Best Golf Courses in Traverse City, Michigan

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 17, 2026

Looking for the best places to play golf in Traverse City? This guide covers public golf courses, private clubs, resort layouts, and championship golf destinations across Traverse City, Michigan and the surrounding Northern Michigan region. You will find local course details, greens fees, locations, and useful golf tips to help plan your next round.

Traverse City Golf Courses Map

The map above shows golf courses located in and around Traverse City, including public courses, private clubs, resort layouts, and championship golf facilities.

About Golf in Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is one of the top golf destinations in the Midwest. The area is known for scenic fairways, rolling hills, forests, and courses overlooking lakes and vineyards across Northern Michigan.

The golf season in Traverse City usually runs from May through October. Summer brings warm days and busy tee sheets, while fall golf becomes especially popular because of cooler weather and colorful autumn scenery.

Golfers of all skill levels can find something that fits their game around Traverse City. Beginners often enjoy shorter public layouts and resort practice facilities, while experienced players head toward championship courses designed by well-known architects.

All Golf Courses in Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City offers a large variety of golf experiences for both locals and visitors. Players can choose from luxury golf resorts, scenic public layouts, and private clubs spread throughout Northern Michigan.

Golf CourseLocationCourse TypeNo. of HolesGreens FeeLat LongOpening Hours
Grand Traverse Resort - The BearAcmeResort18$120-$24044.7714, -85.49227:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Grand Traverse Resort - WolverineAcmeResort18$90-$18044.7698, -85.49107:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Grand Traverse Resort - Spruce RunAcmeResort18$70-$14044.7689, -85.48957:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club - Bluffs CourseArcadiaPublic18$180-$32044.4905, -86.23107:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club - South CourseArcadiaPublic18$150-$28044.4932, -86.22867:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Bahle Farms Golf CourseSuttons BayPublic18$45-$9544.9501, -85.64347:00 AM - Sunset
Bay Meadows Family Golf CourseTraverse CityExecutive9$15-$3544.7278, -85.63498:00 AM - Sunset
The Crown Golf ClubTraverse CityPublic18$45-$9544.7052, -85.65017:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Elmbrook Golf CourseTraverse CityPublic18$30-$6544.7391, -85.61957:00 AM - Sunset
LochenHeath Golf ClubWilliamsburgPrivate18Members Only44.7707, -85.40897:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Timber Ridge Golf ClubTraverse CityPublic18$40-$8544.6841, -85.59527:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort - Sundance CourseKewadinResort18$70-$14044.9390, -85.34107:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort - Torch CourseKewadinResort18$70-$14044.9412, -85.34317:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Crystal Mountain - Mountain Ridge CourseThompsonvilleResort18$75-$15044.5208, -85.98967:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Crystal Mountain - Betsie Valley CourseThompsonvilleResort18$65-$14044.5197, -85.98717:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Manitou Passage Golf ClubCedarPublic18$45-$9544.8298, -85.69907:00 AM - Sunset
Mistwood Golf CourseLake AnnPublic18$35-$7544.7390, -85.98277:00 AM - Sunset
Hawks Eye Golf ResortBellaireResort18$65-$14044.9792, -85.17507:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Public Golf Courses in Traverse City

Public golf around Traverse City is considered some of the best in Michigan. Players can enjoy lake views, rolling fairways, and resort-style conditions across many Northern Michigan layouts.

  • The Crown Golf Club - 2430 W Crown Drive, Traverse City, MI 49685. Scenic public course featuring elevation changes, forest-lined fairways, and views of West Grand Traverse Bay.
  • Elmbrook Golf Course - 1750 Townline Road, Traverse City, MI 49696. Friendly public layout known for affordable rates and approachable conditions.
  • Timber Ridge Golf Club - 4050 Hammond Road East, Traverse City, MI 49686. Popular local course with rolling terrain and strong course conditioning.
  • Bahle Farms Golf Course - 9505 E Otto Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. Relaxed Northern Michigan course with vineyard scenery and countryside views.
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club - 14710 Northwood Highway, Arcadia, MI 49613. Nationally ranked public golf destination overlooking Lake Michigan.
  • Manitou Passage Golf Club - 4600 S Club Drive, Cedar, MI 49621. Arnold Palmer-designed course with wooded fairways and rolling hills.
  • Mistwood Golf Course - 12777 Mistwood Drive, Lake Ann, MI 49650. Scenic public course surrounded by forests and wetlands.

