17 courses within 90 minutes of the beach house. Lakefront layouts, century-old classics, and championship designs — all at prices that will make you wonder why you ever paid big-city green fees.
Practically in the backyard. North Shore sits directly on the Green Bay shoreline, and multiple holes offer wide-open views of the water. The original 9 were laid out by Alex Jolley in 1926, with a second 9 added in 1976 and a Gil Miller redesign in 1998. At $19 for 18 holes walking, it might be the best deal in golf — anywhere. Grab your clubs, drive two minutes, and you're teeing off with Lake Michigan as your backdrop.
northshoregolfup.comThe oldest course in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Founded in 1901 when the leading golfers of Menominee and Marinette formed a joint club, the original layout was designed by the legendary Tom Bendelow — the man who shaped hundreds of early American courses. Later renovated by Roger Packard, Riverside winds along the Menominee River through mature tree-lined fairways with small, undulating greens that punish lazy approach shots. It was private for over a century before opening to the public in 2009. Play where U.P. golf began.
riversideccgolf.comMarinette's home course since 1915, perched on the shores of Green Bay. The par 3s are sneaky tough and the tree-lined fairways make par a hard-earned number. They also run a heated indoor driving range for winter use — so yes, you can work on your swing even in January. The Friday Night Dinners at the clubhouse are a local staple.
littlerivercc.comThe longest course in the area at 7,155 yards from the tips. Designed by Vern Cramer and opened in 1996, this is a big, serious layout that rewards accuracy and course management. If you're the type who likes to be tested from the back tees, this is your spot. Great practice facilities including a six-tee driving range.
Book on GolfNowA classic small-town 9-holer established in 1934 with bent grass greens and well-groomed fairways. The third hole is a 502-yard par 5 that will test your long game. No frills, no pretension — just honest, affordable golf in a quiet Wisconsin town. Walking is welcome and encouraged.
A family-owned 9-hole course and restaurant just outside Oconto, open since 1970. Several ponds and a creek wind through the layout, creating risk-reward opportunities on nearly every hole. The on-site restaurant serves steaks, seafood, burgers, and pasta — so plan to stay for dinner after your round.
irishgreensgolf.comA third-generation, family-owned course in the quiet inland town of Stephenson, open since 1978. Named for the U.P.'s own area code, it's known for fast greens and a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere. Carts come equipped with GPS tablets. Great for beginners, families, or anyone who just wants a relaxed round in the northwoods.
906golf.comThe best championship-caliber course within an hour's drive. Designed by Rick Jacobson, ASGCA, and opened in 1998, Hunter's Glen features contoured, tree-lined fairways, vast natural areas, and undulating bent grass greens with complete irrigation throughout. It's considered one of the most challenging courses in northeast Wisconsin. The clubhouse deck overlooking the 18th green is a great place to recap your round.
golfhuntersglen.comThree distinct 9-hole loops — Red (par 32), White (par 35), and Blue (par 35) — let you mix and match for a different 18 every time. The original Red opened in 1962, the White followed in 1968, and the Blue was added in 1992. Terrific variety at every skill level. At 27 holes, you can play a full 18 and still have a fresh 9 waiting for tomorrow.
woodlandridgegolfcourse.comTwo courses in one: a relaxed executive front 9 ideal for warming up or playing with beginners, and a championship back 9 (added in 2000) that demands your full attention. The De Smidt family has owned it since 1989 and it shows — snow-white sand bunkers, crystal blue ponds on five holes, and over 20,000 flowers throughout the grounds. It's one of the most visually striking courses in the area.
desmidts.comDesigned by E. Lawrence Packard and opened in 1961, this meticulously manicured 9-holer sits on the banks of the Oconto River. A second set of tees gives you a different look when you loop around for 18. The clubhouse has been recently redecorated and the atmosphere is welcoming — you'll almost always find an open tee time.
riverislandgolf.comHome of the Island Resort Championship on the LPGA's Epson Tour since 2011, and the 2022 National Golf Course of the Year. Designed by Paul Albanese and Chris Lutzke (a longtime Pete Dye associate), Sweetgrass is a wide-open, prairie-links layout with fescue-lined fairways, dramatic mounding, and some of the most celebrated green designs in the Midwest — including a Redan, a Biarritz, an island green at the par-3 15th, and a spectacular shared double green where the 9th and 18th holes converge over water. The course is owned by the Hannahville Indian Community, and every hole is named for Potawatomi clans, medicines, and traditions. The winner of each year's Epson Tour event receives a tribal honor quilt handmade by a community elder. 36 holes of world-class golf, a casino, and a resort — this is a destination.
islandresortgolf.com/sweetgrassSweetgrass's wilder sibling. Opened in 2018 and ranked #4 among America's Best New Public Courses by Golf Digest, Sage Run is a rugged, Irish-inspired layout carved through 300 acres of U.P. hardwood forest atop a massive glacial drumlin — a ridge of earth left behind by the ice age that creates nearly 200 feet of elevation change. Where Sweetgrass is open and strategic, Sage Run is a roller coaster: dramatic downhill drives, intimidating uphill par 3s, and jagged fescue-edged bunkers around every turn. The 15th hole plunges from deep forest into a panoramic prairie view that will stop you mid-backswing. Also designed by Paul Albanese and named for one of the four sacred medicines of the Potawatomi people. Play both courses and make a weekend of it at the resort.
islandresortgolf.com/sage-runThe crown jewel of Upper Peninsula golf. Designed by Jerry Matthews in 1996, TimberStone earned a 5-star rating from Golf Digest and consistently appears on Golfweek's "Best Courses in America" list. Carved out of 240 acres of northwoods forest at Pine Mountain Resort, the signature par-3 17th plays 215 yards straight downhill to a challenging green — it's one of the most photographed holes in the Midwest. Six sets of tees make it playable for everyone. This is a bucket-list round.
pinemountainresort.comDelta County's oldest course, founded in 1915. The front nine has a classical, tree-lined feel, while the back nine opens up with water on six holes. The finishing hole — a 428-yard par 4 that plays all uphill to a green sitting 40 feet above the fairway — is considered one of the toughest closers in the U.P. The drive up M-35 along the Hidden Coast is worth the trip by itself.
escanabacc.comBuilt in the 1920s and expanded to 18 holes in the '70s, Oak Crest is named for the mature oak trees lining every fairway. Rolling terrain, undulating greens, and affordable rates make it a favorite among U.P. regulars. The Sand Trap Bar & Grill on-site is a solid 19th-hole stop.
oakcrestgolf.comSurrounded by thousands of acres of state forest with the Days River flowing through five holes, Gladstone is one of the most scenic courses in the Upper Peninsula. Narrow, sloping fairways demand accuracy off the tee, and the large, undulating greens will test your putting. The Friday Night Fish Fry at the clubhouse (May through September) is a local tradition.
gladstonegolf.com