Michigan had five of its golf properties and destinations ranked among USA Today’s 10 Best Golf Destinations, 10 Best Golf Resorts, and 10 Best Public Golf Courses in the country for 2026.
The nominees for the annual 10 Best Awards are selected by a panel of industry experts and editors, then voted on by the public. The rankings include:
10 Best Golf Destinations
Upper Peninsula: No. 1
Petoskey Area: No. 5
The Upper Peninsula includes Island Resort & Casino and Bay Mills Resort & Casino, 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.
“Michigan continues to be recognized as a top-tier golf destination in the U.S.,” says Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. “With more than 650 public courses, there is a golf experience for every level of play.”
The Petoskey Area, highlighted by the shores of Little Traverse Bay, offers a collection of 17 courses that cater to players of all skill levels. Among the highlights are Bay Harbor Golf Club, Belvedere Golf Club, Dunmaglas, Charlevoix Golf & Fitness, Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, Chestnut Valley Golf Club, and a collection of courses at The Highlands — part of Boyne Resorts and Boyne Golf.
10 Best Golf Resorts
Boyne Golf: No. 3
One of North America’s largest golf resorts, Boyne Golf offers 11 championship courses in northern Michigan, including 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 offer everything from lakeshore cliffs to quarry terrain, and woodlands. 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.
The third Boyne Golf property, Boyne Mountain, has two 18-hole layouts — the Monument and Alpine courses.
“These awards prove why Michigan is known nationally and internationally for offering great golf experiences,” says Josh Richter, PGA, senior vice president of golf operations at Boyne Golf. “Our ranking as the No. 3 Golf Resort in the United States is a testament to our team’s efforts.”
10 Best Public Golf Courses
The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort: No. 6
Black Lake Golf Club: No. 7
The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth Township was designed by Ray Hearn, who transformed a former 27-hole layout into a modern championship experience set across 200 acres. The course will host the Aramco LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship from Aug. 27-30. Now in its second year at Saint John’s Resort, the event will showcase many of the world’s best players along with entertainment and extensive hospitality offerings.
Black Lake Golf Club, located in Onaway in northern Michigan, was designed by Rees Jones and is a championship course set on 1,100 acres of winding lakes, marshes, and ravines surrounded by maple and birch forests. Playing length from 5,058 to 7,030 yards. It’s complemented by The Little Course, a nine-hole par 3.
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