The Top Golf Courses in the Midwest to Play This Season

Midwest inspires images of vast green fields, and open spaces brimming with blue-collar, hardworking folks.

And, when you get past its beer-commercial version, you realize it’s a very diverse region. Its golf courses exemplify this fact. While many smalltown courses are laid out in plain, forgettable land, the best golf courses in the midwest defy all stereotypes.

Take the example of Sand Hills, Nebraska, which gave rise to a new era in golf course design. No modern design looks more American or feels more rural than Sand Hills. 

Boring golf courses, you say? 

Our list of the ten best places to play golf in the Midwest show golfing in the American heartland is just as enjoyable as anywhere else. 

Best Golf Resorts in Michigan

Gladstone Golf Course, Gladstone, Michigan

• Holes: 18
• Length: 6,456 yards
• Type: Public
• Par: 72
• Slope: 124
• Rating: 70.8

The Gladstone golf course is a picturesque golf venue in Michigan. The 18-hole public course lies in the middle of state forest land, with the awe-inspiring Days River running through at least five holes. The 6456 yards long course offers huge greens and narrow fairways. The tee shots and putting green become a premium experience. You can also hone your skills in driving range, chipping, and putting green. So if you are a recreational golfer, the Gladstone Golf course is a must-visit venue in the Upper Peninsula. 

Diamond Springs Golf Course, Hamilton, Michigan

• Holes: 18
• Length: 6,803 yards
• Type: Public
• Par: 72
• Slope: 137
• Rating: 73.0

Diamond Springs Golfcourse is one of the best public golf courses in the midwest. It offers fantastic views and challenging play for every golfer. And it’s located not far from the main Hamilton city in a quiet and serene setting. The 6803 yards massive course provides a nice layout, well-maintained fairways, and greens. Such a length makes this golf course challenging to play. Thankfully, the staff is very cooperative. If you feel lost, the staff can offer their best tricks and tips for playing your best round. 

Best Golf Courses in Wisconsin

Whistling Straits (Straits), Sheboygan, Wisconsin

• Holes: 18
• Length: 7,790 yards
• Type: Public
• Style: Links
• Par: 72
• Slope: 152
• Rating: 77.2

The Whistling Straits golf course is a marvel of modern architectural design and a must-play course for everyone. It’s set on the western edges of Lake Michigan. The layout is very balanced, utilizing the natural elements to their fullest. The course itself is quite challenging but not impossible. Every hole offers a unique challenge to the player. If there’s a better set of par 3s on one course in the world, do let me know in the comments. The greens are fast, and gnarly little bunkers surround many. In fact, it’s one of the most heavily bunkered golf courses in the entire world.

Milwaukee Country Club, River Hills, Wisconsin

• Holes: 18
• Length: 7,097 yards
• Type: Private
• Par: 72
• Slope: 136
• Rating: 74.7

Less frequented, Milwaukee Country Club has an old-school design. Thanks to the recent renovations by Don Placek and Tom Doak, it remains of the best golf courses in Wisconsin. During the recent improvements, several trees around the course have been cut down to allow uninterrupted views of the river. Golfing is a pleasure because the course delivers challenges without trying to beat you down with over-the-top challenges. Even as a beginner, losing a ball during your round is very difficult. Overall, from the course design to the amenities and overall environment, the Milwaukee Country Club is one of the finest private clubs among other Milwaukee golf courses. 

Best Golf Courses in Indiana

Victoria National Golf Club, Newburgh, Indiana

• Holes: 18
• Length: 7,242 yards
• Type: Private/Resort
• Par: 72
• Slope: 152
• Rating: 77.7

The Victoria National golf club has been a host of several PGA events and remains the number one course in the Tristate area. Built over a reclaimed strip mine, the golf course offers plenty of water and trouble to negotiate. It has bent grass fairways and heated and cooled greens. The holes are far apart. It’s a nice walk or ride in the natural beauty. The Victoria National golf course is one of the most challenging golf courses in the country. You have to hit the greens and fairways, or you will be penalized. So, bring your A game and, of course, some extra golf balls. 

