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

 

A Mid West Gem: Why Belvedere Golf Club in Michigan Needs to Be Your Next Golf Adventure

Belvedere Golf Club is a timeless Northern Michigan treasure, a semi-private classic in Charlevoix (how do you think you pronounce that?), designed by Scottish architect William Watson (of St. Andrews fame) and opened in 1925/1927. Built with horse teams and sheer manpower on rolling farmland terrain, it’s a preserved Golden Age gem that’s hosted the Michigan Amateur Championship a record 40 times and remains one of the most authentic, understated courses in the state. Wide fairways, subtle contours, fascinating greens with clever slopes and run-offs, strategic tree lines, and that charming “step back in time” feel make it a favorite among those who appreciate sincere, thoughtful golf over flash.

Quick Facts

  • Single championship 18-hole course: William Watson design, par 72, 6,900-6,943 yards from the tips
  • Classic parkland style: Rolling ridges and valleys (with a central road feature used ingeniously), generous fairways that reward placement, large undulating greens with fall-offs, and subtle strategy throughout
  • Seasonal play: Mid-April to mid-October; peak summer/fall for ideal northern Michigan weather (60s-80s°F) and firm, fast conditions
  • Semi-public access: Available to the public on select days/times (UK-style model adds charm); highly regarded for conditioning and history
  • Top-ranked: Golf Digest Best in State #22 (2025–26); often in Michigan top 20-25 lists; praised as the most preserved Watson course in the U.S. after restorations

Side note: everytime I read “sloped-greens” I think about the bastards who decided golf wasn’t hard enough, let add all these peripheral factors like bunkers, trees in fairways, water everywhere, incredibly beautiful cart girls who only happen to show up when I’m on the Tee Box.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Strategic, walkable rounds that reward shot-making and discussion, post-round hangs at the classic clubhouse, friendly matches on generous but thoughtful holes, and easy pairing with nearby Petoskey/Charlevoix breweries or lake vibes
  • Families: Playable for all levels with wide fairways and multiple tees; historical charm offers a low-key, educational vibe; non-golfers enjoy Charlevoix’s beaches, shops, or nearby resorts

Top Standout Features

The Routing & Ridge Mastery

Watson used the site’s prominent ridge (with a road running through) repeatedly for clever elevation play. Holes drop into valleys, climb back up, and use natural contours for strategy without over-the-top drama. It’s subtle genius: nothing feels forced, yet every shot demands thought.

Fascinating Greens & Restoration Magic

Huge, sloping greens with run-offs, chipping areas, and fall-away edges, many restored by consultant Bruce Hepner (based on old aerials) to expand fairways, collars, and playing corridors. They’re pure, fast, and hold approaches well while punishing poor angles. The short par-4 16th’s natural green site is a standout.

Historical & Charming Vibe

Semi-public since the 1930s, with a loyal following and events like the National Hickory Open. No wow-factor flash, but exceptional detailing around greens, impeccable conditioning, and that unheralded classic feel, the kind of place that grows on you with every round.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Semi-private access, Book tee times directly via belvederegolfclub.com; public windows available (check schedule for best days)
  • Nearby lodging: Charlevoix hotels, Airbnbs, or resorts like Stafford’s Bay View Inn, Weathervane Terrace Inn, or nearby Boyne properties for packages
  • On-site: Classic pro shop, clubhouse; pair with Charlevoix’s downtown scene for dining and vibes

All Key Belvedere Golf Club Highlights at a Glance

  • William Watson Golden Age design (1925 classic)
  • Rolling ridge routing with subtle elevation & strategy
  • Large, undulating greens with clever slopes & run-offs
  • Wide fairways rewarding placement over power
  • Record Michigan Amateur host (40 times) & preserved heritage

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via belvederegolfclub.com or call the pro shop — public access varies; aim for mid-week or designated public days for easiest entry
  • Fly into Pellston Regional (PLN) 30-45 min drive, or Traverse City (TVC) 1 hour; scenic drives from Grand Rapids (3 hours)
  • Pair golf with Northern Michigan classics: fresh cherries, whitefish, craft beer in Petoskey/Charlevoix, Lake Michigan beaches, or fall foliage
  • Walk the course if possible, routing shines on foot; use forward tees for fun; focus on angles to greens for best scoring

