If you’re heading to Ann Arbor and you play golf, you’re in luck. This area punches well above its weight when it comes to quality courses. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just passing through Southeast Michigan, here are five courses worth putting on your list.
The University of Michigan Golf Course is the one most people don’t know about until they play it, and then they can’t stop talking about it. It was designed by Alister MacKenzie, the same architect behind Augusta National and Cypress Point. That alone should tell you something. The course opened in 1931 and has held up beautifully. It’s a public course, which means you don’t need to know anyone to get on. If you appreciate golf history and architecture, this one is non-negotiable.
Stonebridge Golf Club is the go-to for players who want a serious test. Designed by Arthur Hills and stretching over 6,900 yards, it’s consistently ranked among the top public courses in the Metro Detroit area. The layout is clean, the conditions are well-maintained, and it has the kind of feel that makes you want to come back. It’s a full-service club with a pro shop, driving range, and a restaurant, so you can make a full day of it.
Leslie Park Golf Course is the kind of course that surprises people. It’s a municipal course, so expectations can be modest going in. But Leslie Park earned the title of Golf Digest’s number one municipal course in Michigan, and you can feel why when you play it. The rolling hills and tree-lined fairways give it a parkland feel that holds up against courses charging twice the green fee. If you’re looking for value without sacrificing quality, this is your spot.
Eagle Crest Golf Club sits just outside Ann Arbor in Ypsilanti, and it’s worth the short drive. The course borders Ford Lake, and several holes run right along the water, including the par-5 16th, a peninsula green that USA Today named one of Detroit’s most memorable holes. At over 7,100 yards from the tips, it’s a genuine challenge, but 12 sets of tees make it accessible for all skill levels. Eagle Crest is operated by Eastern Michigan University and has a full practice facility and bar and grille on site.
Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center in nearby Plymouth rounds out the list, and it earns its spot because of variety. With 63 total holes across three distinct courses (Golden Fox, Fox Classic, and Strategic Fox), there’s something for every type of golfer in your group. Golden Fox is the championship links-style experience. Fox Classic plays through parkland and lakes. And Strategic Fox is the 18-hole par-3 course if you want to sharpen your short game. Fox Hills has been one of Michigan’s premier public golf destinations for over 40 years, and the reputation is well-earned.
Ann Arbor doesn’t always get mentioned in the same breath as top golf destinations, but it should. The combination of history, design, and accessibility here is hard to match. If you’ve got a few days in the area and a set of clubs in your car, any one of these five courses is worth your time.
If you want help planning a trip or have questions about the area, I’m happy to point you in the right direction.
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