Michigan
Top Choice: Bay Harbor Golf Resort, Bay Harbor
9.8/10
Why it's Spectacular
Designed By: Arthur Hills
Coined the "Pebble Beach of the Midwest" we were a bit skeptical of how Bay Harbor would hold up to some of the other top-tier golf courses we have played but after playing, we can confidently say that this course has earned the right. As soon as you enter the security gate separating the public road from Lake access the grounds are immediately impressive and as your near the course you know you are in for a treat. The clubhouse is also quite impressive and as soon as you enter you can immediately see the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan through the ballroom windows. After checking in, we enjoyed a beer on the outdoor patio overlooking the 9th green of the Quarry course which is stunning in every sense of the word, and for a brief moment you forget you are in Michigan, as you could just as easily be in a more famed setting.
It was recommended that we play the Links and Quarry courses as they were the favorites of the staff and from your tee-shot on the first hole-on, there are incredible Lake views on nearly every hole. The vision of the course designer is clear as the cart path winds through a variety of elevated tee boxes providing a range of views and perspectives that provide photo opps on most holes and the perfectly green manicured fairways and greens contrast elegantly against the crystal clear green and blue waters of Lake Michigan.
Undulating fairways and winding holes lead to a variety of challenging shots and as you complete the first-nine of the Links you already feel as if you've gotten your money's worth.
The Quarry course does not let up at all and while there are less holes directly on the Lake you somehow find yourself just as impressed with the surroundings. While we do not generally like courses with homes on them, the nicely architected properties actually add a level of prestige and given their scarcity they actually seem to add value to the overall experience. The course uses the natural features left over from the prior excavation in the area leaving a low-lands of challenging holes that force you to navigate water, reeds, and other hazards. Several holes tempt you to make aggressive plays including a drivable Par-4, and reachable par-5 which demand both distance and accuracy to succeed. Holes 8 and 9 are both postcard holes which again bring you back to the Lake and for us, a perfect glowing sunset over the shimmering water.
Despite the seemingly endless number of phenomenal courses to explore there are only a handful that register as "unforgettable" and we would absolutely add Bay Harbor to that list!
Other Notables
Grand Traverse
The Bear
Pros: In typical Jack Nicklaus fashion, The Bear was a masterpiece made from nothing. Challenging undulations make the course more like a mogul field than a typical golf course but with unique greens and the definition of target golf, this is worth seeing, at least once.
Cons: The course is cut from a relatively flat area so there are not many elevation changes or places for optical appreciation but its a fun and challenging track.
Score:
8.5/10
TreeTops
Masterpiece
Pros: Sweeping green hills, plenty of elevation changes and very comfortably situated in the native forest and lowland marsh elements of Michigan it is easy to see why this was once considered Michigan's top course. The quality has not dropped off as the course remains in great condition and provides plenty of challenge, views and fun.
Cons: As with most everything, you can't avoid father time and while this remains a very solid course with lots to love, it does now feel a bit dated.
Score:
8.5/10
To be named
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Pros:
Cons:
Score:
NA/10
The Loon
There is something incredibly peaceful about being in Northern Michigan during the summer and in all fairness this is not a spectacular course. That said, it is a solid course with enough interesting holes that you wouldn't be disappointed if you ended up playing here.
Pros
Great value and very affordable for a course that is almost always in immaculate condition.
Score
8.3/10
Cons
Nothing to really relish over or brag about.
Marsh Ridge
A handful of cool holes that work around various lakes and ponds make for a nice day out.
Pros
Good conditions at an affordable price and a couple holes that punch out it's weight class.
Score
8.0/10
Cons
In the scheme of things, not the most exciting of courses to play, but if you're there, why not?
