8th Green on The Quarry Course
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Bay Harbor Golf Club

4.7
·402 reviews·Petoskey, United States

Experience world-class golf with stunning Lake Michigan vistas across three unique Arthur Hills-designed courses. A true golfer's paradise.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calmer winds, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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8th Green on The Quarry Course

Bay Harbor Golf Club

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calmer winds, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience world-class golf with stunning Lake Michigan vistas across three unique Arthur Hills-designed courses. A true golfer's paradise.

4.7
(402 reviews)

"This is probably one of the best courses you will ever get a chance to play! From the tee box to the green!"

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TIP

🎯 Choose Your 9s Wisely

Mix and match The Links, Quarry, and Preserve for unique 18-hole experiences. The Links and Quarry are often favorites.

💨 Embrace the Wind

Lake Michigan's wind is a constant. Factor it into your club selection and shot strategy for success.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Links Course

The Links Course

Bay Harbor Golf Club

Dramatic bluffs, challenging winds, and breathtaking Lake Michigan vistas define this iconic Arthur Hills design.

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The Quarry Course

The Quarry Course

Bay Harbor Golf Club

Carved into the natural terrain, this course offers a unique and rugged experience with stunning elevation changes.

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The Preserve Course

The Preserve Course

Bay Harbor Golf Club

A more serene, parkland-style layout that complements the dramatic nature of the other two nines.

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Cliffview Cart Cruise

Cliffview Cart Cruise

Bay Harbor Golf Club

A unique golf cart tour offering six scenic stops with awe-inspiring views of Lake Michigan.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tee Time in Advance

Bay Harbor Golf Club is a premier destination, so tee times, especially for the popular Links and Quarry courses, book up quickly. Consider booking several months ahead, particularly for peak season. Check the official website for the best rates and availability. Reddit

Prepare for Lake Michigan's Influence

The stunning Lake Michigan views come with a price: wind. Expect it to be a significant factor on many holes, especially the Links course. This adds a unique challenge and requires strategic shot-making. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calmer winds, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring/Early Fall
Why
Beautiful foliage, cooler temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The iconic 7th hole at Bay Harbor Golf Club's Links Course is a serious par-5, as you typically tee off directly into the wind and sunlight. Paired with a phenomenal view of Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay, this challenging hole is worth taking an extra moment to appreciate. #PureMichigan #PureMichigan18 #MichiganGolf #KeepSummerFresh
puremichigan
2.1K likes • 106.5K views

🎯 Choose Your 9s Wisely

Mix and match The Links, Quarry, and Preserve for unique 18-hole experiences. The Links and Quarry are often favorites. InstagramReddit

💨 Embrace the Wind

Lake Michigan's wind is a constant. Factor it into your club selection and shot strategy for success. InstagramReddit

Have you played Bay Harbor Golf Club in Bay Harbor, Michigan? This Arthur Hills-designed destination features three stunning nine-hole layouts—The Links, The Quarry, and The Preserve—that can be combined into multiple 18-hole routings. Each offers a unique playing experience, from dramatic bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan to rugged terrain carved through a reclaimed shale quarry. Often called th...
metrodetroitgolfers
273 likes • 9.8K views
Ride off into the sunset as you experience awe-inspiring views from Bay Harbor Golf Club’s highly-lauded lakefront courses. A unique golf cart tour featuring six beautiful stops along The Quarry and The Links courses, the Cliffview Cart Cruise returns select Thursdays this summer! Get your tickets through the link in our bio. #lakemichigan #lakemichigansunset #bayharbor #northernmichigan #golf...
innatbayharbor
247 likes • 7K views

📸 Capture the Views

The scenery is as impressive as the golf. Don't forget your camera for those iconic Lake Michigan backdrops. Instagram+1

🚗 Consider a Cart Tour

The Cliffview Cart Cruise offers a unique way to enjoy the views without the clubs. Instagram

Seems like every time I go to photograph the 7th hole of The Links at Bay Harbor Golf Club some sort dramatic weather happen. I’m the case an approaching storm. #golfcourses #golfcoursephotos #golfcoursephotography #golfvideo #puremichigan #golfporn
evan_schiller_photography
2K likes • 43K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Choose Your 9s Wisely

Mix and match The Links, Quarry, and Preserve for unique 18-hole experiences. The Links and Quarry are often favorites. InstagramReddit

💨 Embrace the Wind

Lake Michigan's wind is a constant. Factor it into your club selection and shot strategy for success. InstagramReddit

