Top 25 Most Improved Golf Courses in the Nation
Michigan has Nos. 1, 2 and 11
Compiled from Jason Deegan story at GolfPass
The national GolfPass web platform recently revealed the top 25 best courses in America for Most Improved.
Three of them are in Michigan, and all are in the top 11, including Nos. 1 and 2. They were honored in the nation’s top 25 Most Improved Courses, and all comments are supplied by GolfPass writers and its raters, who are typically average public play golfers. You can be one too if your visit the website: https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/write-review
No. 11: Shanty Creek - The Summit
Bellaire
What they're saying: It was nice to see that Shanty is putting some money into the Summit. The changes made have been noticeable. New sand in bunkers better cart paths and actually green fairways. For 50 dollars, I’ll play again.
Another reviewer said: Best Bang 4 Buck. Best course you can play in Northern Michigan for 50 Dollars. Has all you want in a course (except) a steep tee fee. I would recommend to any level player.
Yet another: Picturesque and challenging. Course was in really good shape. Greens a touch on the slower side but rolled true. Nice elevation changes and excellent use of the natural landscape. Got a heck of a deal too. 8/10 in my book.
No. 2: The Captains Club Golf & Event Center
Grand Blanc
What they're saying: The course has come a long way over the last two years. Love the new carts. Bunkers were in great shape and the overall course was in great shape. Thanks to the new owners for the huge improvement.
Editors: Located just 15 minutes from Flint, The Captains Club Golf & Event Center is one of the area's most popular public courses and it was even voted Grand Blanc's best golf course. Known as much for the challenging layout as it is for the affordable rates, the spacious layout offers plenty of room with wide-open fairways, none of which run parallel to one another. Dense stands of mature trees enclose most of the holes, making them feel even more peacefully secluded. Towering trees loom above the narrow fairways and they also surround the large, undulating greens. Water also has a prominent presence on the golf course. A series of waterways weave through the holes, almost completely surrounding some of the greens. The Captains Club Golf & Event Center is a course that will test your iron skills, but there aren't many opportunities for driving.
No. 1 Black Bear Golf Club
Vanderbilt
What they're saying: After a 10+ year hiatus we decided to give Black Bear another try after hearing that new owners had taken over. It is back and super enjoyable. Probably the best golf value in Northern Michigan.
Another review: I wish new owners the best of luck! Very friendly and much has improved since my last round of golf out there. Had fun.
A five star review said: This course is a nice northern Michigan course. Played this course (Sept. 2024) for the first time and found it very challenging. If you don’t stay in the fairway it will make you pay. Course was in good shape and they were making it even better. You will not find a better value for your money. Will definitely be back.
