Golf in Michigan offers a wealth of public courses, but some holes stand out as true tests of skill. In a special winter 2022 edition of the MGL Golf Tour, Bill Hopson took on 10 of Michigan’s toughest holes, as chosen by fans, playing each from the tips with no second chances. The result? Nearly 4,800 yards of sheer golf challenge—and a journey across some of the state’s most beautiful courses.
The tour kicked off at Boulder Point Golf Club in Oxford, a 27-hole gem featuring the Dunes, Peaks, and Bluffs nines. Fans selected the daunting 497-yard par-4 fifth hole on the Dunes. Director of Golf Eric Saran explained the strategy: a well-placed tee shot draw, careful navigation around fairway trees, and precision into a green guarded by bunkers. For Bill, a birdie seemed unlikely—but the hole set the tone for what lay ahead.
Next, the journey moved to Sugarbush Golf Club in Davison. This 18-hole championship course, designed by Michigan Golf Hall of Famer Larry Mancore, challenged players with its 604-yard par-5 13th hole. Water hazards, mounds, and an elevated green demanded both length and accuracy, making it a perfect example of what fans considered a true test.
The Upper Peninsula brought Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley into play. Known for its breathtaking views and elevation changes, the 15th hole tested short game finesse. Even on a calm day, navigating the green’s contours felt like a championship-level challenge. Nearby, the Back Bay Restaurant provided a welcome refuel with hearty fare, proving that great golf is always best paired with great food.
Tullymore Golf Resort in Saint Ives followed, featuring the punishing 14th hole, where two perfect shots were required to reach the green. Bill finally scored a par here, a milestone that highlighted the intensity of Michigan’s fan-picked challenges. Lakes of Taylor, in the downriver Detroit area, offered the 8th hole—a narrow, hazard-lined test of accuracy where straight drives and careful approaches were essential.
Further stops included Lake Erie Metroparks, Washington Golf Club in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, and Meadows of Brighton, each selected for their unique combination of distance, hazards, and green complexity. Every hole demanded strategic shot-making, from water hazards and trees to tiered greens that punished even minor miscalculations.
The grand finale featured The Grand in Jackson and Medalist Golf Club in Marshall. Both offered expansive layouts and demanding greens, where elevation changes, narrow fairways, and multi-tiered putting surfaces provided a memorable finish to this tour. Bill’s experience—saving par on the final hole with a 20-footer—proved that patience and precision are critical when taking on Michigan’s toughest holes.
From Oxford to the Upper Peninsula and down to Marshall, these 10 holes showcase the best of Michigan golf, blending scenic beauty with true skill challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or looking to test your game on public courses, this tour provides inspiration, strategy, and plenty of fun.