There is something wonderfully fitting about Michigan being one of the great golf states in America. It is a place made for the game, a state where long summer light, lake air, rolling terrain, and a certain unpretentious elegance come together in a way that feels unmistakably special. Golf here is not simply a pastime, it is part of the rhythm of life. From pristine public fairways to storied private clubs, Michigan has built a golf identity that is both expansive and refined, one that continues to earn admiration well beyond the Midwest. At the start of 2026, Michigan had 868 golf courses overall, including 748 publicly accessible courses, the most public golf of any state in the nation.
That scale is impressive on its own, but the true story is what golf means to Michigan culturally and economically. This is not a seasonal niche, it is a serious engine for the state. A recent impact study found that golf contributes nearly $6.1 billion to Michigan’s economy, supports roughly 61,000 jobs, and generates more than $821 million in state and local taxes. In other words, golf in Michigan is not just scenic, it is substantial. It touches tourism, hospitality, retail, real estate, and local communities in a way that gives the sport a meaningful place in the state’s broader identity.
And then there is the quality. Michigan is one of those rare places where quantity never comes at the expense of distinction. Nationally, the state is recognized as one of America’s finest golf destinations, particularly when it comes to public access. Golf Digest rankings placed Michigan tied for No. 2 in the country for public golf, an honor that confirms what golfers here have known for years, this is a state where extraordinary golf is not hidden behind velvet ropes.
Of course, Michigan’s private-club pedigree is every bit as compelling. Crystal Downs Country Club remains the state’s crown jewel, revered not only within Michigan but across the country as one of the finest courses in America. Oakland Hills Country Club, especially its restored South Course, carries a major-championship aura and a legacy that is woven into the history of the game itself. The Kingsley Club also stands tall among architecture purists, offering a quieter but deeply respected kind of prestige. These are clubs that do not need to shout, their reputations already travel.
On the public side, Michigan’s star power is just as strong. Arcadia Bluffs has become an icon, its dramatic perch above Lake Michigan giving golfers one of the most visually striking experiences in the country. Forest Dunes and The Loop continue to attract national attention for their inventive design and destination appeal. Bay Harbor, Greywalls, and Arcadia Bluffs South prove that Michigan public golf is not one-note, it can be rugged, polished, scenic, strategic, and unforgettable, sometimes all in the same round. And resorts? With BOYNE Golf, Treetops, Tullymore and Shanty Creek all boasting more than three courses on their properties, it's nearly impossible to run out of championship level golf in the Mitten State.
And in today’s golf world, the culture around the game matters almost as much as the courses themselves. That is where Metro Detroit Golfers has carved out a powerful presence. With a community of more than 130,000 across all platforms, Metro Detroit Golfers has become one of the most influential voices in Michigan golf, spotlighting courses, stories, events, and the people who make the game feel local and alive. Its website proudly calls it the largest online golf community in Michigan, and that influence is easy to see. More than a media brand, it has helped create a sense of connection among golfers across the region, from serious players chasing tee times to newcomers simply looking for their place in the game. If you love Michigan golf, it is an easy invitation, join the conversation and be part of the community.
**Editors Note: Learn more about our founding partner, Tullymore Golf Resort:
Experience a Michigan Masterpiece Discover two distinct world-class courses, beautifully crafted by highly acclaimed architects, and offering their own unique experiences. Like “the whisper of the forest tree and the thunder of the inland sea”, these two courses “unite in one grand symphony” and will leave you wondering why you’re not here right now.
Reclaimed from land carved by ancient glaciers, Tullymore Golf Resort is nestled amongst 800 acres of pristine Michigan woodlands and wetlands. Our resort facilities include luxuriously appointed accommodations and premium amenities such as a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and two comfortable clubhouses. And the Villages at Tullymore offer the opportunity to truly make us your home away from home.
Tullymore Golf Resort is located in beautiful central Michigan, near the Village of Stanwood and adjacent to the beautiful Canadian Lakes. They are just 30 miles west of Mt. Pleasant and one hour north of Grand Rapids. There are two separate courses at Tullymore located just five miles apart, the St. Ives Golf Club and the Tullymore Golf Club. Visit https://www.tullymoregolf.com for more information.
Golf in Michigan is not just scenic, it is substantial.
The Metro Detroit Golfers is a podcast built specifically for the Michigan golfer. Mike Sullivan and Kyle Bogey will bring you fun golf discussions, course reviews, and great guest interviews.