15 Best Golf Courses in Jackson, MI

Whether you’re a resident of Jackson, Michigan, or you’re just visiting, there’s one thing that you should know: golf is a well-loved sport around here… and has been since the late 19th century. In fact, golfing in Jackson, Michigan, is so popular that only Sarasota, Florida, has more golf courses per capita in the whole country.

People from all over are drawn to the area for golf because of the affordable fees, convenient location, and lush landscapes. Let’s take a look at some of the best golf courses in Jackson MI, Jackson County, and southcentral Michigan.

Best Golf Courses in Jackson MI and Jackson County, Michigan

The Country Club of Jackson

At The Country Club of Jackson, you’ll find the oldest course in the city. Opened with the Pines/Woods course in 1915, it was designed by Arthur Hills of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. The Pines/Wood course has 18 holes with 6,763 yards of play and a par 72. The Marsh course was opened at the club in 1991 with nine holes, 3,405 yards of play, and a par 36.

Ella Sharp Park Golf Course

Located within the 562-acre Ella Sharp Park along the Grand River, the Ella Sharp Park golf course is a top result when you search for “golf course near me” while you’re in Jackson. The 18 holes give golfers of all skill levels a challenge. The greens and fairways are well-manicured, and the park features a clubhouse, too. Additionally, the park has courses for miniature golf and disc golf.

Grande Golf Club

With 7,156 yards of fairways and greens, Grande Golf Club is the longest Jackson golf course. Opened in 2001, the 18 holes offer a spectacular day of golfing that challenges all skill levels. The golf course was voted the best in the city in 2013 and remains a favorite among locals. You can find details about each hole, events, and tournaments on its website.

Cascades Golf Course

Located in the southern part of Jackson, Cascades Golf Course was opened in 1929, and the Jackson County Parks Department manages it. Compared to most courses, it’s long. Infamous hole 17, for instance, measures 383 yards from the white tee and is a par 4. Furthermore, the course is known for the famous golfers who walked its grounds, including Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. There are even a junior golf program and the Ken Douglas Learning Center on the premises.

Arbor Hills Golf Course

Whether you want a casual game or tournament, Arbor Hills Golf Course can provide a great golfing experience. Designed by Arthur Hamm, it opened in 1926 as a private country club. In 2007, the championship golf course went public without lowering its maintenance standards. It has two practice putting greens, a 10-acre driving range, and a fully stocked pro shop.

Hill’s Heart of the Lakes Golf Course

Located in Brooklyn, Michigan, Hill’s Heart of the Lakes Golf Course was designed by Mike Hill, a PGA Tour professional. Hill even oversees the golf course, which is meticulously manicured. With a par 69, the course challenges amateurs and pros alike. You’ll find a Pro Shop, full bar and grill, and banquet facilities, too.

Concord Hills Golf Course

With 18 holes and a par 72, Concord Hills Golf Course is located in Concord, Michigan. You’ll enjoy the well-manicured greens and fairways among charming woods and hills. It’s one of the best golf courses in the state because of its sweeping valleys and elevated tees.

Clark Lake Golf Course

Situated between Clark Lake and Lake Columbia, Clark Lake Golf Course is located in Brooklyn. Since 1948, the course has remained family-owned and offers 27 holes to the public. The well-maintained greens offer something for everyone. The property also features Dominick’s Restaurant where you can enjoy craft beers and a full menu.

Calderone Golf Club

Providing a true test of your skills, Calderone Golf Course challenges you to use every golf club on the front nine holes, which features short par 4s and long par 3s. This Grass Lake course has more traditional holes on the back nine, which feature long par 5s that are particularly challenging. The pond on the course only adds to its picturesque beauty.

Deer Run Golf Course

Located in Horton, Michigan, Deer Run Golf Course is a nine-hole course that offers a scenic golfing experience. The clubhouse has a full restaurant and bar with a fun atmosphere. The restaurant features daily specials, and you can join the fish fry on Friday nights.

Best Golf Courses Near Jackson MI in Southcentral Michigan

Bella Vista Golf Course

When you look for the best golf courses Jackson MI has, your search is likely to include nearby venues as well. Bella Vista Golf Course in Coldwater will definitely be on the list. This 18-hole championship course is only the 10th in the state to be a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The course stretches for more than 300 acres, providing an isolated, serene experience as you play.

University of Michigan Golf Courses

While you’re in Jackson and searching for “golf courses near me,” you can’t dismiss the two venues at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Each course was designed by a World Golf Hall of Fame architect, and you can play both with the MacKenzie-Dye Experience. In 1931, the U-M Golf Course was designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie. The Radrick Farms course was designed by Pete Dye in the 1960s. In addition, the university offers family golf outings.

Stonebridge Golf Club

Also in Ann Arbor, Stonebridge Golf Club is an 18-hole public course that was designed by Arthur Hills in 1991. The championship course is well-groomed with lush green turf, water features, and woods. The club has a practice putting green and a driving range with a large chipping bunker and bentgrass tees.

White Oaks Golf Club

As the only Hillsdale County golf course with 18 holes, White Oaks Golf Club has natural wetlands, rolling hills, and woods, making it just as challenging as it is gorgeous. You’ll have fun playing this course no matter your skill level. While you’re there, you can stop at the bar and grill for refreshments.

Devils Lake Golf Course

For one of the most relaxing golf experiences near Jackson, head to Devils Lake Golf Course in Manitou Beach. It opened in 1929 and was designed on about 140 acres of scenic rolling hills. The family-owned and -operated course is both enjoyable and challenging with three ponds, multiple sand bunkers, and a par 71.

More Things to Do While Visiting the Best Golf Courses in Jackson MI and Beyond

Although there are plenty of golf courses to keep you busy in Jackson County and southcentral Michigan, you could check out some of the other things to do in Jackson for a change of pace. From parks to events, you can find a lot of free and cheap things to do as well as some of the best restaurants in Jackson Michigan!