Traverse City Golf Trip Planning Guide
Northern Michigan's crown jewel pairs world-class golf — headlined by the clifftop links of Arcadia Bluffs — with a booming wine trail, craft beer scene, and stunning Lake Michigan sunsets. Traverse City delivers a full-spectrum trip.
Quick Facts
Summer, Fall
TVC (10 min drive)
$69–$350
$600/night
4 of 7
~$483/person
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic 3-day itinerary for a group golf trip to Traverse City. Every venue below is real and pulled from our curated database — no filler.
Day 1
Crystal Downs Country Club — links, $250–$350 · 4.9★
Top-10 course in the world (Alister MacKenzie/Perry Maxwell) — strictly private, need a member invite
The Boathouse Restaurant — seafood, $$$ · 4.4★
Right on the water at the Traverse City marina — Great Lakes perch and whitefish
The Workshop Brewing Company — brewpub
Craft beer in a converted warehouse — large outdoor area, food trucks, live music
Day 2
Arcadia Bluffs - Bluffs Course — links, $175–$275 · 4.8★
Clifftop links 200 feet above Lake Michigan — jaw-dropping views on every hole
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour — half day, $30–$80/pp
9 wineries on a single peninsula — Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and cherry wines with bay views
Trattoria Stella — italian, $$$$ · 4.7★
Northern Italian in a converted psychiatric hospital — one of the best restaurants in Michigan
7 Monks Taproom — sports bar · Open late
50+ taps of Michigan craft beer, TVs everywhere, solid food menu
Day 3
Arcadia Bluffs - South Course — heathland, $125–$195 · 4.6★
Reversible heathland-style course inspired by The Old Course — play it in two directions
Grand Traverse Bay Boat Rental — half day, $60–$120/pp
Pontoon or powerboat on crystal-clear Grand Traverse Bay — swimming, tubing, sunset cruises
Red Ginger — sushi, $$$ · 4.5★
Pan-Asian with excellent sushi — private dining room fits big groups
Rare Bird Brewpub — brewpub
Neighborhood brewery with award-winning IPAs and a laid-back patio
Course-by-Course Guide
Traverse City has 7 courses worth playing, including 2 bucket-list tier layouts. 4 are walkable if you want to save on cart fees.
Where to Stay
Traverse City has 2 group-friendly lodging options in our database, starting at $600/night for the whole house. Several options include hot tubs — a non-negotiable for most groups.
$800–$2500 /night
Old Mission Peninsula and East/West Bay lakefront homes
$600–$1500 /night
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa area
Group Dining Guide
6 restaurants vetted for group golf trips. Several can handle large parties without a reservation headache.
The Boathouse Restaurant
$$$Right on the water at the Traverse City marina — Great Lakes perch and whitefish
Trattoria Stella
$$$$Northern Italian in a converted psychiatric hospital — one of the best restaurants in Michigan
Red Ginger
$$$Pan-Asian with excellent sushi — private dining room fits big groups
Firefly
$$New American with local farm partnerships — outdoor patio overlooking downtown
Bubba's
$No-frills BBQ joint with massive portions — brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken
Boone's Long Lake Inn
$$$Rustic Northern Michigan charm with legendary steaks, prime rib, and generous portions in a warm lakeside setting
Nightlife
5 bars curated for groups. 3 stay open past midnight.
The Workshop Brewing Company
Craft beer in a converted warehouse — large outdoor area, food trucks, live music
7 Monks Taproom
Late night50+ taps of Michigan craft beer, TVs everywhere, solid food menu
Rare Bird Brewpub
Neighborhood brewery with award-winning IPAs and a laid-back patio
Low Bar
Late nightSpeakeasy-style cocktail lounge below street level — craft drinks, dim lighting
U&I Lounge
Late nightBeloved local dive bar since 1938 — cheap drinks, pool tables, zero pretense
Activities Beyond Golf
5 off-course activities for rest days or afternoons.
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour
9 wineries on a single peninsula — Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and cherry wines with bay views
Grand Traverse Bay Boat Rental
Pontoon or powerboat on crystal-clear Grand Traverse Bay — swimming, tubing, sunset cruises
Sleeping Bear Dunes Hike
Named 'Most Beautiful Place in America' by Good Morning America — massive sand dunes on Lake Michigan
TC Brewery Crawl
Hit Workshop, Rare Bird, Right Brain, and Filling Station — all walkable downtown
Traverse City Fly Fishing
Wade or float the Boardman, Manistee, or Pere Marquette rivers for trout and salmon
Getting There
Fly into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) — it's a 10-minute drive to Traverse City. For groups of 8+, consider booking a shuttle or party bus from the airport (local providers include TC Party Bus and Northern Michigan Limo). Renting two SUVs usually works for groups of 4-8.