Hit the Green at These Metro Detroit Golf Courses

Whether it’s a course filled with scenic Michigan landscapes, challenging layouts, or designed by one of golf’s greatest, check out the best public places to play a round in metro Detroit.
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Photograph by Steve Momot via Pexels.com

Summer is in full swing, and for many Michiganders, the long, warm summer days means it’s time to golf. As a game you can play with friends, colleagues, or all by yourself, golf is a great way to spend some time outside and enjoy a fun challenge β€” and with more than 650 public golf courses in Michigan, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy the game without needing a membership.

Between courses that host fabulous views, driving ranges, incredible Michigan scenery, and those that are designed by famous player Arnold Palmer, you’ll be entertained and challenged by these nine public courses all summer long!

Pine Trace Golf Course

Utilizing much of the natural scenic life on the course, Pine Trace hosts different challenges and beautiful views. Designer Arthur Hills created his courses for β€œanyone and everyone to enjoy,” and Pine Trace is a great example – with a driving range, four distinct tee levels, and an attached pro shop. Weekdays $40-$68. Weekend prices vary. Open every day. Pine Trace Golf Course, ; 248-852-7100; .Μύ

Moose Ridge

Located on a former raspberry farm and paintball battleground, Moose Ridge Golf Course was ranked as one of the β€œβ€ by the Detroit Free Press in 2022. With its lush scenery and cabin-like club house, this course is said to have a classic β€œUp North” feel, and stuns visitors with its attention to detail and unique challenge. Fuel up before or after the round at Moose Grille. $48-$92. Open every day. Moose Ridge Golf Course,; 248-446-9030; .

Coyote Preserve

Designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, Coyote Preserve is a great place for all your golf-related needs including a challenging course, pro shop, stocked clubhouse, driving range, and event menu. With easy access from US-23, this course is a great place to meet up with your golf buddies, for a business meeting, or to host your league, according to the course’s website. Nicknamed the β€œCoyote Trap” the par 5-3-5 finish is a grand finale for golfers. Weekdays $35-60, weekends $59-90; senior discounts available. Open every day. Coyote Preserve Golf Course, ; 810-714-3206; .

The Orchards Golf Course

Combine city and country at The Orchards. Inspired by private clubs in the β€˜20s and designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., The Orchards offers a challenge at each hole. Plus, you can see the Detroit skyline 40 miles away when you stand on the first tee on a clear day! Stop in at The Orchards Grill for a celebratory meal after the game. Nine holes midweek $35-$45, 18 holes midweek $55-$65. Weekend and senior rates vary. Open seven days a week. The Orchards Golf Course,; 586-786-7200; .

Northville Hills Golf ClubΜύ

One of the two courses in metro Detroit designed by Arnold Palmer, Northville Hills incorporates much of what Michigan golf has to offer: woodlands, wetlands, lakes, and rolling slopes. Water comes into play on 14 holes. Before you start the course, eat at The Turning Point Grill, and download the Northville Hills app for easy access to tee time bookings, ordering food, and live scoring. Weekdays 9 holes $30-55, 18 holes $50-79. Weekend and senior prices vary. Open seven days a week. Northville Hills Golf Club, ; 734-667-4653; .

Rouge Park Golf Course

Both the golf course and driving range opened in 1928 as part of the Detroit Park System. Rouge Park offers a β€œ72 par golf course playing 6,325 yards from the longest tees.” Well known for its wide fairways and the river flowing through the course, Rouge Park offers a fun challenge for all golfers with water hazards coming into play on nine different holes. In fact, Hole #2 is considered one of the more difficult holes in Detroit. Weekdays $20-$26. Weekend prices vary. Cart rental is $6. Open seven days a week. Rouge Park Golf Course, ; 313-837-5900; .

Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center

Winner of β€˜Best Public Golf Course’ in β€˜Best of Detroit 2023’, Fox Hills hosts 63 holes, three clubhouses, and two driving ranges on its 500 acres of scenery. The three diverse courses – The Golden Fox, Fox Classic, and Strategic Fox Courses – are each accompanied with clubhouses, golf shops, and dining areas. The property also features a Short Game practice area and Golf Performance Center for golf instruction and club fitting all year long. Weekdays $18-$55. Weekends and senior prices vary. Open seven days a week. Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center, ; 734-453-7272; .Μύ

Shepherd’s Hollow Golf ClubΜύ

With a unique history, this course is special to metro Detroit as a finalist for β€œBest Public Golf Course” in Best of Detroit 2023. Built on 420 acres once owned by Jesuits, Shepherd’s Hollow is uniquely secluded and incredibly scenic. As this course offers wide fairways and greens that require shots most golfers don’t often experience, it is said β€œthe first demand of a player is an imagination.” The course also offers clubhouse and terrace dining, banquet, wedding, and club events, as well as a full-service driving range and practice center. $40-$75. Open seven days a week. Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, ; 248-922-0300; .

Sylvan Glen Golf Course

As a traditional tree-lined course with a classic American design and four sets of tees, Sylvan Glen is perfect for all-around family fun and offers a challenge for both experienced golfers and beginners. Dine in the hunting lodge interior of Camp Ticonderoga, right next to the putting green. When the snow falls in the winter, the course offers sledding and cross-country skiing, so you can visit all year long! Weekdays $56, $40 after 6 p.m. Weekends $65, $47 after 3 p.m. Open seven days a week. Sylvan Glen Golf Course, ; 248-619-7692; .

For more recreational activities and things to do in metro Detroit, visit hourdetroit.com. Μύ

This post has been updated for 2024.Μύ

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