LANSING, Mich. – The State of Michigan, widely regarded as America’s Summer Golf Capital with more than 650 top courses and award-winning resorts, has had five of the state’s top golf properties and destinations awarded among USA Today’s 10BEST Golf Destinations, 10BEST Golf Resorts, and 10BEST Public Golf Courses in the country.
The annual 10BEST Awards highlight the finest experiences across the country, with nominees selected by a panel of industry experts and editors, then voted on by the public.
“Michigan continues to be recognized as a top-tier golf destination in the U.S.,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “With more than 650 public courses, there is a golf experience for every level of play. From the historic and esteemed courses of Metro Detroit to the forests of the Upper Peninsula and the scenic beauty of northern Michigan with sweeping views of the Great Lakes, there’s no place like Pure Michigan for a truly memorable golf vacation.”
Leading the way is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which earned the No. 1 ranking among the 10BEST Golf Destinations.
Upper Peninsula – Sweetgrass Golf Club
Upper Peninsula – Sweetgrass Golf Club
Anchored by destinations such as Island Resort & Casino and Bay Mills Resort & Casino, the Upper Peninsula features acclaimed layouts, including Sweetgrass Golf Club, Sage Run Golf Course, Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club, Bay Mills Golf Club, as well as The Jewel and Wawashkamo on Mackinac Island. These courses are known for their dramatic terrain, thoughtful design, and immersive experiences that blend championship golf with the region’s untamed wilderness.
Long celebrated for its rugged natural beauty and better known for outdoor pursuits like hunting, snowmobiling, and its signature pasties, the Upper Peninsula has quietly emerged as one of the nation’s most compelling golf getaways.
Also earning national recognition is the Petoskey Area, ranked No. 5 among the 10BEST Golf Destinations. Situated along the shores of Little Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan, the region offers a rich collection of 17 courses that cater to players of all skill levels. Among its highlights is Bay Harbor Golf Club, one of the most visually striking courses in the country, featuring holes that run along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, through a quarry, and hardwood forests. Additional standout courses in the Petoskey Area include Belvedere Golf Club, Dunmaglas, Charlevoix Golf & Fitness, Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, Chestnut Valley Golf Club, to name a few, as well as a collection of courses at The Highlands—part of the renowned BOYNE Golf portfolio.
“We are extremely excited that the Petoskey area was recently recognized as one of the 10 Best Golf Destinations in the country”, said Jim Powell, Executive Director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. “It’s no surprise, with 17 world-class courses located within a 30-minute drive, the Petoskey area needs to be on every golfer’s bucket list. Located on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, this region has a long history of golf, starting with the development of some of the first resort courses in Michigan to the award-winning portfolio of courses curated by BOYNE Golf. In addition to golf, the region is well known for its easy access to natural beauty and selection of vibrant communities, including Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay View, Bay Harbor, and the Boyne Valley.”
Petoskey Area – Belvedere Golf Club
Petoskey Area – Belvedere Golf Club
Among the 10BEST Golf Resorts category, BOYNE Golf stands as Michigan’s sole resort representative. One of North America’s largest golf resorts, BOYNE Golf encompasses three premier lodging properties and 11 championship courses across Northern Michigan. For 60 years, the organization has been a leader in destination golf, offering a blend of award-winning layouts and upscale hospitality.
At the center of its portfolio is Bay Harbor Golf Club, widely recognized as one of the most iconic public golf experiences in the United States. The 27-hole facility features the Links, Quarry, and Preserve courses, each offering a unique landscape—from dramatic lakeshore cliffs to rugged quarry terrain and serene forest settings. The Highlands features five distinct layouts, including The Heather, Arthur Hills, The Moor, Donald Ross Memorial, and the recently introduced Doon Brae par-3 course, offering a diverse and complete golf experience. The third BOYNE Golf property, Boyne Mountain, has two fantastic 18-hole layouts – the Monument and Alpine courses offering outstanding mountainside golf and some of the most spectacular panoramas in the state.
Complementing the golf experience are BOYNE Golf’s premier lodging options, including The Inn at Bay Harbor along Lake Michigan, the Mountain Grand Lodge and Chalet Edelweiss at Boyne Mountain, and the recently transformed Main Lodge at The Highlands. The latter has been reimagined as a boutique hotel inspired by the charm of an English country estate, blending timeless elegance with modern comfort.
“These awards prove why Michigan is known nationally and internationally for offering great golf experiences. It’s an honor to be recognized by USA Today 10BEST, alongside the best golf resort properties in the country,” said Josh Richter, PGA, Senior Vice President of Golf Operations for BOYNE Golf. Our ranking as the #3 Golf Resort in the United States is a testament to our BOYNE Golf team’s efforts, along with lodging, food, and beverage, who ensure that our guests have the best golf experience when visiting BOYNE Golf.”
Michigan also earned recognition in the 10BEST Public Golf Courses category, with two standout golf courses making the national list. The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort, located in Plymouth, was ranked No. 6. Designed by Ray Hearn, the course represents the Detroit region’s first high-end public golf development in more than two decades, transforming a former 27-hole layout into a modern championship experience set across 200 acres. Joining it is Black Lake Golf Club, ranked No. 7. Designed by renowned architect Rees Jones and owned by the United Auto Workers, the course is set within a pristine 1,000-acre forest along the shores of Black Lake.
The USA TODAY 10BEST rankings reinforce Michigan’s standing as one of the premier golf destinations in the country. With its diverse collection of courses, award-winning resorts, and unforgettable landscapes—from the shores of the Great Lakes to the forests of the Upper Peninsula—the state offers an unmatched golf experience that appeals to both casual players and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Visit https://www.michigan.org/golfing
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