Stay & Play at these Golf Courses and Hotels in Metro Detroit

Story by Max White

Golf is a part of life in Michigan, and people from all over the country travel to the state to hit the links and get in 18+ holes of golf.

In fact, earlier this year, GolfDigest ranked Michigan the second-best state for public golf in the United States.

If you’re looking to travel for golf, here are some of the best courses in metro Detroit to play, and where you can stay nearby.

Detroit
Wayne County
Oakland County
Macomb County

City of Detroit Courses

We’ll start with the three city-owned courses – Chandler Park on the east side, Rouge Park on the west side, and Rackham Golf Course, which is actually located about 20 minutes north in Huntington Woods.

Rackham is the most famous of the three courses, designed by legendary golf architect Donald Ross. The par-71 layout has a variety of par-3s, 4s and 5s, and some of the most unique greens in the area. Make sure to check out the iconic clubhouse designed by Albert Kahn.

Rouge Park, on the west side, opened in 1928 and plays 6,325 yards from the back tees. It has wide fairways and sloping terrain, and features some unique blind shots to greens on the course.

Chandler Park, on the east side, is a relatively flat course that plays as a par-71 and just over 6,000 yards from the back.

One other fun course is on Belle Isle, where you can check out Belle Isle Golf, which has a driving range, putting and chipping area, and a small six-hole chip & putt course.

Finally, you can stay anywhere in Downtown Detroit if you’re playing these courses. They’re each about 20 minutes from Downtown Detroit, and check out our guide for the best places to stay in the city.

Wayne County

The Cardinal at Saint John’s - Plymouth

The newest golf course in metro Detroit, The Cardinal just opened in 2024 and was highly anticipated. Ray Hearn, a Holland, Mich.-based architect, designed the par-72 course which plays up to 7,002 yards from the back. There’s also a seven-hole par-3 course called Little Cardinal that is fun for everyone.

You can stay on-site at Saint John’s Resort, which is newly renovated!

Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center - Plymouth

Fox Hills is located about 30 minutes from both Detroit and Detroit Metro Airport and features three courses. Golden Fox is a links-style designed by Arthur Hills that is similar to the Scottish & British links courses; Fox Classic is a traditional course that was originally built as the Plymouth Country Club. It has 27 holes; Strategic Fox is a short par-3 course that is great for beginners and fun for families. The longest hole is 195 yards from the back and the shortest is 91 yards.

If you want to stay near Plymouth, there are plenty of options. Check out the Hilton Garden Inn or Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

Lakes of Taylor Golf Course & Taylor Meadows Golf Course - Taylor

The City of Taylor runs two golf courses that are each about 20 minutes from Downtown Detroit and also 20 minutes from the airport.

Both courses were designed by Arthur Hills, and Lakes of Taylor is one of the best public courses in Michigan stretching out to 7,028 yards for a par-72.

Taylor Meadows is also located right off I-94 and is just over 6,200 yards from the back tees at a par-72, including a par-37 on the back 9 which has three par-5s.

There are a few places where you can stay that are close to the golf courses. Comfort Inn & Suites and Home2 Suites are close to Lakes of Taylor, while the Best Western Greenfield Inn is close to Taylor Meadows.

Northville Hills - Northville

Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, Northville Hills combines the best of all of MIchigan golf with hills, woodlands, wetlands and lakes. It has wide fairways and a variety of tees ranging from 5,166 yards in the front to 7,003 yards in the back.

For places to stay, check out the Detroit Marriott Livonia, the Hyatt Place in Livonia or the Embassy Suites.

Oakland County

Shepherd’s Hollow - Clarkston

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Northern Michigan while playing Shepherd’s Hollow. It’s set on 350 acres in northern Oakland County and features wide fairways with big, rolling greens. The course has 27 holes to challenge you and give you incredible views.

They also offer a stay-and-play package, but nearby hotels include the Embassy Suites in Auburn Hills, the Hampton Inn or the Holiday Inn Express.

Moose Ridge - South Lyon

Moose Ridge is often ranked among the top 10 public courses in metro Detroit with its rolling hills and tree-lined course. It makes for a beautiful fall round surrounded by colorful trees and features five sets of tees. Those tees range from 4,758 yards to 6,790 yards.

Westwynd - Oakland Township

Westwynd is next to the private Wyndgate Country Club and features massive elevation changes and undulating greens. It’s a par-71 course that ranges from 5,000 yards to over 7,000 yards with incredible landscaping and a brick-paver cart path.

Nearby hotels include the Royal Park Hotel, Auburn Hills Marriott, and the Detroit Marriott Troy.

Lyon Oaks - Wixom

You’ll also feel like you’re Up North at Lyon Oaks. The Arthur Hills course winds through trees with wetland areas around the course, offering beautiful views and a fun but challenging course.

Macomb County

Cherry Creek - Shelby Township

You’ll get a variety of hole styles at Cherry Creek, wrapping around great terrain and through oak, ash, and cherry trees. It was designed by Lanny Wadkins and Mike Bylen and has four sets of tees ranging from 4,729 to 6,833 yards.

Cherry Creek is owned by the same group that owns Shepherd’s Hollow and also offers a MI Stay & Play package.

The Orchards - Washington Township

The Orchards is always ranked among the best public courses in the state and is also host to many tournaments, including the Monday qualifier for Detroit’s PGA Tour event – the Rocket Mortgage Classic. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and features two distinct 9-hole routings. It has several sets of tees ranging from 5,158 yards in the front to 7,036 from the back.

Greystone Golf Club - Washington Township

Also located in Washington Township, Greystone is in the rolling hills of Macomb County and is known for its three finishing holes. In fact, they’ve been called the best finish in Michigan golf. The 16th, 17th, and 18th holes – known as the Quarry Holes – wrap around a 35-acre lake. The course ranges from 5,033 yards in the front to 6,913 in the back with great mid-length par-3s and some short par-4s.

Finally, for all three of these courses, you can stay at a variety of hotels in the Utica, Sterling Heights or Warren areas. One of our recommendations is the Hyatt Place in Utica or the Cambria Hotel in Shelby Township.

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Author

Max White
Max White is a freelance writer who loves telling stories about his favorite city, Detroit, where he lives with his wife. When he’s not working or writing, you can find him rock climbing, visiting one of the many Detroit breweries, or taking a stroll throughout the city.

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