Best golf courses near Holland, MI

American Dunes opened in 2021 and is a total reinvention of an existing course. In this case, Nicklaus took a wooded, decades-old design and nearly cleansed it of trees, opening up views across a lunar surface of heaving sandscapes that separate the holes. Extreme topographical variety has replaced a succession of narrow, repetitive golf holes with circular greens, and players now face enticing tee shots that must skirt sand barrens and putting surfaces shaped in all manner of size and pitch. Created by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, whose family owns the property, much of the course’s proceeds are donated to Folds of Honor, a charitable foundation that supports injured veterans, their families, and awards scholarships to children of wounded or killed military men and women.

Designed by Rick Smith and Warren Henderson, the duo responsible for the design of Arcadia Bluffs two hours north, this low-key private club outside Grand Rapids near Lake Michigan caters to summer residents. The course spreads in two relatively flat counter-clockwise loops over a beautifully marshy tree-lined site, and while there are 22 forced carries, the fairways are generous and provide room to play. The lack of homes on the course gives the player a sense of solitude, and the sandy terrain allows for some firm and fast fairways and greens.

Dr. Michael Hurdzan, who co-designed Erin Hills and Calusa Pines, laid out The Meadows at Grand Valley State University in 1994. Hurdzan’s Ph.D. is in Environmental Plant Physiology, and his attention to the environment is present at The Meadows, as many holes are flanked by native grasses that help the course blend with the natural terrain. Situated just west of Grand Rapids, Mich., The Meadows has hosted numerous NCAA Division II National Championships for both men and women. There are very few doglegs on the course, allowing players to hit a variety of shots, though forced carries over natural areas, including at the par-4 18th, require players to make solid contact. With summer rates under $50, The Meadows offers tremendous value for a course that Golf Digest ranks as one of the top college courses in the country.

Tucked just west of Highway 131 that you take from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo is a little gem of a public course that you might not have heard about. But locals know the deal, just $30 on a weekend with a cart, is as good of a value as you'll find in the country for a quality, fun golf course.