One Of America’s Best Summer Golf Destinations
Northern Michigan’s golf corridor from Petoskey to Harbor Springs attracts nearly 2 million annual visitors, with 15% to 20% playing golf between mid-May and October, according to Jim Powell, executive director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. The region draws players from Michigan and “drive states” including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Canada, as well as fly markets in New York, Georgia, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Powell stated the local population likely triples during the summer months. To expand its reach, the region has begun marketing in Dallas, Texas, targeting golfers from hot-weather states like New Mexico, Texas, and Florida who seek milder temperatures during the summer season.
Why is Northern Michigan a top golf destination?
The region offers a concentration of high-condition courses with significant elevation changes and proximity to lakes. According to visitor data, the area is a four-season destination where late summer sunsets allow for 36 holes of play in a single day.
Demand for the area is high, particularly for lodging. Some visitors have reported that cottages for late summer trips may require booking a year in advance to secure availability.
Which courses define the region’s golf experience?
Four courses stand out for their championship pedigree and design. The Heather at The Highlands, a 7,143-yard Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design opened in 1966, serves as the home of the EPSON Tour’s Great Lakes Championship.
The Alpine at Boyne Mountain spans 7,045 yards and hosts Michigan’s Tournament of Champions annually. In Petoskey, the 6,845-yard Links/Quarry combination at Bay Harbor Golf Club features a back nine carved into an old shale quarry and finishes at Little Traverse Bay.
Belvedere Golf Club provides a vintage 6,943-yard layout. Recent modifications to the course include the removal of several trees and upgraded tee decks to improve playability.
What activities complement a golf trip to Petoskey?
Visitors can access various non-golf activities, including water sports, wine tasting, and art fairs. Local attractions include scenic biking and walking trails, chocolate sampling, and a historic bar stool used by Ernest Hemingway in downtown Petoskey.
While weather in the region can be unpredictable, the destination is described as more affordable than many traditional golf hubs. The landscape becomes notably colorful as the autumn season begins.
What may happen next for the region?
The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau’s new marketing efforts in Dallas may lead to an increase in visitors from Texas. If this trend continues, the region could see a higher percentage of fly-in golfers throughout the summer months.
Given the current lodging shortages, the area may experience a continued trend of visitors booking accommodations a year in advance to ensure availability during sold-out summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the golf season in Northern Michigan?
The season typically runs from mid-May through the end of October, depending on how the region emerges from winter.
Which course is the oldest mentioned in the region?
Belvedere Golf Club is a classic layout that has been in operation since 1925.
What makes the Bay Harbor Golf Club unique?
The course combines views of Lake Michigan with a back nine carved into an old shale quarry.
Would you prefer a vintage course layout or a modern championship design for your next golf trip?