Best Golf Courses in Southeast Michigan

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

A while back we reviewed the best public golf courses in Michigan.  As you might recall, one of my best friends from college moved to Ann Arbor and loved it.  He’s still there by the way. 

I’ve made a few trips to see Dan and we play golf every time I go.  On our latest sojourn, we explored the Southeast part of the state, near his home.  We were in for a treat.

Along with input from our ever-helpful readers, we’ve compiled a list of the best courses you play in this part of the Great Lake State.

One of the oldest courses in Michigan is Washtenaw Golf Club.  It dates all the way back to 1899. 

Located in the town of Ypsilanti, this is a classic old school design.  The fairways are narrow and lined by centuries old trees.  The small greens are undulating and hard to hit.  Bunkers guard the fronts of most.

When you visit this facility, you feel like you’re stepping back in time.  It’s hard to explain, but it’s like the clock stopped long ago. 

If you have an appreciation for classic designs that ask the most from your game, I can attest that Washtenaw Golf Club more than lives up to expectations.

 

Tanglewood is almost a century newer than Washtenaw.  That’s reflected in its design.  The layout is fairly wide open and gives you room off the tee.  Green complexes are large and undulating.

The best part about Tanglewood?  There’s 27 holes of spectacular golf to choose from.  Each nine offers its own unique experience and will test every club in your bag.

For a premier public golf experience, make time for a round or two at Tanglewood.

 

 

Just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Detroit, you’ll find Mystic Creek Golf Club. 

When you come to Mystic Creek, you’ll truly be getting away from it all on 27 holes that aren’t surrounded by houses.  The courses are set on the site of historic Camp Dearborn where the natural world comes to life. 

Each of the nines offers a different set of challenges and all three are in exceptional condition.

Peaceful is the word I’d use to describe playing golf at Mystic Creek.

 

   

One of the best values in the Detroit area is Fern Hill Golf Club. 

The course far surpasses its expected value, however.  It’s always in wonderful condition and the experience is complete.

This is a user-friendly track perfect for a casual round with friends or family.  If you haven’t been playing your best, Fern Hill is a great spot to get some confidence back.

Having played Fern Hill myself, I’d recommend it to anyone.

Sanctuary Lake sits on 190 pristine acres.

This links design is playable for golfers of all abilities and provides a stern test from all the way back. 

Over 80 bunkers come into both from the tee and into the green.  The greens themselves are small targets.  Accuracy is more important than length. 

If you want to work a new swing thought, you’ve come to the right place at Sanctuary Lake.  The practice facility has more than 70 hitting stations and plenty of targets for every club in your bag.

A unique experience awaits at Sanctuary Lake.

Fox Creek is owned and operated by the city of Livonia.  It’s the newest course in the city’s rota and opened in 1988. 

The front nine is significantly longer than the back nine but is forgiving of errant shots.  Conversely, the back nine is tighter and demands precision. 

Water also comes into play on 13 holes and bunkers are prevalent.  This is a ball striker’s course. 

When you’re finished with your round, grab a bite and refreshment at Coach’s Corner Bar and Grill.  The service is friendly and the fare exquisite.

 

Constructed in 1923 by the late, great Robert Herndon, Dearborn Hills has provided an excellent experience for area golfers for a long time.

This is a short course but it’s ripe with character.  Subtle humps and bumps throughout can be expected.  The greens are tricky to read for even the best putters, so be sure to roll a few extra putts before you tee off.

Dearborn Hills has a loyal following and it’s not difficult to see why.

Taylor Meadows was designed by the infamous Arthur Hills. 

This classic parkland design will test your game from tee to green.  Holes dogleg in either direction so you’ll have to move full shots both ways. 

The fairways are narrow and lined by trees.  Greens present small targets and are well guarded.

An idyllic setting for a solid test of golf.

St. Clair Shores is owned and operated by the city.  Unlike a lot of city-owned facilities though, this course is always in great condition. 

Opened in 1975, this track isn’t the longest in the world, but it’s fun to play and still presents a challenge.

Four sets of tees give you plenty of options to choose from.

One of the better city-owned courses in the upper Midwest, don’t miss a chance to play St. Clair Shores.

 

Another great option for golf in the town of Taylor is Lakes of Taylor Golf Course. 

Designed by Arthur Hills and opened in 1995, this is one of the longer courses in the area measuring more than 7,000 yards from the back tees. 

Modern design features include rolling hills, expansive greens, and large bunkers.

When you play here, you’ll have the chance to hit a variety of shots both into and around the greens.

A treat to play, I can’t say enough about Lakes of Taylor.

 

Conclusion

Having visited my friend Dan a number of times at his home in Southeast Michigan, I’ve come to love the area and all it’s options for public golf.

There are more than enough courses to choose from and there’s plenty of variety.

If you haven’t made it to this part of the country to play golf, you’re missing out. 

Thanks to my friend, Dan, and all of our readers that made this guide possible.  If you have more to add, feel free to let us know in the comments below.