Hidden Gem Golf Courses You Haven't Played—Michigan Edition
Michigan's reputation as a premier golf destination is well-established, with acclaimed courses like Oakland Hills and Arcadia Bluffs capturing most of the spotlight. But beyond these headliners lies a treasure trove of exceptional courses that fly under the radar. After the overwhelming response to our Hardest Golf Courses in Michigan feature, we're back to showcase the state's best-kept secrets that deserve a spot on your playlist.
These hidden gems offer incredible value, unique challenges, and unforgettable experiences without the crowds or hefty price tags of their more famous counterparts. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the northern wilderness, we've scoured the state to bring you Michigan's most underrated golf destinations that locals love but visitors rarely discover.
Northern Michigan's Secret Stunners
The Loop at Forest Dunes (Roscommon)
While Forest Dunes itself enjoys recognition, its revolutionary reversible course, The Loop, still qualifies as a hidden treasure. Designed by Tom Doak, this architectural marvel plays clockwise as the Black course one day and counterclockwise as the Red course the next. Two completely different experiences on the same land—genius.
What makes it special: The walking-only policy and minimalist design create a pure golf experience reminiscent of Scottish links. The firm, fast-running fairways change your approach to the game, forcing creativity and strategic thinking.
Green fees: $110-160 (walking only) Signature hole: Red #1/Black #18 – A shared fairway that plays dramatically different depending on the direction.
Belvedere Golf Club (Charlevoix)
Despite hosting 40 Michigan Amateur Championships, Belvedere somehow remains underappreciated by out-of-state visitors. This William Watson design (recently restored to its original 1925 glory) has been a favorite of legendary golfer Tom Watson, who summered here as a child.
What makes it special: Old-school charm meets championship challenge. The subtle greens complexes require precision and thought rather than brute force, and the views of Lake Charlevoix provide a stunning backdrop.
Green fees: $65-120 Signature hole: The par-4 16th, with its elevated green that rejects anything less than perfect.
Wawashkamo Golf Club (Mackinac Island)
Perhaps Michigan's most unique golfing experience, Wawashkamo on car-free Mackinac Island takes you back to golf's origins. This 9-hole historic course (opened in 1898) is reached via bicycle or horse-drawn carriage and features square tee boxes and oil-sand greens.
What makes it special: Play with hickory clubs (available for rent) for the full experience. The course plays twice with different tee positions for a complete 18-hole round. It's like stepping into a time machine.
Green fees: $40-60 Signature hole: The par-3 3rd, surrounded by wildflowers in summer.
West Michigan's Lakeside Treasures
Pilgrim's Run Golf Club (Pierson)
Located north of Grand Rapids, Pilgrim's Run consistently delivers five-star conditions at three-star prices. This Mike DeVries design weaves through dense forest with generous fairways but demands precision on approach shots.
What makes it special: Exceptional course conditions, particularly the immaculate greens. The layout feels natural and uncontrived, with a peaceful setting devoid of housing developments.
Green fees: $45-75 Signature hole: The par-4 11th with its split fairway offering risk/reward options.
Benona Shores Golf Course (Shelby)
Don't let this course's modest length fool you—Benona Shores packs a championship-level challenge into an executive-sized package. Located just minutes from Lake Michigan, this family-owned course delivers pure Michigan golf without pretension.
What makes it special: The rolling terrain and mature trees create a beautiful setting for golfers of all abilities. You'll use every club in your bag despite the shorter yardage.
Green fees: $35-50 Signature hole: The downhill par-4 8th that tempts big hitters but punishes miscalculation.
Moss Ridge Golf Club (Ravenna)
This hidden West Michigan masterpiece features dramatic elevation changes, wetlands, and forests. The Bruce Matthews design incorporates the natural landscape beautifully while providing a fair yet challenging test.
What makes it special: The secluded setting creates a peaceful round where each hole feels like its own private experience. The pristine conditions and friendly staff make it a local favorite.
Green fees: $39-59 Signature hole: The par-5 5th with its risk/reward second shot over water.
East Michigan's Underrated Classics
The Fortress (Frankenmuth)
While tourists flock to Frankenmuth for chicken dinners and Christmas shopping, golfers in the know head to The Fortress. This Dick Nugent design features Scottish-inspired mounding, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens.
What makes it special: The combination of open, links-style holes and traditional tree-lined passages creates variety throughout the round. The course conditions are consistently excellent.
