Traverse City to Gaylord, Michigan · Summer golf region

Planning a Golf Trip to Northern Michigan: Group Guide

Lake Michigan bluffs, northern woods and dozens of resort courses. Long summer days mean 36 holes is easy.

Best forMidwest groups who want lots of good golf at fair prices
Group size4–12 · 12–24 · 24+ golfers
Budget$$ Moderate
Best monthsJun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Trip styleValue · Stay & play resort

The courses to play

  • Arcadia Bluffs: The Bluffs and South courses, with dramatic Lake Michigan views.
  • Forest Dunes: Forest Dunes plus The Loop, a reversible Tom Doak course.
  • Treetops and Boyne: Big resort operations with multiple courses each. Good for large groups.

Getting there

AirportCodeDrive to the golf
Traverse CityTVC20 min to 1.5 hrs
DetroitDTW3–4 hrs

Check live flights to TVC on Google Flights →

Nonstop from 13 major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.. Group flying from different cities? →

When to go

June through September.

Group tip

The region is spread out, so pick one base town and keep drives under an hour. Boyne and Treetops package lodging and tee times for big groups.

Before you book

  1. Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
  2. Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
  3. Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
  4. Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
  5. Pick your format and build pairings.
Watch · 8 min7 Golf Trip Mistakes That Ruin the Trip (I've Made Them All)

How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.

Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.

FAQ

When is the best time for a Northern Michigan golf trip?

June through September. Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

What airport do you fly into for Northern Michigan?

Traverse City (TVC), 20 min to 1.5 hrs; Detroit (DTW), 3–4 hrs.

What are the best courses at Northern Michigan?

Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes, Treetops and Boyne.

Is Northern Michigan good for a group golf trip?

Best for: Midwest groups who want lots of good golf at fair prices. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24, 24+ golfers.

How far ahead should we book Northern Michigan?

For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.

Similar trips

Verona, New York · Northeast

Turning Stone

Three championship courses, including a former PGA Tour venue, plus a casino and resort under one roof.

$$ ModerateGroups 4–12, 12–24, 24+✈ SYR
Farmingdale, New York · Northeast

Bethpage State Park

Five public courses on Long Island, led by the Black, a U.S. Open, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup venue.

$ ValueGroups 4–12, 12–24✈ ISP
Farmington, Pennsylvania · Mid-Atlantic

Nemacolin

Two Pete Dye designs in the Laurel Highlands. Golf is for resort guests and members, so the stay comes first.

$$$$ LuxuryGroups 4–12✈ PIT