If you’re dreaming of a Northern Michigan getaway where you can trade the hustle and bustle for rolling fairways and breathtaking views, Traverse City is calling your name. As passionate golfers and local hosts, we know firsthand that this region is home to some of the finest golf courses in the state. Whether you’re here for a relaxing weekend or a full-blown golf adventure, we’ve rounded up some top-notch courses to help you plan the perfect day on the greens—all just a short drive from our welcoming vacation rental.
Traverse City & Surrounding Area Golf Course Recommendations
The Crown Golf Course
🏌️♂️The Crown Golf Club
Traverse City | 2 miles
Minutes from Dyer Lake Vacation Home, The Crown features scenic elevation changes and challenging greens while still being friendly to recreational golfers. Great course, great views, and great location. Mulligan Pub & Grill is great for a meal or a couple of drinks before or after your round. Great dinner location for the whole family.
Interlochen Golf Course – Hole 2
🏌️♂️Interlochen Golf Course
Interlochen | 8 miles
This laid-back course nestled in the pines is perfect for a relaxing round. A great option if you’re headed toward the Interlochen Center for the Arts or nearby lakes. Bradley’s Pub and Grille offers a full menu and and bar area for a round after your round.
🏌️♂️Elmbrook Golf Course
Traverse City | 10 miles
Grand Traverse Resort – Spruce Run Course
A local favorite since 1964, Elmbrook offers classic Northern Michigan golf with rolling hills, mature trees, and spectacular views of Grand Traverse Bay. Fun, playable, and welcoming for golfers of all abilities. The 19th hole offers beverages and grill type food. The chicken ranch wrap is delicious!
🏌️♂️Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Acme | 15 miles
For a premier golf experience, the Grand Traverse Resort delivers with three exceptional courses:
- The Bear (Jack Nicklaus design, famously tough)
- The Wolverine (Gary Player design, player-friendly)
- Spruce Run (resort-style, approachable for all levels)
You’ll find breathtaking views and top-notch conditions here. The resort offers multiple dining and bar areas.
Manitou Passage Golf Club – Teeing off
🏌️♂️Bahle Farms Golf Course
Suttons Bay | 19 miles
This hidden gem offers dramatic elevation changes and spectacular Leelanau County views. It’s one of the area’s most scenic courses surrounded by cherry orchards and worth the short drive.
🏌️♂️Manitou Passage Golf Club
Cedar | 20 miles
Designed by Arnold Palmer, Manitou Passage is a must-play for scenery lovers, with rolling fairways and stunning views of Lake Michigan. It’s both beautiful and challenging. Stop in Arnies for a drink and check out the collection of Arnold Palmer Memorabilia.
The Dunes Golf Course – Hole 16
🏌️♂️The Dunes Golf Club
Empire | 20 miles
Affordable, family-friendly, and just minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, The Dunes is a fun course with a relaxed vibe—perfect for a casual round. Alcohol not available – cooler friendly.
🏌️♂️Champion Hill Golf Course
Beulah | 24 miles
Sister course to Pinecroft, Champion Hill is a links-style layout with wide fairways, big elevation changes, and gorgeous views. It’s challenging but fair. Alcohol not available – cooler friendly.
Crystal Lake Golf Club Hole 5
🏌️♂️Crystal Lake Golf Club
Beulah | 24 miles
A classic northern course with tight fairways and beautiful lake views, Crystal Lake is perfect for those who enjoy traditional, tree-lined layouts. Crystal Lake is a friendly course, with a bar and great food.
🏌️♂️Pinecroft Golf Course
Benzonia | 25 miles
Pinecroft Golf Course – View of Crystal Lake
Rolling terrain, spectacular views of Crystal Lake, and a friendly atmosphere make Pinecroft an unforgettable stop on your golf tour. Alcohol not available – cooler friendly.
Please Note
We’ve provided distances to give you a general idea of how far each course is from our vacation rental. However, keep in mind that Traverse City’s main roads can get busy, especially during peak times. In some cases, a course that’s farther away may actually take less time to reach than one that’s closer, depending on traffic and time of day. You can also find other courses in the area by visiting Golf Up North.
Northern Michigan Golf
No matter your skill level or how seriously you take your game, Traverse City and its surrounding areas offer golf experiences you’ll want to return to year after year. From challenging championship tracks to scenic and laid-back local gems, there’s a course here with your name on it. When your round is done, kick back and relax at our welcoming vacation rental—your perfect home base for golf, lakes, and everything Northern Michigan has to offer. We’d love to host you for your next Up North golf getaway!
Looking for the perfect place to stay for your Traverse City golf getaway?
Boy’s Golf Weekend in Traverse City – Manitou Passage Golf Club
Our vacation home is centrally located, putting you just minutes from downtown and within easy reach of Northern Michigan’s best golf courses. Whether you’re teeing off at sunrise, chasing birdies all afternoon, or winding down with a 19th hole beverage, you’ll have a comfortable home base to relax, recharge, and get ready for your next round. And when you’re not on the course, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy Traverse City’s beaches, wineries, and scenic beauty.
Skip the extra fees—book direct and save! Or, if you prefer, you can reserve your stay through Airbnb.
📅 Ready to plan your getaway? Book now and experience everything the Traverse City area has to offer!