Time to step back into Golden Age golf, chase thoughtful birdies on timeless turf, and reset at one of Michigan’s most authentic classics. Belvedere Golf Club is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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Ultimate Golf Destinations: Why American Dunes Golf Club in Michigan Needs to Be Your Patriotic Golf Adventure

In Grand Haven, Michigan, lies one of the crown jewels of American golf. American Dunes Golf Club is a powerful, one-of-a-kind destination, a Jack Nicklaus Signature redesign on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. Transformed from the old Grand Haven Golf Club (the birthplace of Folds of Honor), it’s a living memorial to America’s fallen and disabled veterans, with every round raising funds for scholarships through the Folds of Honor Foundation (over $6.8 million and counting). Dramatic sand dunes, wide-open links-style holes, massive elevation changes, and patriotic touches everywhere, from the Wall of Honor to plaques honoring Nicklaus’ 18 majors and stories of service members. It’s more than golf. It’s a meaningful escape with stunning Great Lakes views and serious shot-making.

Quick Facts

  • Single championship 18-hole course: Jack Nicklaus Signature redesign (opened 2021), par 72, up to 7,200 yards
  • Dramatic dunes & links style: Sweeping sand waste areas, rolling terrain, firm-and-fast conditions, strategic bunkering, and panoramic Lake Michigan glimpses
  • Seasonal play: Late April to mid-November; peak summer/fall for ideal weather (60s-80s°F) and prime conditions
  • Patriotic mission: Proceeds support Folds of Honor; special rates for veterans/first responders; Wall of Honor and hero tributes on every hole
  • Top-ranked: Frequently in Michigan’s best public lists (Golf Digest Best in State, top-20s); praised for views, challenge, and purpose

Golf can be a very selfish pursuit, so it’s nice that American Dunes gives you a chance to give back by helping veterans. Whether it’s with the family, or with the buds get to American Dunes.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Epic rounds with meaning, post-golf hangs at CAVU Fighter Squadron Bar (cold beers, stories), friendly competition on wide fairways, and easy access to Grand Haven’s beaches, breweries, or bonfires
  • Families: Inspiring experience with history lessons; playable for all levels (multiple tees); non-golfers enjoy the patriotic vibe, nearby Lake Michigan activities, or resort-like amenities

Top Standout Features

The Overall Layout & Dunes Drama

Nicklaus cleared over 1,000 trees to open up massive sandscapes and vistas, holes meander through heaving dunes with wide fairways that encourage bold drives, but strategic bunkers and bottle-necking keep you thinking. Elevation shifts create breathtaking moments (like cresting the hill on #11 for views across multiple holes).

Signature Holes & Patriotic Touches

Every hole has dual plaques: one for Nicklaus’ major wins, one honoring a fallen hero. The 18th tee is iconic, elevated with sweeping dune views and that emotional payoff. The course plays in awesome cadence: long to short, big greens to small, risk-reward everywhere.

 

Wall of Honor & Mission Vibe

A moving tribute wall greets you; the entire property feels like a celebration of service. Play the “Honor 18” special or donate, every dollar supports scholarships for military families.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • American Dunes Camp: 16 patriotic staterooms honoring each branch of the military; on-site lodging with bunker bar below (cold beer, pool table, late-night stories)
  • Packages emphasize priority tees, carts, and the full experience; nearby Grand Haven hotels or Airbnbs for groups
  • On-site: CAVU Fighter Squadron Bar, restaurant, pro shop, practice areas

All Key American Dunes Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Jack Nicklaus Signature redesign (dunes drama & links feel)
  • Wide fairways with strategic sand waste areas
  • Elevation changes & panoramic views
  • Patriotic plaques & Wall of Honor on every hole
  • Folds of Honor mission (scholarships & support)

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via americandunesgolfclub.com, Patriot 18 rate $205 (2026), specials for juniors/veterans; check for events like Founders or Honor rounds
  • Fly into Gerald R. Ford International (GRR, Grand Rapids), 45 min drive; Muskegon (MKG) closer
  • Pair golf with West Michigan classics: Lake Michigan beaches, fresh whitefish, craft breweries, or fall colors
  • Use carts for dunes; forward tees for fun; embrace the mission, it’s emotional and rewarding

Time to play a round with purpose, chase birdies through the dunes, and reset honoring those who served. American Dunes is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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