GOLF’s Course Raters recently released their newest rankings of the top golf courses in the United States and the top golf courses you can play, as part of their comprehensive ratings process. Their expert panelists identified the best golf courses in every state, including Michigan. The rankings are available for browsing on GOLF’s website, and they have also introduced a new Course Finder tool to help golfers create their own trip itineraries based on their preferences.
In Michigan, some of the top golf courses that made it to the list include Oakland Hills – South in Bloomfield Hills, Crystal Downs in Frankfort, and Kingsley Club in Kingsley. Oakland Hills, famously known for Ben Hogan’s victory in the 1951 U.S. Open, underwent a restoration in 2020 to bring back Donald Ross’s original design features. Crystal Downs, once overlooked due to its remote location, gained recognition after Tom Doak introduced it to Ben Crenshaw. Kingsley Club, designed by Mike DeVries, offers golfers a plethora of strategic choices from the opening drive to the finishing hole.
Orchard Lake in Orchard Lake and Belvedere in Charlevoix are also notable mentions on the list. Orchard Lake, an Charles H. Alison design, underwent a restoration by Keith Foster to bring back the original features of the course. Belvedere, designed by Golden Age architect William Watson, offers a unique golfing experience with meandering creeks, dramatic valley walls, and stunning Michigan topography. The greens at Belvedere are marvels in themselves, with deceptive contours and strategic placements that challenge golfers.
Other top golf courses in Michigan include Meadowbrook in Northville, Arcadia Bluffs – South in Arcadia, and true North. The ranking process for the top courses involved a thorough evaluation by the expert panelists, who considered 609 courses in total. Each panelist was provided with a ballot containing the list of courses and 11 buckets to rank them accordingly. From the aggregate scores of each course, points were assigned to rank them in order.
The ranking process is highly subjective, given the nature of course ratings, which is why the inclusion of diverse panelists with expertise in golf course architecture is crucial. The panelists come from various nations and have played courses worldwide, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the ratings process. The rankings aim to provide golfers with a comprehensive guide to the best courses in each state, helping them plan their golfing trips efficiently.
Green Book customizations are available through GolfLogix, a partner of 8AM Golf affiliate, to help golfers navigate the challenging greens at their home course. The rankings offer insights into the unique features and designs of each golf course in Michigan, highlighting the architectural elements that make them stand out. Whether you’re looking for a challenging round of golf or a scenic, relaxing experience, Michigan’s top golf courses offer something for every golfer’s preference.
