Uncover Michigan's Best Public Golf Course

Crystal Downs Country Club, Frankfort, MI

Frankfort's Crystal Downs Country Club ranked No. 1 on Golf Digest's best courses in Michigan last year. It's a private course, so not everyone will get a chance to see this one for themselves. Those who do, however, will get access to a slice of golf history as this course was designed back in 1929 by Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell.

Cedar River, Bellaire, MI

Part of the Shanty Creek Resorts line in Bellaire, Cedar River offers an array of golf and dining options for golfers to enjoy. What's more, during the winter months, Cedar River is also immediately connected to a range of skiing options. That makes for an attraction that's not only good for golf, but goes beyond golf to be better on a variety of fronts. Versatility like that makes this an easy contender for one of Michigan's best.

Marquette Golf Club, Marquette, MI

Greywalls in Marquette is a recently-added part of the Marquette Golf Club, and it's making quite a splash. Ranked on Golf Magazine's “Top 10 New Public Courses You Can Play,” it's set in the midst of some staggering natural beauty of the kind commonly found in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Best of all, after a day on the course, there's a full-service bar and restaurant available with a menu already in the midst of updating.

Arcadia Bluffs Country Club, Arcadia, MI

Those bummed out about not being able to see Crystal Downs for themselves will be gratified to know that the number three slot on the same list that gave Crystal Downs the top nod is open to the public. That's Arcadia Bluffs Country Club in Arcadia, founded in 1999. This impressive course offers lodging options complete with golf packages, and features a full 3,100 feet of Lake Michigan frontage. There will even be a set of dining options to provide a meal after a tough day on the links.

Timberstone, Iron Mountain, MI

Found at Iron Mountain's Pine Mountain Resort, Timberstone has the unique distinction of being the only public golf course in Michigan to take a five-star ranking from Golf Digest. It also drew a remark from Michigan Golf Magazine judges that noted “If Timberstone was in Wisconsin it would be that state's number two course.” Strong words from Michigan Golf Magazine, and backed up by the array of other options from dining to skiing in the winter.

Angels Crossing, Vicksburg, MI

Found in Vicksburg, of all places, Angels Crossing managed to be the first entry on the MLive study of publicly-open golf courses. When visitors can say that it “...both looks beautiful on post card as in person,” it's a safe bet you've found a really beautiful slice of golfing. It's not just about the golf, of course. Though this par 72 course will offer some substantial challenges, it will also offer a full-service bar and dining options for those who need a pick-me-up after a day on the course.

Bay Harbor Golf Club, Bay Harbor, MI

A 20-year veteran of the Michigan golf scene, Bay Harbor Golf Club in Bay Harbor offers three separate courses for golfers to try. Each one an Arthur Hills course, Bay Harbor Golf Club been compared to Arcadia Bluffs, making it easily one of the better courses Michigan can offer. The best part is that Bay Harbor offers a variety of challenge levels, as well as a full slate of dining options from a breakfast buffet every morning to a complete steakhouse.

Forest Dunes, Roscommon, MI

Golf Magazine, every two years, builds a list of the best golf courses in every state. Topping that list most recently was none other than Roscommon's own Forest Dunes. Featuring hotel options, real estate purchase options, and dining choices, Forest Dunes' big draw is the Tom Doak-designed course that's actually reversible. It can be played forward or backward. It also boasts some well-known holes, like the 17th hole known as the “Road Hole.”

The Bear, Traverse City, MI

Those looking for a golfing challenge will need to hit Traverse City, where The Bear awaits. The Bear, designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1985, is widely considered not only Michigan's toughest course, but also one of the top 20 toughest courses in the United States, as reckoned by Golf Digests. Featuring a spa, dining options, and the exciting array of options found in the Traverse City area, The Bear will deliver a major challenge as well as plenty of fun off the course as well.

• Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort, MI is a private course designed by Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell in 1929, ranked No. 1 on Golf Digest's best courses in Michigan.
• Cedar River in Bellaire, MI part of Shanty Creek Resorts, offers golf and skiing options, making it versatile and one of Michigan's best.
• Greywalls in Marquette, MI is part of Marquette Golf Club, set in the stunning natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with a full-service bar and restaurant.
• Arcadia Bluffs Country Club in Arcadia, MI is open to the public, founded in 1999 with Lake Michigan frontage, lodging options, and dining choices.
• Timberstone in Iron Mountain, MI at Pine Mountain Resort is the only public course in Michigan with a five-star ranking from Golf Digest, offering dining and skiing options.
• Angels Crossing in Vicksburg, MI is the first entry on the MLive study of publicly-open golf courses, offering a beautiful course, challenges, and dining options.
• Bay Harbor Golf Club in Bay Harbor, MI offers three Arthur Hills courses, compared to Arcadia Bluffs, with varying challenge levels and dining choices.
• Forest Dunes in Roscommon, MI features a reversible Tom Doak-designed course, hotel options, real estate purchase options, and dining choices, ranked as the best course in Michigan by Golf Magazine.
• The Bear in Traverse City, MI designed by Jack Nicklaus, is considered Michigan's toughest course and one of the top 20 toughest courses in the US, with a spa, dining options, and a challenging experience.