The Midwest may have more seaside golf than any other region in the world. Yes, I know it’s not technically the sea. But only salt is the difference between the two. Luckily, you don’t need any salt to help you swallow what I’m putting down. Bay Harbor Golf Club is a Midwest stunner, perched along 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline near Petoskey in northern Michigan.

This Arthur Hills masterpiece features 27 holes across three distinct nines (Links, Quarry, Preserve), blending dramatic lake views, rugged quarry terrain, lush hardwood forests, and that classic “America’s Summer Golf Capital” vibe. With bluffs, cliffs, massive elevation drops, and uninterrupted panoramas of Little Traverse Bay, it’s often hailed as one of Michigan’s most scenic and awarded resorts, think Pebble Beach meets the Great Lakes.

Quick Facts

  • 27 holes in three unique nines (Links, Quarry, Preserve), combinable into three 18-hole routings
  • Lake Michigan influence: At least one stunning bay view per nine; shoreline holes, bluffs, and quarry drama
  • Seasonal play: Late spring to fall; peak summer/fall for ideal weather (60s-80s°F) and prime conditions
  • Resort access: Tied to Boyne Golf and Inn at Bay Harbor; stay-and-play packages with multi-course perks
  • Top-ranked: Links/Quarry combo in Golf Digest Top 100 Resort Courses (2025); frequently Michigan Best in State top-15; praised for views, variety, and impeccable shape

Seriously, go look at the great lakes and go look at any sea in the world you’re not gonna see a massive difference. Both are massive, full of shipwrecks, pirates, sharks. Rumor has it a pod of orcas calls Lake Superior their home.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-nine combos (Links/Quarry for drama, Quarry/Preserve for contrast), post-round drinks at the clubhouse with Lake Michigan sunsets, bets on cliffside holes, and easy access to Petoskey breweries or beach hangs
  • Families: Scenic, playable tees for all levels; resort amenities like pools, spa, beach; non-golfers enjoy nearby hiking, boating, or the Inn’s luxury vibes

Top Standout Courses & Features

Links/Quarry Combo

The ranked powerhouse (Golf Digest Top 100 Resort), Links nine hugs the shoreline with Scottish-style bluffs, windblown dunes, rolling fairways, and epic Lake Michigan views (holes like the par-5 along the water are pure postcard). Quarry nine dives into a former shale quarry with 40-foot gorges, stone cliffs, natural ponds, waterfalls, and industrial-edge drama. Oneof the most photographed and unique nines anywhere.

Quarry/Preserve Combo

Starts in the rugged quarry (towering walls, elevated tees, waterfall finishes), then shifts to Preserve nine, a serene nature-preserve feel through northern Michigan hardwoods, wildflowers, wetlands, and wildlife, with glimpses of the lake. Contrast is unreal: raw quarry energy to peaceful forest sanctuary.

Preserve/Links Combo

Begins in dense hardwood forest hugging the shore (lush, framed greens, strategic play), then opens to Links nine for those uninterrupted bay views and cliffside thrills. A perfect mix of wooded seclusion and open-water spectacle.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Inn at Bay Harbor: Luxe Autograph Collection hotel right nearby; lakeside rooms, outdoor pool, sandy beach, spa, fine dining, shuttle to course
  • Cottages & Village Suites: Group-friendly options with more space; packages often include breakfast, casino vouchers, and multi-round access
  • Bay Harbor Golf Club itself: Clubhouse with restaurant overlooking The Quarry’s finish; pro shop, practice areas
  • Packages like Unlimited Golf (add Bay Harbor to other Boyne courses), Champions, or Sunset tees ($155 after 4pm); book via boynegolf.com or innatbayharbor.com

All Key Bay Harbor Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Links Nine (shoreline bluffs & Lake Michigan drama)
  • Quarry Nine (shale quarry gorges, cliffs, waterfalls)
  • Preserve Nine (hardwood forest & nature preserve serenity)
  • Multiple 18-hole combos for variety
  • Stunning views from every nine + impeccable conditions

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via bayharborgolf.com or boynegolf.com. Unlimited or Champions deals bundle Bay Harbor with other Boyne gems; sunset rates save big
  • Fly into Pellston (PLN), 20 min drive or Traverse City (TVC), 1 hour; easy northern Michigan access
  • Pair golf with Petoskey classics: fresh whitefish, craft breweries, Little Traverse Wheelway biking, or Lake Michigan beach days
  • Use carts for elevation/cliffs; forward tees for fun; play Links/Quarry first if you want the ranked combo

Time to tee it up with Lake Michigan crashing below, chase birdies across bluffs and quarries, and reset in northern Michigan paradise. Bay Harbor Golf Club is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team