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

 

Down On The Farm: Why Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida Needs to Be Your Next Golf Trip (Boys Trip or Nature Coast Adventure)

Nestled in West Florida just north of Tampa, Cabot Citrus Farms is Florida’s bold new golf masterpiece, a 1,200-acre sanctuary on the Nature Coast (about an hour north of Tampa), reimagined from the former World Woods into a world-class resort with rugged sandy terrain, dramatic 80-foot elevation changes, towering sand pines, palmetto undergrowth, and century-old moss-draped oaks. The experience Cabot Citrus Farms has to offer is unlike any other in Florida. Wide generous fairways, bold contours, vast no-rake waste bunkers, and creative strategy that rewards imagination over brute force.

Quick Facts

  • Two 18-hole championship courses + 10-hole short course + 11-hole par-3 course (lit for night play) + massive practice facility (nearly 2-acre putting course, TrackMan range)
  • Unique adventure style: Rumpled fairways, huge greens, multiple routes, no-rake bunkers. Firm and fast inland links vibes in the Sunshine State
  • Year-round play: Mild winters for peak escapes; great conditions with that rare “not your typical Florida” elevation and sand
  • Premium experience: Greens fees $300-$400+ in peak; luxury cottages/villas, upcoming Pool & Racquet Club, dining, and off-course fun (fishing, archery, axe-throwing, sports courts)
  • Highly acclaimed: Karoo named best new public course of 2025 by Sports Illustrated; Roost praised as a classic gem; top new U.S. resort destination

Just an hour north of Tampa and not too far from the Gulf, Cabot Citrus Farms offers a long list of activities, though I can’t see why you’d ever want to leave the course.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round immersion (play Karoo for drama, Roost for strategy, Squeeze for fun), caddie-guided bets, post-golf hangs at the clubhouse, and that high-energy “adventure” feel, plus nearby Tampa for extras
  • Families: Luxe cottages, pools (coming soon), kids’ activities potential, forgiving shorter courses; non-golfers enjoy nature, fishing, or relaxation

Top Standout Courses

Cabot Citrus Farms championship golf course on Florida's Nature Coast

Karoo Course (18 holes, Kyle Franz design)

The bold standout, dynamic “adventure golf” with split fairways, massive contoured greens, vast waste areas, and creative recoveries. Rugged aesthetics, multiple pin routes, and sustained brilliance; often called one of America’s most unique new designs and a bucket-list must.

Roost Course (18 holes, Mike Nuzzo/Kyle Franz with Ran Morrissett/Rod Whitman input)

The classic complement, broad fairways through meadows, wildflowers, dogwoods, and sandy scrub; elevation drama, subtle strategy, and timeless feel. More traditional and playable; many say it’s pure fun and a favorite for groups.

The Squeeze (10-hole short course, Mike Nuzzo design)

Short-course magic, holes 100–550 yards inspired by world’s best par-4s/5s; full drama, strategy, and fun. Caddies often call it the best golf on property for groups or quick rounds.

The Wedge (11-hole par-3 course)

Vast waste areas, severe slopes, varied lies, lit for night golf with music vibes. Perfect for evening fun, families, or warm-ups.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Cabot Citrus Farms on-site: Luxury cottages/villas (rentals from $1,250/night through mid-2025); direct access, upcoming Pool & Racquet Club, dining (Grange Hall), and full amenities
  • Stay-and-play packages emphasize priority tees, unlimited practice, and the immersive resort experience. Book direct for best options

All Key Cabot Citrus Farms Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Karoo (18 holes, bold adventure masterpiece)
  • Roost (18 holes, classic strategic beauty)
  • The Squeeze (10 holes, short-course thrill)
  • The Wedge (11-hole par-3, night play option)
  • Plus huge practice areas (TrackMan range, massive putting course)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via cabotcitrusfarms.com or specialists, peak season fills fast; multi-course combos ideal
  • Fly into Tampa International (TPA), easy 50-60 minute drive (recommended); Orlando (MCO) 1.5 hours
  • Pair golf with Nature Coast vibes: fresh seafood, local brews, fishing, hiking in nearby Withlacoochee State Forest, or Tampa excursions
  • Use caddies for strategy (especially Karoo/Squeeze); forward tees keep it enjoyable; embrace the firm conditions and run the ball!

Time to dive into Florida’s most unique golf adventure and reset amid sandy wastes and mossy oaks,