📸 Capture the Views

The scenery is as impressive as the golf. Don't forget your camera for those iconic Lake Michigan backdrops. Instagram+1

🚗 Consider a Cart Tour

The Cliffview Cart Cruise offers a unique way to enjoy the views without the clubs. Instagram

💯 First-Class Experience

Expect top-notch service, well-maintained courses, and excellent practice facilities. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(402 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently rave about Bay Harbor Golf Club, calling it one of the nicest and most amazing golf courses they've ever played, with unparalleled views of Lake Michigan. The challenging yet enjoyable play across its well-managed courses, particularly The Links and Quarry, leaves a lasting impression. While a premium experience, the overall quality and beauty make it a highly recommended destination for any golf enthusiast. Reddit

"This is one of the nicest golf course I have ever played!!! Such an amazing experience. Being from Florida this was like nothing I had seen before. Plays the Links and Quarry. Both 9s were amazing but I lean more towards the Links, very challenging and can’t beat the links feel. The wind was blowing 20-25 MPH so make for a very fun day of golf testing your skill on an already tough course. Everything on the golf course was top notch, and a great practice facility. Most of all you can’t beat those views!!! My favorite hole was # and #4 and #7 on the links side. Most play course if you’re in northern Michigan!!"

Kevin Thurston

"The quarry/preserve was the coolest 9 I’ve played. The staff was amazing, shoutout to Gavin for cleaning my clubs after the round. This place is first class."

Tyler Moss

"This is probably one of the best courses you will ever get a chance to play! From the tee box to the green! A flawless course! There is sufficient difficulty. There is sufficient enjoyment. The one thing that is consistent about this course is it is well managed. From every aspect of a healthy golf course this golf course has it. This golf course is a top 20 golf course I would put this golf course up next to any golf course for playability for aesthetics for views. This is the best gun smoking! Don’t take my word for go out to play it and you will find! This is the course you take all of your best friends or your best clients too. They will be stunned and impressed.!"

Brian Keith Hodges

What People Like

Breathtaking Lake Michigan views
Challenging and fun courses
First-class staff and service

What People Dislike

High green fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bay Harbor Golf Club is located in Bay Harbor, Michigan, near Petoskey. The nearest major airport is Traverse City (TVC), about an hour's drive away. Many visitors drive from Detroit or Chicago, which are longer road trips. Instagram

Yes, the club is accessible by car. It's part of the BOYNE Golf collection, so if you're staying at one of their resorts, transportation options might be available. Instagram

Many golfers drive to Northern Michigan, making it a popular road trip destination. Flying into Traverse City and renting a car is another common option. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Green fees vary significantly based on the course, time of year, and day of the week. Expect rates to range from approximately $150 to over $400. It's best to check the official Bay Harbor Golf Club website or BOYNE Golf for current rates and tee time availability. Instagram

Tee times can be booked directly through the official Bay Harbor Golf Club website or the BOYNE Golf website. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Instagram

BOYNE Golf often offers stay-and-play packages that can include rounds at Bay Harbor Golf Club and other BOYNE properties. These can provide good value. Instagram

Yes, you can combine the three 9-hole courses (Links, Quarry, Preserve) to create various 18-hole combinations. Some visitors opt to play more than 18 holes if time and energy permit. Instagram+1

Typically, golf courses like Bay Harbor Golf Club require collared shirts and golf shorts or slacks. Denim is usually not permitted. It's always a good idea to check their specific dress code policy on their website. Reddit

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

Bay Harbor Golf Club features three distinct 9-hole courses designed by Arthur Hills: The Links, The Quarry, and The Preserve. These can be combined for multiple 18-hole routing options. Instagram+1

The Links course is often cited as the most challenging due to its dramatic elevation changes, challenging green complexes, and significant influence from Lake Michigan winds. InstagramReddit

The views are spectacular, with dramatic vistas of Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay. The lakeside holes, particularly on The Links, are considered some of the most majestic in the country. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, reviewers consistently mention the carts being very nice and well-maintained, contributing to the overall first-class experience. Instagram

Bay Harbor Golf Club boasts great practice facilities, including driving ranges and putting greens, allowing golfers to warm up effectively before their round. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are dining options available at Bay Harbor Golf Club, often including a clubhouse restaurant. Reviews suggest the staff and dining experience are first-class. Reddit

While specific menus can change, expect typical upscale golf course fare, often with options for breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner, focusing on quality ingredients. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 7th hole on The Links course is iconic for its dramatic Lake Michigan backdrop. Many holes along the lakefront offer stunning photographic opportunities. The Cliffview Cart Cruise also stops at scenic points. Instagram+3

