Courses

The Best Walks in Michigan Golf

March 01, 2018
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Photo courtesy of Belvedere Golf Club

1) Belvedere Golf Club
Charlevoix, Mich.

No. 19 on Golf Digest's ranking of the best courses in Michigan, this historic William Watson design has hosted the Michigan Amateur Championship a record 40 times. It's also a comfortable walk for an affordable price.


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Evan Schiller Photography

No. 23 on Golf Digest's ranking of the best courses in Michigan, this Robert Trent Jones design is ideal for golfers who like to walk and carry. The first seven holes provide a scenic stroll that winds around a marsh. The back nine ventures into a more wooded area, but with little up and down, the entire 18 holes are a perfectly enjoyable walk.


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Photo courtesy of Diamond Springs Golf Course

One of the state's most enjoyable walks for golfers is also one of its best value courses. This fun course is located between Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Holland in southwestern Michigan.


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Brian Walters Photography

4) The Loop at Forest Dunes
Roscommon, Mich.

This Tom Doak gem was America's Best New Public course in 2016, according to Golf Digest. It's a walking-only course where golfers can carry their own bag, use a pushcart or take a caddie.


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Photo courtesy of Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort

Stoatin Brae opened in May 2017, and it's the sixth championship course at Gull Lake View GC & Resort. Designed by Tom Doak's Renaissance Group, this links-style course is a wide-open walk that's perfect for golfers who love to swing for the fences.


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Photo courtesy of Lakewood Shores Golf Resort

A little over 20 years ago, Golf Digest called The Gailes the No. 1 Public and Resort Course in the U.S. It's still very good, and one walkers will want to give a try.


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Photo courtesy of Grand Haven Golf Club

7) Grand Haven Golf Club
Grand Haven, Mich.

Open since 1965, Grand Haven Golf Club is located only a couple hundred yards from the shores of Lake Michigan and 40 minutes west of Grand Rapids. Course architects Bruce Matthews Sr. and his son Jerry Matthews refer to this affordable public course as "the Pine Valley of the Midwest."


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Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan Golf Course

Legendary golf course architect Alister MacKenzie is best known for creating two of the greatest private courses in the world — Augusta National and Cypress Point. He also designed the popular University of Michigan course in Ann Arbor, and there are ways for anyone to play it.