Imagine the rush of teeing off on a golf course you've never set foot on before – that exhilarating mix of anticipation and discovery that makes every swing feel like an adventure! In 2025, I took on a personal challenge that had nothing to do with diets, workouts, or heartfelt declarations. Instead, I committed to exploring five public golf courses in Michigan for the very first time. And while the exact lineup didn't match the ones I highlighted earlier this year (check out my original picks here: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/golf/2025/05/12/best-michigan-golf-courses-public-the-orchards-forest-dunes-eagle-eye/83511648007/), I succeeded in my quest without a hitch. There's something truly magical about pulling into a parking area and catching your first glimpse of unfamiliar landscapes waiting to unfold. That initial stroll to the starting tee, where you'll spend the next four hours or so navigating a fresh canvas, is liberating and downright thrilling. Of course, everyone has their go-to courses they return to year after year, those comforting spots we know like the back of our hand. But venturing into the unknown? That's pure tantalization, much like eagerly awaiting that long-anticipated Thanksgiving dinner, ready to savor every bite. And this is the part most people miss – the hidden gems that could become your new favorites if you dare to step off the beaten path.
Here's a breakdown of my experiences at each of those five Michigan public golf courses I conquered for the first time in 2025.
The Orchards Golf Club, Washington Township
I visited in mid-June.
What the buzz is about: The Orchards (https://www.orchards.com/) has earned consistent praise as one of metro Detroit's premier public courses, according to the Free Press – including a No. 2 ranking in 2022 (our latest roundup: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/golf/2022/09/09/top-10-public-golf-courses-michigan-metro-detroit-free-press-ranking/7854698001/) and crowning as Macomb County's top spot in 2025 (details here: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/golf/2025/06/12/the-orchards-free-press-top-public-golf-course-macomb-county/84138902007/). Finally getting to play it, I wasn't let down by this sprawling 525-acre layout nestled in an apple orchard. The massive sand traps, wide-open fairways, and diverse hole designs really shine, and it's the only Michigan course crafted by renowned designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. (learn more about his influence: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/carlos-monarrez/2022/09/02/the-orchards-golf-metro-detroit-top-10-public-courses-robert-trent-jones-jr/65468973007/). Even with a bit of rain and some errant shots, the enjoyment was unbeatable. For beginners, this course offers forgiving spaces to learn and recover from mistakes, making it an ideal spot to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Tullymore Golf Resort, Stanwood
I played in mid-August.
What the buzz is about: Designed by Jim Engh, this is a true approach-shot paradise – meaning the emphasis is on those crucial second shots into the green, where strategy and precision really count. Tullymore (https://www.tullymoregolf.com/), which made our list of top-10 Michigan vacation golf destinations in 2018 (see the full ranking: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/golf/2018/06/21/michigan-top-10-vacation-golf-courses/711839002/), sprawls across 800 acres of lush woods and wetlands. The standout features are the quirky, multi-level greens that beg for repeat visits to master different pin placements or adapt to changing conditions. It's a golfer's paradise focused purely on the game itself. But here's where it gets controversial – some players might argue that courses too heavily skewed toward approach play can frustrate those who prefer a balanced test of driving and putting.
Timber Trace Golf Club, Pinckney
I teed off in early September.
What the buzz is about: Timber Trace (https://timbertracegolf.com/) turned out to be a delightful revelation, and the new ownership team deserves applause for revitalizing what was once a struggling track (photos of the transformation: https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/golf/2025/05/10/timber-trace-golf-club-photos-pinckney/83521955007/). Surrounded by trees without feeling cramped, I never experienced that suffocating pressure off the tee that plagues some courses. Generous fairways allow for solid drives, but stray too far into the woods or rough, and you'll pay the price. The approaches offer a bit of forgiveness on the right side, too. Plus, it's an excellent value. Beginners, take note: this course teaches the importance of accuracy without being unduly harsh, providing a gentle learning curve.
Northville Hills Golf Club, Northville
I played in early September.
What the buzz is about: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this Arnold Palmer-designed gem (https://www.northvillehillsgolfclub.com/) is impeccably kept and strikes a perfect balance between enjoyment and difficulty. The speedy, undulating greens steal the show, complemented by eye-catching bunkers and hidden dangers that punish sloppy plays. Stick to those ample fairways, and you'll have chances to drain putts that would make The King himself proud. For those new to golf, the layout encourages thoughtful shot selection, helping you understand how hazards can turn a good round into a great one.
Forest Dunes Golf Club, Roscommon
I visited in late September.
What the buzz is about: Forest Dunes (https://forestdunesgolf.com/) was built with golf at its core, boasting 64 holes currently (including the reversible Red and Black on The Loop), and a members-only course called SkyFall on the way (more on that: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/golf/2025/01/30/forest-dunes-new-course-skyfall-gil-hanse-jim-wagner-michigan/78030512007/). The original layout lives up to its name, weaving through forests with plenty of bends before reaching sandy dunes. Created by Tom Weiskopf, a former British Open winner who passed in 2022 (his legacy: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/golf/2022/08/21/tom-weiskopf-golf-forest-dunes-course-michigan-roscommon/7860056001/), it includes his trademark short par-4 on No. 17. The par-3 holes (especially Nos. 3, 11, and 16) dazzle with their blend of wild landscapes – think tall grasses, dunes, and sand traps against a backdrop of majestic trees. The atmosphere is spotless, and nearby attractions like The Bootlegger par-3 course (https://forestdunesgolf.com/play-the-bootlegger) and The Loop scream 'must-do overnight golf getaway.' My playing partner, Zach from Rochester, had a blast, sinking four straight birdies from Nos. 2-5 on his way to six total – a unforgettable highlight. For novices, this course showcases golf's natural beauty while offering varied challenges to keep things engaging.
Is exploring new courses the key to rekindling your golf passion, or do you stick to tried-and-true favorites? Do rankings like ours truly reflect the best experiences, or is it all subjective? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you've stumbled upon underrated Michigan gems or if you disagree with any of these takes!
Marlowe Alter (https://www.freep.com/staff/2647025001/marlowe-alter/) is an assistant sports editor at the Detroit Free Press (https://www.freep.com/sports/). Reach out via email at: malter@freepress.com.
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