Golf Courses in the Upper Peninsula: Complete Guide & Best Picks
Explore the rugged beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula while playing world‑class golf. Our guide covers the best courses, resort stays, and everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
Plan Your Golf TripGolfProAdvice Insight: The Upper Peninsula offers a rare combination of dramatic Lake Superior shorelines, dense hardwood forests, and award‑winning course designs. Whether you’re chasing the bucket‑list Greywalls or a relaxing stay‑and‑play at Island Resort, the UP delivers golf experiences that rival any destination in the Midwest.
Why the Upper Peninsula Is a Must‑Play Golf Destination
Far from the crowded fairways of typical golf hotspots, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula gives you championship layouts carved through ancient rock outcroppings, rolling terrain, and pristine lakes. The short summer season (June through September) brings long daylight hours and comfortably cool temperatures, while autumn paints the courses in spectacular fall colors. Many courses here are ranked among the best courses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and the region is increasingly recognized as a top choice for golf destinations.
With a mix of acclaimed public tracks and inviting resort courses, the UP suits every budget and playing style. You’ll find links‑inspired designs at Sweetgrass, dramatic elevation changes at Greywalls, and laid‑back parkland rounds at Timber Ridge – all without the premium price tags of comparable courses in other parts of the country.
Top Public Golf Courses in the Upper Peninsula
Most of the region’s best layouts are open to the public. Here are the standout public golf courses you should not miss.
Greywalls – Marquette Golf Club
Marquette, MI
- Design: Mike DeVries
- Par: 72 | Yardage: up to 7,100
Perched on ancient granite outcroppings with sweeping views of Lake Superior, Greywalls is the crown jewel of UP golf. The layout demands precise shot‑making and rewards with unforgettable scenery. Widely considered a top‑100 public course in America.
Sweetgrass Golf Club
Harris, MI (Island Resort & Casino)
- Design: Paul Albanese
- Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,275
A modern links‑style gem with wide fairways, fescue grasses, and clever bunkering. Sweetgrass hosts the Island Resort Championship on the Epson Tour and is one of the finest links courses in the Midwest.
Sage Run Golf Course
Harris, MI (Island Resort & Casino)
- Design: Paul Albanese
- Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,300
Sage Run contrasts Sweetgrass with a classic parkland routing that winds through hardwoods and wetlands. A dramatic ridge runs through the property, creating elevated tees and memorable downhill approaches.
Timber Ridge Golf Club
Iron Mountain, MI
- Design: Original design, updated
- Par: 71 | Yardage: 6,400
A scenic, affordable course set among towering pines and natural rock ledges. Timber Ridge offers a friendly, walkable layout with excellent conditioning – perfect for a warm‑up round or a relaxing afternoon.
Resort & Stay‑and‑Play Packages
If you prefer to pair championship golf with comfortable lodging, the Upper Peninsula delivers excellent resort courses and all‑inclusive packages. Island Resort & Casino in Harris is the region’s premier golf destination, offering two distinct 18‑hole layouts (Sweetgrass and Sage Run) plus a casino, spa, and multiple dining options. Their “Stay & Play” packages bundle accommodations and rounds at both courses, making it easy to enjoy a multi‑day golf trip.
Other lodging options near Marquette allow you to pair Greywalls with nearby courses like the classic Heritage Course at Marquette Golf Club. Many travelers combine a stay in downtown Marquette – with its vibrant craft‑brew scene and Lake Superior beaches – with rounds at Greywalls and Timber Ridge for a well‑rounded golf in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula experience.
Plan Your Upper Peninsula Golf Trip
Because the season is short and demand is high, advance planning is crucial. Use our golf trip planning resources to lock in tee times and accommodations early – especially for Greywalls, which books months ahead. The best weather runs from mid‑June through September; fall (late September‑early October) offers spectacular foliage but cooler temperatures.
Essential Gear for UP Golf
The UP’s varied terrain and changeable weather call for smart equipment choices. A reliable laser rangefinder helps navigate elevation changes at courses like Greywalls, while a golf GPS watch provides quick yardages on unfamiliar layouts. Pack a lightweight rain jacket for sudden lake‑effect showers, and choose spikeless golf shoes for comfort on the region’s firm, sandy soils. Bringing a stand bag is wise – many UP courses are wonderfully walkable.
For travel, a durable golf travel bag protects your clubs on the journey. And while you’re exploring the remote beauty of the peninsula, a portable handheld GPS unit (or a GPS app) helps navigate the winding roads between courses. With the right preparation, your Upper Peninsula golf adventure will be nothing short of extraordinary.
