Best Golf Courses to Play in the Midwest
Why the Midwest Deserves Your Golf Attention
When golfers dream of destination trips, places like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and Bandon Dunes often top the list. But serious players know the Midwest harbors some of America's most spectacular courses—many at a fraction of the cost of coastal destinations. From windswept dunes along Lake Michigan to meticulously designed championship venues, the Heartland delivers world-class golf experiences that deserve a spot on every golfer's bucket list.
The Crown Jewels: Must-Play Championship Courses
Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wisconsin)
Whistling Straits stands as the undisputed king of Midwest golf. This Pete Dye masterpiece along Lake Michigan has hosted multiple PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup. With more than 1,000 bunkers and fescue-lined fairways, the Straits Course offers a links-style experience that feels transported from the coast of Ireland. The jaw-dropping lake views from nearly every hole make the challenging layout worth every stroke—just ask the pros who've battled its fierce winds and demanding shots.
Sand Hills Golf Club (Mullen, Nebraska)
Often ranked as not just the best course in the Midwest but among the world's finest modern designs, Sand Hills is golf minimalism at its absolute peak. Architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw moved remarkably little earth to create this masterpiece nestled among the rolling sandhills of Nebraska. Exclusive and remote, getting a tee time here requires connections, but those fortunate enough to play experience golf in its purest form—where the natural landscape dictates every hole.
Arcadia Bluffs (Arcadia, Michigan)
Perched atop bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs delivers drama at every turn. The original course offers wide fairways and massive greens, but don't be fooled—the ever-present wind, deep bunkers, and optical illusions created by the lake make scoring a serious challenge. The newer South Course provides a completely different experience, inspired by Chicago Golf Club with geometric designs and strategic bunkering. Stay for sunset on the expansive patio—it's among the best views in American golf.
State-by-State Standouts
Michigan's Golf Coast
Michigan might be the Midwest's most golf-rich state, with over 650 public courses. Forest Dunes in Roscommon features not only a top-ranked traditional course but also The Loop—America's first fully reversible 18-hole design by Tom Doak. Further north, Belvedere Golf Club in Charlevoix has hosted 40 Michigan Amateur Championships on its classic Willie Watson layout recently restored to its original glory.
For those seeking value, Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club delivers jaw-dropping elevation changes and exposed granite outcroppings at a fraction of resort course prices. The Mike DeVries design consistently ranks among America's best public courses.
Wisconsin's World-Class Options
Beyond Whistling Straits, Wisconsin offers incredible depth. Sand Valley has transformed central Wisconsin into a golf destination with minimalist courses sprawling across restored sand barrens. The Coore & Crenshaw original course and the David McLay Kidd-designed Mammoth Dunes provide distinct challenges, while the par-3 Sandbox is perfect for settling bets after your main round.
Erin Hills, host of the 2017 U.S. Open, delivers a walking-only experience across dramatic glacial landscapes. With few trees and fescue-lined fairways, the wind becomes a major factor on this expansive property.
Minnesota's Northern Gems
The Land of 10,000 Lakes delivers outstanding golf experiences, particularly in its northern regions. The Quarry at Giants Ridge in Biwabik transformed an abandoned iron ore mining site into one of the state's most dramatic layouts, with massive rock walls framing several holes and 40-foot elevation changes throughout.
The Classic at Madden's Resort in Brainerd showcases Minnesota's lake country with immaculate conditions and a layout demanding precision rather than power. Meanwhile, Wilderness at Fortune Bay in Tower offers a remote northwoods experience with holes weaving through towering pines and alongside pristine Lake Vermilion.
Illinois: Beyond Chicago
While Chicago Golf Club remains the state's most prestigious venue as a founding USGA club, public players have excellent options. TPC Deere Run in Silvis hosts the John Deere Classic and offers PGA Tour conditions at reasonable rates. The D.A. Weibring design utilizes natural elevation changes along the Rock River to create a challenging but fair test.
Cog Hill #4 (Dubsdread) in Lemont has hosted numerous professional tournaments, including the BMW Championship. The brutal rough, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens explain why the course nickname translates to "dread of dubs" (double bogeys).
Hidden Gems Worth the Drive
The Harvester in Rhodes, Iowa might be the Midwest's best course you've never heard of. This Keith Foster design delivers a pure golf experience with exceptional conditions and a layout that rewards strategic thinking over raw power.
In South Dakota, Sutton Bay offers a private club experience (with limited public access) across dramatic terrain overlooking Lake Oahe. The Graham Marsh design incorporates the rolling prairie landscape and deep ravines for a memorable round unlike anything else in the region.
When to Play: Making the Most of Midwest Golf Season
The Midwest golf season typically runs from April through October, with prime conditions from mid-May through September. Early season rates often provide excellent value, but be prepared for potentially wet conditions and occasional maintenance practices.
Late September and early October offer the region's most spectacular golf, with comfortable temperatures, fall colors, and typically firm playing conditions. Many courses offer significant shoulder-season discounts during this period—perfect for multi-course trips.
Packing for Midwest Golf Trips
Midwest weather can change dramatically, even during summer months. Smart players pack layers that can handle morning chill, afternoon heat, and occasional rain showers. Performance polos that wick moisture while offering sun protection are essential, along with a lightweight quarter-zip for cooler mornings.
Don't forget a quality rain jacket that allows full swing motion—afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly, especially in July and August. And while many Midwest courses allow walking, comfortable golf shoes with excellent traction help navigate potentially soft conditions, especially in spring and fall.
Planning Your Midwest Golf Adventure
The beauty of Midwest golf lies in its accessibility and variety. Budget-conscious players can build incredible golf trips incorporating championship-caliber courses without the sticker shock of coastal destinations. Kohler, Wisconsin offers the ultimate luxury golf resort experience, while destinations like Brainerd, Minnesota or Gaylord, Michigan provide excellent value with multiple top courses in close proximity.
For the ultimate Midwest golf adventure, consider a Lake Michigan circle tour, starting in Chicago and working north through Wisconsin and Michigan's western coast. This route offers the greatest concentration of world-class public courses in America, with stunning lake views throughout.
Whether you're tackling the championship challenges of Whistling Straits, experiencing the minimalist perfection of Sand Hills, or discovering hidden gems across the region's varied landscapes, Midwest golf delivers authentic experiences that reflect the heartland's honest, unpretentious character. Just bring your A-game—and maybe a few extra balls for those courses where Lake Michigan comes into play!
For more golf content, check out our other articles like Hardest Golf Courses in Michigan or The Mental Game: How to Improve Your Golf Mindset.