Golfing the Bays De Noc, Michigan Area
The Bays de Noc area is the Upper Peninsula's self-proclaimed golf Mecca, where golf and nature's beauty all share the same landscape. Considered by locals the best kept secret in Michigan's fast growing golf economy. Delta County is home to four championship 18-hole layouts and three nine-hole runs. The area, by far, has more to offer the golfing enthusiast than any other county in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Quality, affordable golf is not scarce in this neck of the woods, nor are tee times. For the most part you are able to get same day tee times with a simple morning call to any one of the facilities and at a price that is sure to please!
Whichever course you choose, great golf and good fun are sure to be on the horizon in this inviting lakeside county. We invite you to come and enjoy the fantastic golfing opportunities along with the breathtaking beauty that the area has to offer.
Delta County is home to a pair of big-ticket golfers. Veteran LPGA tour member Becky Iverson, who played on the Solheim cup matches in 2000, and four-time Michigan Open and current buy.com member Scott Hebert both honed their games at the Terrace Bluff Golf and Country Club, an outstanding facility generally ranked No. 1 among the county’s golfers.
There are four other choice 18-hole courses offering a variety of challenges in Delta County in addition to four nine-hole layouts and a par three course. That is 135 holes of golf, or about one hole for every 255 residents, which in turn relates to plenty of openings for tee times. And those tee times are not expensive, topping out around $25 for 18 holes.
Quality and quantity, affordable and alluring, challenging and comfortable. That is golf in Delta County, where it is easy to enjoy two or three rounds at different courses in the same day because of their close proximity and summer nights that allow golf until past 10 p.m.
Who says you have to put away the clubs after Labor Day? Fall golf is a great way to spend a great fall color weekend here in the county that’s considered the U.P.’s golf capital, with more courses than any other in the peninsula. Here’s a tip: use white golf balls so you can find them amidst the spectacular fall foliage you’ll see on each course.
Four of the area’s nine courses rank among the top 15 in the Upper Peninsula, with more rated among the top in the country nearby. Local courses include the Terrace Bluff Golf & Country Club, with great views of color from overlooks high above Little Bay de Noc. The Escanaba Country Club features a PGA pro on staff, food and refreshments. The Gladstone Golf Club has the Days River in play on five holes, with great fall scenery. The Highland Golf Club is just west of Escanaba. Other courses nearby include the Tri-Valley Golf & Country Club on the Garden Peninsula, plus the newly expanded Irish Oaks Golf Course in Gladstone.
Escanaba Country Club, 1800 11th Avenue South, Escanaba, 906-786-4430
The oldest course in the area features two distinct nines, a tree-lined mature front that opened in in 1915 and a wide-open back that opened in 1990 with water on seven holes. The 435-yard 18th is widely considered the toughest closing hole in the Upper Peninsula, with its elevated and undulating green. The par 71 course covers 5,974 yards from the white tees and 6,223 yards from the blue tees. An excellent test of golf also includes a clubhouse with food and bar, and excellent Friday fish-fry. A PGA professional is on staff. Easy to walk and carts are available.
Gladstone Golf Club, Days River Road, five miles north of Gladstone, 906-428-9646
A series of exciting changes to this scenic course in the Hiawatha National forest will make for enjoyable rounds. The course opened in 1940 and expanded to 18 holes in 1988. Recent improvements have made the hilly challenge much more player friendly. Large, undulating greens and tree-lined fairways on this magnificent 6,500-yard layout provide for a glorious time. Five holes caress the Days River. A delicious Friday night fish-fry is offered. A PGA professional is on staff, and a large, renovated practice facility is available.
The Terrace Bluff Golf Club, located off U.S. 2 & 41 between Escanaba and Gladstone, 906-428-2343
The par-72 course can stretch from 6,18 yards to 6,701 yards through tree-lined fairways. Rated the best county course by Daily Press reader surveys. The course demands accuracy off the tee and on approach shots, with new trees and water hazards adding to the demands.
The Highland Golf Club, U.S. 2 & 41, six miles west of Escanaba, 906-466-2791
There is considerable room for wayward tee shots, but looks are deceiving and scoring is not as easy as it appears. Ponds on four holes and creeks that cross three fairways place a premium on accuracy. The relatively flat par-71 layout plays up to 6,224 yards and is easy to walk.
Tri-Valley Golf Club, County Road 183 on the Garden Peninsula, 906-644-2693
The 5,829 yard, par-72 course expanded to 18 holes in 1997 and features some of the best greens in the area. The course opened with nine holes in 1994. Features rolling fairways and some elevated greens. Wonderful Friday night fish-fry.
Irish Oaks Golf Club, Lake Bluff Road, Gladstone, 906-428-2616
A 18-hole course, ranging from 2,856 yards to 3,375 yards, opened this Carved out of mature woods, with water on one hole. Part of the newly developed Lake Bluff Retirement Village.
DeGrand’s Country Meadows, Two miles south of Escanaba on 12th Road, 906-786-1565
A 9-hole, 2,910 yard layout that is ideal for a leisurely round and excellent for relative newcomers. Water on three holes.
Nahma Golf Course, County Road 495, four miles south of U.S. 2 in Nahma, 906-644-2648
A 9-hole course along Big Bay de Noc featuring a relaxed pace on a flat layout ideal for walking. Historic lodging and dining nearby at Nahma Hotel.
Woody’s Run Golf Course, Danforth Road, five miles off U.S. 2-41, 906-786-4034
A 9-hole par 34 course that opened in 1999. Easy to walk the rolling hills.