Absolutely. The combination of meticulously maintained fairways, challenging terrain, and the expansive blue of Lake Michigan makes it incredibly photogenic. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos from the golf cart. The Cliffview Cart Cruise is specifically designed for enjoying and photographing the scenery. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Bay Harbor Golf Club is primarily a golfer's paradise, families can still enjoy the stunning scenery. The Cliffview Cart Cruise offers a unique, non-golfing way to experience the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan with stops at six beautiful locations. Instagram This guided tour is a great option for those who want to see the beauty of the course without playing. Consider visiting during the summer months when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. Instagram

💰 Budget-Conscious Golfers

Bay Harbor Golf Club is a premium experience, and its green fees reflect that, often ranging from $150 to over $400. Instagram For budget-conscious travelers, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when rates might be slightly lower. Exploring stay-and-play packages offered by BOYNE Golf can also provide better value than booking tee times and accommodation separately. Instagram Alternatively, explore other highly-rated but potentially more affordable golf courses in the Northern Michigan region. Instagram

📸 Photographers and Scenery Enthusiasts

Bay Harbor Golf Club is a dream destination for photographers. The iconic 7th hole on The Links course is a must-capture, with its dramatic elevation and sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Instagram+1 Many holes along the lakefront offer unparalleled photographic opportunities. The Cliffview Cart Cruise is specifically designed for enjoying and photographing the scenery, making it an ideal activity for non-golfers who want to capture the beauty. Instagram Be prepared for dynamic lighting, especially with the potential for dramatic weather rolling in off the lake. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Three Nines: Links, Quarry, and Preserve

Bay Harbor Golf Club is renowned for its 27 holes, masterfully designed by Arthur Hills, spread across three distinct nines: The Links, The Quarry, and The Preserve. Each offers a unique golfing personality, allowing for a variety of 18-hole combinations. The Links Course is a true test of links-style golf, featuring dramatic elevation changes, undulating fairways, and the ever-present challenge of Lake Michigan winds. It's often compared to iconic coastal courses for its raw beauty and strategic demands. Instagram+2

The Quarry Course is a marvel of land reclamation, carved directly into the natural bluffs and ravines of the former quarry. This nine presents a more rugged and dramatic golfing experience, with significant elevation shifts and a feeling of playing through a natural amphitheater. It's a visually striking and memorable round. InstagramReddit

Completing the trio, The Preserve Course offers a more serene, parkland-style experience. It winds through wooded areas and open meadows, providing a beautiful contrast to the dramatic nature of the other two nines. While perhaps less visually dramatic, it still demands thoughtful play and offers its own set of challenges. Instagram+1

Playing Bay Harbor: Tips from the Pros and Players

Playing Bay Harbor Golf Club is an experience that many golfers describe as unforgettable. The wind is a significant factor, especially on The Links course, often blowing off Lake Michigan. Players advise to be prepared for it, adjust club selection accordingly, and embrace the challenge it adds to your game. InstagramReddit Many reviewers highlight the stunning views as a major draw, with the lakeside holes being particularly breathtaking. It's often called the 'Pebble Beach of the Midwest' for good reason. Instagram

When it comes to choosing your 18 holes, the combination of The Links and The Quarry is a popular choice for those seeking a dramatic and challenging round. Reddit However, all three nines are exceptionally well-maintained and offer a high-quality golfing experience. The staff at Bay Harbor Golf Club consistently receives praise for their professionalism and friendliness, contributing to the overall first-class atmosphere. InstagramReddit Don't forget to explore the Cliffview Cart Cruise for a unique way to soak in the scenery, even if you're not playing a full round. Instagram

Bay Harbor Golf Club: A Premier Michigan Golf Destination

Bay Harbor Golf Club stands out as one of America's premier public golf facilities, consistently earning accolades for its exceptional design, immaculate conditions, and breathtaking scenery. As part of the larger BOYNE Golf portfolio, it offers access to a vast array of golfing experiences across multiple courses. Instagram+1 The club's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, from the meticulously manicured fairways and greens to the top-tier service provided by its staff. Reddit

The Arthur Hills-designed 27 holes are the star attraction, offering a diverse and engaging challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic, wind-swept holes of The Links, the rugged beauty of The Quarry, or the serene fairways of The Preserve, there's a unique golfing adventure awaiting. The club's location on the shores of Lake Michigan not only provides stunning backdrops but also influences the strategic play, making each round a memorable test of skill and adaptability. Instagram+2

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