Michigan Golf Soars in Rankings: Discover the Best Courses to Play!

Sedona, Arizona - In an intriguing twist of fate, golfers at the Seven Canyons Golf Course in Sedona, Arizona, recently discovered a tarantula tucked away in a golf hole cup. Thankfully, this eight-legged intruder was safely removed, allowing players to return to their swings without a hitch. While Arizona might boast its own golfing quirks, it’s Michigan that has recently earned acclaim for its top-notch courses. Freep reports that the state is now ranked among the top 10 in the nation for both public and private golf courses, a significant achievement for the Great Lakes State.

Golfweek’s methodology, involving hundreds of raters who assess courses across ten criteria, has ranked Michigan tied for ninth place with Nebraska for public golf offerings. These evaluations consider everything from routing and conditioning to the variety of holes. Clearly, there’s a good deal to appreciate about Michigan’s golf scene.

Michigan’s Course Rankings

When diving into the specifics, Michigan’s top five public courses for 2025 shine brightly:

In addition to its public courses, Michigan also ranked ninth for elite private golf options, just behind Ohio and ahead of Florida. The state boasts a stellar lineup of private venues, including:

• Crystal Downs Country Club
• Oakland Hills Country Club (South)
• Kingsley Club
• Dunes Club
• Franklin Hills Country Club

In the elite private golf course rankings, Michigan stands out with a score of 7.78, while Florida’s private courses scored 7.74. It’s quite clear Michigan has a competitive edge when it comes to well-designed layouts that golfers crave.

Comparative Rankings

When considering both public and private offerings together, Michigan ties for sixth place overall, alongside Nebraska, Wisconsin, and South Carolina, all flooring it with a combined score of 7.3. California and New York are leading the charge with stellar scores of 8.12 and 7.83, respectively. Florida lags slightly behind with a score of 7.64.

A solid golf experience is not just dependent on rankings. Golfweek’s evaluations provide insight into how each state is performing in terms of quality and player experience. Meanwhile, golf lovers in Arizona can also revel in their favorite pastime, with their top-rated public courses standing testament to the state’s vibrant golf culture. The top five public-access golf courses in Arizona include:

• We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro), Fort McDowell
• Wickenburg Ranch (Big Wick), Wickenburg
• Quintero Golf Club, Peoria
• TPC Scottsdale (Stadium), Scottsdale
• Golf Club at Dove Mountain (Saguaro/Tortolita), Marana

With 30 courses ranking in Arizona, it’s evident that the local community is quite taken by the sport. Rankings from AZCentral highlight the excellent public access available to enthusiasts, proving that golf is alive and well in the desert landscape as much as it is in the lush terrains of Michigan.

As Michigan and Arizona continue to grow in reputation, one thing’s for sure: golfers are spoiled for choice no matter where they choose to tee off. Whether you’re navigating the greens in Michigan’s idyllic landscapes or enjoying the Arizona sunshine, golf in these states is more than just a game; it’s an experience worth savoring. For an insider’s peek into Michigan’s best public golf courses, check out the annual rankings by GolfPass, showcasing an impressive selection based on genuine golfer reviews.