Green fees: $45-75 Signature hole: The par-4 9th with its demanding approach to a well-guarded green.
Woodland Hills Golf Club (Sandusky)
This semi-private course in Michigan's Thumb region offers outstanding value and conditions that rival more expensive destinations. The layout alternates between open meadows and wooded sections with subtle elevation changes throughout.
What makes it special: The exceptional maintenance standards make this course feel premium despite its modest price point. Many compare it favorably to Myrtle Beach courses at a fraction of the cost.
Green fees: $34-45 Signature hole: The par-5 7th that tempts you to go for the green in two but protects par with strategically placed hazards.
Tamaracks Golf Course (Harrison)
A true hidden gem in central Michigan, Tamaracks features tight, tree-lined fairways and small, challenging greens. The layout demands accuracy over distance, making it a thinking player's course.
What makes it special: The pristine northwoods setting creates a peaceful atmosphere, and the well-maintained course provides excellent playing conditions throughout the season.
Green fees: $33-43 Signature hole: The par-4 15th with water guarding the right side of a narrow landing area.
Southeast Michigan's Metropolitan Marvels
Shepherd's Hollow Golf Club (Clarkston)
While not entirely unknown, Shepherd's Hollow's 27 holes are often overshadowed by Oakland County's private clubs. This Arthur Hills design spreads across 350 acres of rolling woodland with dramatic elevation changes.
What makes it special: The property's scale and seclusion create a northern Michigan feel just 45 minutes from downtown Detroit. The elevated tees and greens provide spectacular vistas throughout the round.
Green fees: $59-89 Signature hole: The downhill par-3 17th on the South nine with its green surrounded by bunkers.
Lyon Oaks Golf Club (Wixom)
This Oakland County municipal course designed by Arthur Hills offers a championship experience at public course prices. The wetlands and woods create a sanctuary-like setting despite its proximity to metro Detroit.
What makes it special: The immaculate conditioning and challenging layout make it feel like a private club experience. Wide fairways are forgiving off the tee, but well-protected greens demand precision on approach.
Green fees: $42-65 Signature hole: The par-4 14th with its island fairway and water protecting both sides.
Eagle Glen Golf Course (Farwell)
Located in central Michigan, Eagle Glen delivers tremendous value with well-maintained greens and an interesting layout that appeals to players of all skill levels.
What makes it special: The course flows naturally through woodlands and open areas with just enough water to keep things interesting without being punitive.
Green fees: $38 (including cart) Signature hole: The par-5 12th with its risk/reward second shot over water.
Dress the Part for Your Michigan Golf Adventure
While you're exploring these hidden gems, make sure your wardrobe is up to the task. At 2putt Golf, we specialize in stylish, comfortable golf apparel that performs on any course. Our moisture-wicking polos and performance pants are perfect for Michigan's variable conditions, and our versatile layering pieces will keep you comfortable from early spring to late fall rounds.
Plan Your Michigan Hidden Gem Golf Trip
The beauty of these under-the-radar courses is that you can often secure tee times when more famous destinations are booked solid. Many offer significant savings in shoulder seasons (May and September/October), which coincidentally feature some of Michigan's most pleasant golfing weather.
Consider creating a regional tour:
Northern Loop: Combine The Loop, Belvedere, and Wawashkamo for a diverse northern Michigan experience.
Western Route: Play Pilgrim's Run, Benona Shores, and Moss Ridge while enjoying Lake Michigan beaches between rounds.
Eastern Circuit: Link The Fortress, Woodland Hills, and Tamaracks for excellent value and varied challenges.
Metro Tour: Experience Shepherd's Hollow, Lyon Oaks, and other nearby gems while basing yourself in the Detroit area.
The Local Advantage
What makes these courses special isn't just the quality of the golf—it's the authentic Michigan experience they provide. You'll meet friendly locals, enjoy reasonable pace of play, and discover the true character of Michigan golf beyond the glossy magazine covers.
Many of these hidden gems offer twilight rates that deliver incredible value, and several have stay-and-play packages with nearby accommodations. Don't hesitate to call the pro shops directly—the staff at these courses take pride in their facilities and are eager to share their local knowledge.
While Michigan's trophy courses deservedly get attention, these hidden gems offer something equally valuable: exceptional golf experiences that won't break the bank or require booking a year in advance. Sometimes the best discoveries in golf, as in life, are found off the beaten path.
What's your favorite hidden gem course in Michigan? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our golf mindset tips to help you play your best on these courses!