What do you call a resort with three championship golf courses, a private beach on Grand Traverse Bay, award-winning dining, and a memory-making atmosphere that keeps guests coming back year after year? You call it Grand Traverse Resort & Spa—and once you experience it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most iconic destinations not just in Michigan, but in the entire Midwest.
As showcased on Michigan Golf Live, this is far more than a golf resort. It’s a place where golf, relaxation, family time, business gatherings, weddings, and pure Northern Michigan beauty all come together seamlessly.
Three Courses. Three Legends. One Destination.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is home to a trio of championship courses, each offering a completely different personality and challenge.
Spruce Run, the original course opened in 1979, is a classic test of accuracy. Designed by William Newcomb, Spruce Run demands precision off the tee, features tree-lined fairways, elevation changes, and thick, mature turf. Its pedigree is unquestioned—hosting the Michigan Open from 1981–1984, where no competitor broke par across four rounds. It’s strategic, demanding, and deeply respected by serious golfers.
The Wolverine, designed by Gary Player, provides the perfect contrast. Fair, playable, and welcoming, it’s a course where everything sits right in front of you—no forced carries, no gimmicks, just smart golf. With elevated tees, wide fairways, and large greens featuring multiple pin locations, The Wolverine is equally enjoyable for first-time resort guests and seasoned players. It complements the other two courses beautifully.
Then there’s The Bear—the crown jewel. Designed by Jack Nicklaus with the original intent of being the toughest course he’d ever built, The Bear is bold, dramatic, and unforgettable. Massive earth movement, tiered fairways, multi-level greens, and iconic holes like the all-carry par-3 ninth and the dramatic split-fairway 18th make it one of the most talked-about courses in Michigan. Over time, thoughtful updates have made it more playable without losing its bite, and today it stands as a true bucket-list experience.
Book your Grand Traverse Resort & Spa getaway HERE
Beyond Golf: Resort Living at Its Best
What elevates Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is everything beyond the fairways. Guests enjoy access to a private beach club on East Grand Traverse Bay, complete with sandy shoreline, pool, beach rentals, volleyball, bonfires, and water activities—all reserved exclusively for resort guests.
The award-winning Spa at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa encourages guests to unplug completely. From deep-tissue massages designed specifically for golfers to full-service body and facial treatments, it’s a sanctuary of relaxation with a staff known for longevity and excellence.
Dining That Matches the Setting
Dining here is an experience of its own. NII Restaurant, the resort’s newest culinary addition, celebrates the heritage of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians with inspired flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Meanwhile, Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, perched atop the resort’s iconic tower, delivers elevated cuisine—think elk chop, sea bass with lobster mac, scallops, and New York strip—paired with panoramic sunset views that define Northern Michigan summers.
Why Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Endures
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you return to. With three elite golf courses, unmatched resort amenities, national and international appeal, and a setting that feels both grand and personal, it remains one of America’s truly special destinations.
Bring the clubs. Bring the family. Bring your appetite—and prepare to relax, recharge, and make memories that last long after the final putt drops.
Book your Grand Traverse Resort & Spa getaway HERE