Golf is a great sport for both males and females at all stages of life. It offers wonderful exercise, a chance to spend time outdoors, is quite challenging, yet still relaxing. Unfortunately, however, golfing can be somewhat expensive. The cost for 18 holes on a municipal or public course in Michigan can cost anywhere from $20 to as much as $200 for an upscale public course. Below is a compiled list of 10 great “budget“ courses in Michigan. Some are municipal courses and other public courses. These were chosen not just for their economical prices, but also for esthetics, amenities/services, location and course layout.
North-East Michigan
Thunder Bay Golf Resort in Hillman, Michigan has breathtaking views. Nestled in the woods amongst many trees, ponds, lakes and marshes, Thunder Bay is a very challenging and enjoyable course. Rates at this lovely resort are surprisingly low. 18 holes with a cart runs around $40. This is not a course you want to walk because of its size.
North-West Michigan
Pinecroft Golf Course in Benzonia (about 30 miles outside of Traverse City) was rated by Golf Digest as a “Great Value Course”. The course offers views of Crystal Lake and beautiful Northern Michigan. The cost to play this course varies depending upon season. The price range is $25-$33 without a cart, and $37-$40 with a cart. Twilight rates are considerably less.
Antrim Dells Public Golf Course was given a four star rating by Golf Digest. The course is located just off U.S. 31 about 12 miles outside of Charlevoix. With beautiful views of Lake Michigan, this is a picturesque course with an interesting and challenging design. You can also enjoy lunch/dinner at Antrim Dells’ restaurant. Green fees range from $36-$55 for 18 holes with a cart (you don’t want to walk this one either).
Katke Golf Course on the campus of Ferris State University is truly a great bargain for golfers. It offers a beautiful course with rolling hills and water hazards, a clubhouse with restaurant, pro shop, practice facility and more. Green fees for 18 holes are $20-$23 without a cart. Carts can be rented for $10 on weekdays, and $12 on the weekend.
South-East Michigan
Forest Akers Golf Course is on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. This course was rated by Zagat as one of the "100 best golf values in America", and by Golf Week as one of the best collegiate courses. The cost for 18 holes on the East Course ranges from $25-$27. The West Course is the home of Michigan State’s golf program and is slightly more expensive with prices ranging from $40 - $44 for 18 holes. Golf cart fees for 18 holes are $16.
Fellows Creek Golf Club in Canton (a.k.a. Canton Municipal Golf Club) offers all the amenities of a private club - banquet facilities, pro shop, restaurant, golf school, leagues and more. You can play 18 holes on this course for under $32. Special rates are available for juniors (under 16), seniors (over 55) and twilight golfers.
Ironwood Links Golf Course in Mason just outside of Lansing is another great deal. In addition to a great executive style course, Ironwood offers many of the amenities of a country club - restaurant, clubhouse and pro shop. 18 holes is $27 and the golf cart only $5.
South-West Michigan
Evergreen Executive Golf Course in Grand Haven Township is about 30 miles outside of Grand Rapids. It is family owned and managed. The course was actually designed by it‘s owner. It is a par 60 course and extremely beautiful and challenging. You can sneak a view of nature while teeing off. The cost for this course is unbelievable. You can play 18 holes for $18 on weekdays, and $25 on weekends. Golf cart fees are $8 for 18 holes.
Rated as the 18th best public course in Michigan, Brookwood Golf Course in Buchanan, Michigan (almost to the Indiana border) is a hot golf spot. Built in the late 60’s/early 70’s, the course is gorgeous with a mostly undisturbed/natural environment. The cost for 18 holes is $18 - $24 if walking, and $30-$36 with a cart.
Braeside Golf Course in Rockford, Michigan is truly a great bargain. It is a great place for weekend golfing with friends. Green fees are only $18-$23 without a cart, and $25-$32 with a cart. Pull carts are complimentary, and you can’t beat the prices in the café. Can you believe you can still get a burger for only $3, and a hot dog for $2? Rockford is just outside of Grand Rapids.
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