Private Golf Clubs in Traverse City

Private golf around Traverse City focuses on scenic Northern Michigan landscapes and upscale club experiences. Several clubs offer championship layouts and resort-level conditions.

  • LochenHeath Golf Club - 7951 Turnberry Circle, Williamsburg, MI 49690. Private championship club overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay with dramatic elevation changes. Members and guests only.
  • Grand Traverse Resort Golf Club - 100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard, Acme, MI 49610. Resort and membership facility featuring multiple championship layouts and luxury amenities. Members and resort guests only.

Executive and Par-3 Golf Courses in Traverse City

Shorter golf layouts around Traverse City are great for beginners, families, and golfers looking for a quicker round. These facilities are also useful for improving short-game skills.

  • Bay Meadows Family Golf Course - 555 Bay Meadows Drive, Traverse City, MI 49685. Relaxed executive-style layout that works well for families and beginner golfers.
  • Elmbrook Golf Course - 1750 Townline Road, Traverse City, MI 49696. Friendly public course with approachable yardage and affordable greens fees.
  • Bahle Farms Golf Course - 9505 E Otto Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. Scenic and playable Northern Michigan layout ideal for casual rounds.

Golf Resorts and Championship Courses in Traverse City

Traverse City is one of Michigan's biggest golf tourism destinations because of its luxury resorts and nationally ranked championship layouts.

  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club - 14710 Northwood Highway, Arcadia, MI 49613. One of the most famous public golf destinations in America with dramatic Lake Michigan views.
  • Grand Traverse Resort - 100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard, Acme, MI 49610. Large resort destination featuring courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and William Newcomb.
  • Crystal Mountain Resort - 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive, Thompsonville, MI 49683. Popular golf and ski resort featuring two scenic championship layouts.
  • Hawks Eye Golf Resort - 262 Hawks Eye Drive, Bellaire, MI 49615. Resort-style golf course known for elevation changes and panoramic Northern Michigan scenery.

Golf Course Greens Fees in Traverse City

Golf prices around Traverse City range from affordable local layouts to premium resort golf experiences. Summer weekends and fall color season usually bring the highest demand for tee times.

Course TypeTypical Greens FeeNotes
Public Municipal$20-$50Affordable local golf with casual atmosphere
Public Semi-Private$45-$110Peak summer weekends require advance booking
Resort Course$90-$320+Premium Northern Michigan golf destinations
Private ClubMembers OnlyMembership or resort guest access required
Executive / Par-3$15-$35Good for beginners and quick practice rounds

Interesting Facts About Golf in Traverse City

Traverse City is widely considered one of the best golf vacation regions in the Midwest. The area combines scenic resort golf, lake views, and cool summer weather.

FactDetails
Total Golf CoursesMore than 30 golf facilities across the Traverse City region
Most Famous CourseArcadia Bluffs - nationally ranked for its Lake Michigan cliffside views
Best Golf AreaAcme, Suttons Bay, and the Lake Michigan corridor
Best Season for GolfJune through October because of mild summer temperatures
Public Courses AvailableOver 20 public and resort golf facilities
Private Golf ClubsSeveral upscale private and resort membership clubs
Scenic or Signature CoursesArcadia Bluffs is known for dramatic views of Lake Michigan
PGA or Championship EventsMichigan amateur championships and regional resort tournaments
Beginner-Friendly OptionsBay Meadows Family Golf Course, Elmbrook, and Bahle Farms
Luxury Golf ResortsGrand Traverse Resort, Crystal Mountain, and Arcadia Bluffs
Typical Golfing Weather65°F-78°F during peak summer golf season
Average Greens FeeAbout $50-$120 for a public 18-hole round

Why Golfers Enjoy Playing in Traverse City

Traverse City gives golfers a unique mix of scenic Northern Michigan landscapes, cool summer weather, and nationally respected golf resorts. Many local courses feature views of lakes, forests, vineyards, and rolling hills that are difficult to find elsewhere in the Midwest. Players also enjoy the relaxed vacation atmosphere around the city, especially during summer and fall golf trips. The area has become one of the most popular golf tourism destinations in Michigan because of its combination of resort golf and outdoor scenery.

  • Northern Michigan scenery creates memorable golf experiences
  • Several nationally ranked public courses are nearby
  • Cool summer weather makes walking rounds comfortable
  • Lake Michigan views add variety to many local layouts
  • Golf resorts offer stay-and-play vacation packages
  • Fall golf season brings colorful scenery across the region
  • Players can combine golf with wineries, beaches, and downtown Traverse City attractions