The calendar has turned to February, and that means golfers in Michigan are finally beginning to see the greenery buried underneath all that snow.
So, let’s start digging back into the best of Michigan golf by spotlighting the state’s three courses to make the list of the “Top 25 Most Improved Public Golf Courses.” The list is courtesy of GolfPass, which has been revealing its “Golfers’ Choice” rankings for 2025.
Here are the three Michigan golf courses who made the top 25 most improved label from golfers for play in 2024, with two of the tracks ranking atop the list.
11. The Summit at Shanty Creek, Bellaire
The Summit, one of five courses at one of the state’s best Up North resorts, is on the shorter side at 6,200-yard, par-71, but still holds up despite opening in 1965.
“It was nice to see that Shanty is putting some money into the Summit,” one reviewer wrote. “The changes made have been noticeable. New sand in bunkers better cart paths and actually green fairways. For 50 dollars, I’ll play again.”
The green fee is between $22-$50, GolfPass says.
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The course is designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Raymond Floyd, and is surrounded by protected wetlands and wildlife.
“The course has come a long way over the last two years,” a reviewer wrote. “Love the new carts. Bunkers were in great shape and the overall course was in great shape. Thanks to the new owners for the huge improvement.”
Green fees are $35-$45, per GolfPass.
Black Bear was, as recently as a few years ago, labeled among the worst conditioned tracks in the state. But that has apparently changed with new local ownership in charge for just more than a year. The club has joined up to be part of the Gaylord Golf Mecca, which includes 17 area courses.
“After a 10+ year hiatus we decided to give Black Bear another try after hearing that new owners had taken over,” a reviewer wrote. “It is back and super enjoyable. Probably the best golf value in Northern Michigan.”
“We feel like we turned the course conditioning around in our first summer,” co-owner Olivia Smith recently told gaylordgolfmecca.com. “We also did a clubhouse addition, added the Bear Bourbon Bar, we have golf simulators going in The Bear’s Den, the restaurant is open, new siding, a new deck, a second deck by the pro shop – we’ve been busy, and we are getting great feedback.”
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Green fees are between $28-$62, GolfPass says.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Black Bear Golf in Michigan ranked America’s most improved course
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