Best Golf Courses in the Upper Peninsula – A Complete Guide
Explore the most scenic and challenging public tracks in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, from the iconic Greywalls to hidden resort gems. Plan your ultimate UP golf trip with our expert insights.
VIEW TOP COURSESWhy the Upper Peninsula? The UP delivers a rare blend of world‑class design, dramatic elevation changes, and pristine lakeside settings – often at a fraction of the cost of bigger destinations. Whether you’re booking a dedicated buddies’ trip or adding a round to a family vacation, these courses promise memories that last long after the final putt.
Top Upper Peninsula Golf Courses You Must Play
Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club
Marquette, MI
Green fee: $100–$150
Often ranked among the finest public courses in the United States, Greywalls is a stunning links-style layout carved through ancient rock outcroppings with jaw‑dropping views of Lake Superior. Architect Mike DeVries let the land dictate every hole, resulting in a course that feels both timeless and thrilling.
- Unforgettable elevation changes and exposed granite ridges
- Signature hole: the par‑3 6th, played over a deep gorge with the lake as a backdrop
- Walking is strongly recommended to soak in the scenery
TimberStone at Pine Mountain Resort
Iron Mountain, MI
Green fee: $70–$110
Set atop a mountain ridge, this resort course offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys. TimberStone’s rolling fairways and multi‑tiered greens demand thoughtful course management, while the downhill par‑5 5th is one of the most exhilarating drives in the Midwest.
- Elevation changes of over 200 feet from tee to fairway
- Stay‑and‑play packages available at Pine Mountain Resort
- Friendly for a wide range of handicaps from the appropriate tees
Sweetgrass Golf Club
Harris, MI
Green fee: $65–$125
Part of the acclaimed Island Resort & Casino’s golf offerings, Sweetgrass is a prairie‑style layout with wide‑open fairways that invite aggressive play. Gentle undulations and clever bunkering reward smart shot selection, and the finish along the 18th hole provides a dramatic climax.
- Named a top‑100 public course by major golf publications
- Seamlessly paired with its sister course, Sage Run, for a 36‑hole day
- Excellent practice facilities and comfortable on‑site lodging
Sage Run Golf Club
Harris, MI
Green fee: $65–$125
Sage Run is the bold, rugged sibling to Sweetgrass. Designed to mimic the raw character of a classic championship layout, it features dramatic elevation shifts and a stirring drumlin hole that players talk about all season. Strong winds are a constant companion, making wind‑play skills essential.
- The “Drumlin” par‑5 6th is one of the most photographed holes in the UP
- Combined stay‑and‑play packages with Sweetgrass offer outstanding value
- Less crowded, giving a serene back‑to‑nature feel
The Rock at Drummond Island Resort
Drummond Island, MI
Green fee: $75–$115
Accessible by a short ferry ride, The Rock is a true hidden gem. This resort course weaves through dense hardwoods, limestone outcroppings, and quiet lakeshores. The serene isolation and clever routing make it feel like your own private golf destination.
- Secluded island setting with abundant wildlife
- Challenging but fair design that requires precise course navigation
- On‑site cabins and dining create a complete getaway
Playing Tips for Upper Peninsula Golf
UP weather can change in an instant, so pack layers and always carry rain gear. The region’s notorious winds demand a solid wind‑play strategy – keep the ball low and accept that sometimes par is an excellent score. Elevation changes also influence club selection; trust your club‑selection instincts and don’t be afraid to hit one more club when in doubt. Finally, invest time in reading the subtle breaks on the area’s large, undulating greens – a few minutes of green reading can save several strokes.
Planning Your Golf Trip to the Upper Peninsula
The best way to experience multiple courses is to book a stay‑and‑play package through one of the major golf resorts like Island Resort & Casino or Pine Mountain. Our golf travel guide includes sample itineraries, and you can use our trip planning tools to map out drive times between Marquette, Iron Mountain, and Harris. For those who prefer a more rustic adventure, consider camping near top golf destinations like Marquette and Drummond Island. Wherever you stay, you’ll find genuine Midwest hospitality and incredible value.
Ready to tee it up? Make sure your gear is as ready as you are – browse our recommended equipment below, handpicked for the challenges and beauty of UP golf.
Gear Up for the Upper Peninsula’s Finest Courses
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