Best Public Golf Courses in Detroit, Michigan
You don't need a membership to play great golf in Detroit. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.
Clarkston, Michigan · Arthur Hills (2000) · 27 holes · Par 72 · 7,204 yards
A 27-hole Arthur Hills design in Clarkston, Shepherd's Hollow is consistently ranked the top public course in metro Detroit. The layout winds through heavily wooded terrain with dramatic elevation changes, ravines, and excellent conditioning that rivals private clubs.
Auburn Hills, Michigan · Arthur Hills (1997) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,049 yards
An Arthur Hills design in Auburn Hills, Fieldstone offers a challenging semi-private experience through rolling Oakland County terrain. The layout features elevation changes, strategic water hazards, and bentgrass fairways that provide excellent playing conditions throughout the Michigan golf season.
Roscommon, Michigan · Tom Doak (2016) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,978 yards
The first reversible course in America, Tom Doak's The Loop at Forest Dunes plays as two completely different 18-hole courses depending on the direction. The Red routing winds clockwise through Michigan pine barrens with creative green complexes and no two rounds ever the same.
Arcadia, Michigan · Warren Henderson & Rick Smith (1999) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,300 yards
Perched 200 feet above Lake Michigan on dramatic sandy bluffs, Arcadia Bluffs offers Scottish links-style golf with breathtaking Great Lakes views from every hole. The windswept layout features fescue fairways, deep pot bunkers, and one of the most spectacular settings in American golf.
Bath, Michigan · Chris Lutzke (2005) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,354 yards
Part of the Hawk Hollow complex near Lansing, Eagle Eye is an ambitious design featuring replica holes inspired by famous courses worldwide. The 7,354-yard layout includes tributes to Augusta's 12th, Sawgrass's 17th, and St. Andrews' Road Hole, all set in rolling Michigan farmland.
Arcadia, Michigan · Warren Henderson & Rick Smith (1999) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,300 yards
Perched on 245-foot bluffs above Lake Michigan on the state's western coast, Arcadia Bluffs is one of the most dramatic resort courses in America. The links-style layout features windswept fescue, panoramic lake views from every hole, and a clifftop setting that draws frequent comparisons to the great Irish links.
Roscommon, Michigan · Tom Weiskopf (2002) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,104 yards
A Tom Weiskopf design in northern Michigan's pine and sand country, Forest Dunes is consistently ranked among the top public courses in America. The flowing layout through towering pines and sandy terrain features wide fairways, creative green complexes, and a peaceful Up North Michigan atmosphere.
Best Time to Play
May through October, with June through September offering the best conditions. Michigan summers feature pleasant temperatures in the 70s and 80s with long daylight hours. Fall color season in late September and October is stunning on tree-lined courses.
Booking Tips
For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is a Delta hub with strong national connections. Oakland Hills and most elite clubs are in the western suburbs (Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham). For Arcadia Bluffs, plan a 4-hour drive north or fly into Traverse City (TVC).
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