memorable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    138 reviews from GolfPass
  65. 65Stonebridge GcAnn Arbor · Public · Est. 1991Arthur Hills6.5Memorable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    166 reviews from GolfPass
  66. 66Legacy At HastingsHastings · Public · Est. 19216.5Memorable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    115 reviews from GolfPass
  67. 67Shanty Creek Resort - Hawk's Eye GcBellaire · Resort · Est. 2004John Robinson6.4Playable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    350 reviews from GolfPass
  68. 68The Chief Golf CourseBellaire · Resort · Est. 1996John F. Robinson6.4Playable★ 4.4Online Golfer Rating
    239 reviews from GolfPass
  69. 69Boulder Pointe GcOxford · Public · Est. 2000Conroy-Dewling Associates6.4Playable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    550 reviews from GolfPass
  70. 70Timber Trace GcPinckney · Public · Est. 1997Conroy-Dewling Associates6.4Playable★ 4.4Online Golfer Rating
    245 reviews from GolfPass
  71. 71Gull Lake View - Stonehedge SouthAugusta · Resort · Est. 1988Charles Scott6.4Playable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    222 reviews from GolfPass
  72. 72Manistee National - The RetreatManistee · Resort · Est. 1994Gary Pulsipher (Canthooke Valley/The Retreat, 1994); Jerry Matthews (Cutter's Ridge/The Revenge, 2000)6.3Playable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    38 reviews from GolfPass
  73. 73The Medalist Golf ClubMarshall · Semi-private · Est. 1996Bill Newcomb6.3Playable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    345 reviews from GolfPass
  74. 74A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort - A-Ga-Ming - SundanceKewadin · Resort · Est. 2005Jerry Matthews6.3Playable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    85 reviews from GolfPass
  75. 75Greystone Golf ClubRomeo · PublicJerry Matthews6.3Playable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    287 reviews from GolfPass
  76. 76Quail Ridge GcAda · Public · Est. 1998Raymond Hearn6.3Playable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    235 reviews from GolfPass
  77. 77The Leelanau Club at Bahle FarmsSuttons Bay · Public · Est. 1999Gary Pulsipher6.3Playable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    33 reviews from GolfPass
  78. 78DreamWest Branch · Public · Est. 1997Jeff Gorney6.3Playable★ 4.8Online Golfer Rating
    28 reviews from GolfPass
  79. 79The Crown Golf ClubTraverse City · Public · Est. 19986.3Playable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    202 reviews from GolfPass
  80. 80The Timbers Golf ClubTuscola · Public · Est. 1996Lorrie Viola6.3Playable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    207 reviews from GolfPass
  81. 81Gull Lake View - Stonehedge NorthAugusta · Resort · Est. 1994Charles Scott6.3Playable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    235 reviews from GolfPass
  82. 82The Tamaracks Golf CourseFrost Township · Public · Est. 1981Stephen Hawkins6.3Playable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    296 reviews from GolfPass
  83. 83Links At Bowen LakeGowen · Semi-private · Est. 1999Bill Newcomb6.2Playable★ 4.4Online Golfer Rating
    145 reviews from GolfPass
  84. 84Loon Golf Resort - The LoonGaylord · Resort · Est. 1994Mike Husby6.2Playable★ 4.3Online Golfer Rating
    104 reviews from GolfPass
  85. 85The Quest Golf ClubHoughton Lake · Public · Est. 1994Ken Green6.2Playable★ 4.5Online Golfer Rating
    44 reviews from GolfPass
  86. 86Milham Park Golf CourseKalamazoo · Municipal · Est. 19316.2Playable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    161 reviews from GolfPass
  87. 87Binder Park Golf CourseBattle Creek · Municipal · Est. 1963Charles Scott6.2Playable★ 4.7Online Golfer Rating
    57 reviews from GolfPass
  88. 88The Links At Crystal LakePontiac · Municipal · Est. 1923Michael Hurdzan (1995 redesign)6.2Playable★ 4.1Online Golfer Rating
    138 reviews from GolfPass
  89. 89Donald Ross MemorialHarbor Springs · Resort · Est. 1989Bill Newcomb (tribute holes after Donald Ross); renovated by Ray Hearn (2020)6.1Playable★ 4.4Online Golfer Rating
    28 reviews from GolfPass
  90. 90Thornapple Pointe Golf ClubGrand Rapids · Public · Est. 1997Bill Newcomb6.1Playable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    20 reviews from GolfPass
  91. 91Rouge Park Golf CourseDetroit · Municipal · Est. 19286.1Playable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    330 reviews from GolfPass
  92. 92Grandview GcKalkaska · Public6.0Playable★ 4.6Online Golfer Rating
    346 reviews from GolfPass
  93. 93The Prairies Golf ClubKalamazoo · Public · Est. 19126.0Playable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    58 reviews from GolfPass
  94. 94College FieldsOkemos · Public · Est. 2005David Savic5.9Playable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    47 reviews from GolfPass
  95. 95Leslie Park GcAnn Arbor · Municipal · Est. 1967E. Lawrence Packard5.9Playable★ 4.0Online Golfer Rating
    72 reviews from GolfPass
  96. 96Fox Creek GcLivonia · Municipal · Est. 1988Mark DeVries5.9Playable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    311 reviews from GolfPass
  97. 97Indian Trails Golf CourseGrand Rapids · Municipal · Est. 1928City of Grand Rapids (original); Chris Wilczynski (2015-17)5.9Playable★ 4.2Online Golfer Rating
    96 reviews from GolfPass
  98. 98The Links At Rolling MeadowsHolland · Public · Est. 2001W. Bruce Matthews III5.9Playable★ 4.1Online Golfer Rating
    38 reviews from GolfPass
  99. 99Cedar Chase GcCedar Springs · Public5.8Playable★ 4.4Online Golfer Rating
    382 reviews from GolfPass
  100. 100Arbor Hills Golf ClubJackson · Public · Est. 1925Arthur Ham5.8Playable★ 4.1Online Golfer Rating
    52 reviews from GolfPass

How we rank

Public courses only — anyone can book a tee time (public, municipal, resort, semi-private, university). Each course gets a Formula 18 Golf Total Score out of 10 with one word (Legendary, Destination, Memorable, Playable, Unsolved), cited on its page. Not enough to go on yet? It reads Uncharted. Expert lists, golfer stars, challenge, access and threads make the score. A notable architect and a real story add bonus points, and missing ones never count against a course. See the full formula →
Editor’s picks are placed by the Formula 18 Golf team. Played one that belongs higher? Tell us.