French Lick Resort, Pete Dye Course, French Lick, Indiana

• Holes: 18
• Length: 8,102 yards
• Type: Resort
• Par: 72
• Slope: 148
• Rating: 80.0

Nestled in Hoosier National Forest hilltops, the Pete Dye course is another excellent option in Indiana. The course has gained widespread acclaim for hosting multiple PGA championships and its 40-mile panoramic views. It’s one of the highest elevation points in the region and a sight to behold. The golf course offers narrow fairways, intense terrain, and a great variety of elevations to navigate. It’s a very challenging course. The greens are almost impossible. It’s also a bit distracting because almost all the tees and greens have incredible backdrops. Overall, the course design is fantastic, the playing conditions are immaculate, and the facilities are top-notch. Don’t forget to bring your camera while playing at Pete Dye. 

Best Golf Courses in Minnesota

Interlachen Country Club, Edina, Minnesota

• Holes: 18
• Length: 6,981 yards
• Type: Private
• Par: 73
• Slope: 141
• Rating: 74.2

No list of the best golf courses in the midwest is complete without Interlachen. Interlachen was built in 1909. It has gone through several modifications over the years. But the quality of the original design remains largely intact. It has hosted several top competitions, including the US women’s open and the Solheim Cup. The golf course routes across the rolling ground with wide green fairways and water coming into play at six holes. The greens here are comparatively small and fast. At least 10 of them are elevated. The bunkers feel like an exotic beach. It’s very well managed, and not a single shard of grass feels out of place. Oozing history from every corner, with a magnificent clubhouse and first-class amenities, Interlachen is an irresistible attraction for traditionalists

Spring Hill Golf Club, Wayzata, Minnesota

• Holes: 18
• Length: 7,035 yards
• Type: Private
• Par: 72
• Slope: 152
• Rating: 74.2

Spring Hill Golf Club has an exclusive golf course that lies to the north of Lake Minnetonka. It’s a stunning course which is typical of a Fazio course. But unlike other Fazio courses, the design looks and feels very natural. Its collection of par 5’s is some of the best in Minnesota. The elevation changes here would test even the best golfers in the world. It has at least ten tee shots that require significant force to carry over the marshes. Despite covering a great range of 7035 yards, it feels tight at certain spots and offers a great test of golf. 

Other Midwest Golf Resorts

The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Chicago, Illinois

• Holes: 18
• Length: 7,089 yards
• Type: Public
• Style: Traditional
• Par: 72
• Slope: 142
• Rating: N/A

Previously known as Oak Meadows Golf Course, the Preserve at Oak Meadows is another great option in the middle of Chicago city. After extensive renovations in 2017, it has become a premium 18-hole public golfing destination. The 1920’s era design has now been modernized for environmental sensitivity. Its championship layout takes golfers on a breathtaking tour of 7089 yards featuring vibrant wetlands, oak savannas, native prairies, and a thriving wildlife community. It has beautiful mature trees, bent grass fairways, and lynx traps. Every hole is scenic with an excellent layout. There are five sets of tees for every skill level and plenty of challenging reward shots that make golfing a lot more fun. 

Thousand Hills Golf Resort, Branson, Missouri

• Holes: 18
• Length: 5,111 yards
• Type: Resort/Public
• Par: 64
• Slope: 125
• Rating: 66.5

The Thousand Hills Golf Resort is Branson’s most popular golf course for a reason. It caters to golfers of all skill levels and offers some of the best amenities in top golf clubs. It has three sets of tees to ensure everyone enjoys challenging yet fair rounds of golf. The 18-hole course features beautiful hardwood forests, unique rock formations, beautiful landscapes, and shimmering Ozark streams. Greens are all in excellent shape and quite a challenge. This golf course is unique because it’s a par 66. As it’s a very short course, good iron and wedge play is essential to have a fun time. 

Final Thoughts

All said and done, these are some of the best golf courses in the Midwest. These venues offer enticing golfing opportunities for recreational as well as professional golfers. Midwest is home to several top-notch golf courses across its ten states. However, we believe the Gladstone Golf Course in Michigan is the most desirable in the region. It offers picturesque views, quality game challenges, and the best value for money for the average golfer. Still, if you are visiting the American heartland, all of these venues are a must-see. Do you think you know a better golfing venue in Midwest? Do let us know in the comments below!