Best season
Jun – Sep
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Trip cost · per golfer
$1,700–$3,800
3-night trip
Nearest airport
TVC
8 mi · Traverse City
Difficulty
Medium
Handicap 10–30
Overview
Traverse City, Michigan, offers a captivating blend of championship golf courses, stunning lakeside scenery, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it an ideal destination for golfers seeking both challenge and relaxation.
Top courses
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
Design by Rick Smith · Par 72 · 7,300 yds
A links-style masterpiece with dramatic elevation changes and stunning Lake Michigan views. Book tee times well in advance, especially for weekend play, and don't forget to walk the course for the full experience.
Design by Tom Doak · Par 72 · 6,800 yds
A unique reversible course offering a distinct routing each day, designed for walking. Play both routings if possible to truly appreciate Doak's ingenious design; caddies are highly recommended for first-timers.
Design by Jack Nicklaus · Par 72 · 7,078 yds
A challenging Jack Nicklaus signature course known for its deep bunkers and undulating greens. Be prepared for a true test of golf; focus on accurate iron play and putting to score well on this demanding course.
Design by Arnold Palmer · Par 72 · 7,062 yds
A beautiful Arnold Palmer design winding through rolling terrain with scenic views of Lake Michigan. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and take advantage of the generous fairways, but be mindful of the subtle elevation changes.
Stay & play
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
Resort
A full-service luxury resort with golf, spa, and dining, offering stunning bay views.
Hotel
Historic downtown hotel offering classic charm and convenient access to Traverse City's attractions.
Boutique Hotel
Boutique hotel on the waterfront with modern amenities and vibrant decor.
Hotel/Suite
Family-friendly hotel with indoor/outdoor pools and excellent views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Off the course
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Explore massive sand dunes, beautiful beaches, and scenic overlooks within this national park.
Visit numerous wineries offering tours and tastings amidst stunning vineyard and bay views.
Enjoy miles of paved trails for biking and walking through scenic landscapes.
Rent watercraft and explore the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay.
Embark on a fishing expedition for salmon or trout in Lake Michigan or inland lakes.
Itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
Day 1
Land at TVC, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge.
Day 2
Morning tee time at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs Course). Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Amical.
Day 3
Early tee time at Manitou Passage Golf Club, light lunch, then transfer back to TVC.
Budget
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging 3 nights · $243/nt | $729 |
Golf 2 rounds · $142 avg | $284 |
Food & drink ~$110/day | $330 |
Ground transport Rideshare + cart fees | $180 |
Flights Search Skyscanner for live fares | Variable |
| Estimated total · per golfer | $1,523 |
Season
Great Lakes
When to book: 1-3 months out
Dining
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
American Fine Dining
Perched atop Grand Traverse Resort, Aerie offers panoramic bay views and exquisite cuisine.
Seafood
A waterfront gem on Bowers Harbor Inn property, serving fresh seafood with stunning views.
European Bistro
Charming downtown bistro known for its delicious European-inspired dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Pub Food
Popular brewery with a diverse menu of pub fare and a wide selection of craft beers.
Mexican
Lively spot for creative tacos, street corn, and margaritas in a vibrant setting.
Italian
Award-winning Italian restaurant renowned for its authentic dishes and extensive wine list.
After dark
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Outdoor Bar/Food Trucks
An outdoor food truck park with a central bar, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
Brewpub
Popular downtown spot for craft beer enthusiasts, featuring a wide selection of brews and a relaxed vibe.
Distillery/Cocktail Bar
Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and whiskeys in their tasting room, often with live music.
Tee times
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Jun – Sep (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep). Great Lakes
Plan on $1,700–$3,800 per golfer for a 3-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
TVC, about 8 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via Traverse City.
3 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 2 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Yes — popular with Family, Couples. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
Lock in tee times on GolfNow, secure your stay on Booking.com, or let our AI planner build the entire itinerary for your group in under a minute.
MyTeeTrip earns a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
Trip snapshot
Related guides
USA guide
From the Monterey cliffs to Carolina sandhills, these are the trips every American golfer should put on the list.
USA rankings
Twelve trips that define American golf — from Monterey cliffs to Carolina sandhills, ranked by course pedigree, lodging and weather windows.
Public access guide
You don't need a member's invitation to play the best courses in America. These resorts are open to anyone willing to book the trip.