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The Second 10

#11. Shepherd’s Hollow, Clarkston. Rating 4.10, Peak Season Greens Fee: $85.

Prichard: “For design and layout, I might put this Art Hills course ahead of Bay Harbor.”

Deegan: “Famous for their food. The Detroit area’s ultimate ‘Northern golf experience’ without the drive.”

Vanderveen: “In a market where there’s a lot of golf courses but few outstanding tracks, Shepherd’s Hollow leads the flock.”

#12 Tie: Thousand Oaks, Grand Rapids. Rating 4.09, Peak Season Greens Fee: $90
Hawk's Eye, Bellaire. Rating 4.09, Peak Season Greens Fee: $89.

Prichard: “People who play Hawk’s Eye will absolutely love the enjoyment factor which begins at the opening hole. Thousand Oaks is a classic design in the tradition of older layouts.”

Deegan: “Hawk’s Eye’s layout is very well balanced. The par 5s are terrific. Thousand Oaks doesn’t have a hole I didn’t like”

Vanderveen: “Hawk’s Eye is a definite contrast to its sister course, The Chief. Much more player friendly. As for Thousand Oaks, nothing artificial here. The Rees Jones design is one for the ages.”

#14. Elk Ridge, Atlanta. Rating 4.07, Peak Season Greens Fee: $75.

Prichard: “Here’s a classic case of people going out of their way to play a specific golf course. Must be the Honey Baked Ham.”

Deegan: “As rugged a setting as you’ll get. Devilishly difficult for a short course.”

Vanderveen: “Always immaculate. Exceptional value and service.”

#15. Signature-Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Rating 3.98, Peak Season Greens Fee: $115/$87 house-guest.

Prichard: “At some point you realize that Rick Smith understands golf. His Signature course stands alongside his other Michigan projects: Wuskowhan and Arcadia Bluffs.”

Deegan: “If Rick Smith turned 100% of his attention to architecture, he might become one of the best in the country.”

Vanderveen: “Smith has a mind for golf. He’s Phil Mickelson’s pro. He’s the mastermind of the Par 3 Shootout and The Big Break. And he designed the Signature course. Now he’s part owner of the place.”

#16. Cedar River-Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire. Rating 3.97, Peak Season Greens Fee: $120/$110 house-guest.

Prichard: “This is a very good golf course with some memorable holes. It’s interesting to note that Tom Weiskopf was working on this course while designing Forest Dunes.”

Deegan: “The type of golf course that can entertain all types and levels of golfers.”

Vanderveen: “If it’s good enough to host the Michigan PGA Championship, that should say something.”

#17 Tie. Red Hawk, Oscoda. Rating 3.96, Peak Season Greens Fee: $79
Reflections-Garland Resort, Lewiston. Rating 3.96, Peak Season Greens Fee: $60.

Prichard: “These two courses reflect the best in woodlands golf. Neither course plays to the length of many newer courses. Their popularity speaks to value, condition and attention to golfers.”

Deegan: “Ron Otto’s reputation is aptly reflected in the popularity of the Garland course. Redhawk proves that bigger isn’t better. This course has personality.”

Vanderveen: “Redhawk is the treat of the east. People their are truly happy to see you when you arrive. Reflections simply says, ‘How much better do you need?’”

#19. Fazio-Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Rating 3.92, Peak Season Greens Fee: $115/$87 house-guest.

Prichard: “A very manageable, well-groomed golf course that all levels of golfers will enjoy. Fazio made very good use of the land and elevation changes.”

Deegan: “It’s the type of course most everyone will enjoy. Very natural and soothing.”

Vanderveen: “Right there at the top of Michigan resort golf courses.”#20. The Gailes-Lakewood Shores Resort, Oscoda. Rating 3.89, Peak Season Greens Fee: $62.

Prichard: “Owner and designer Kevin Aldridge was very diligent about making The Gailes an authentic Scottish links-style golf course. He succeeded.”

#20. The Gailes-Lakewood Shores Resort, Oscoda. Rating 3.89, Peak Season Greens Fee: $62.

Deegan: “If uniqueness is what you’re after, The Gailes delivers. It’s the most different course you’ll play this side of Britain.”

Vanderveen: “This is not a course that’ll you’ll just go up to the ball and hit it. You’ll need to think your way around on every shot.”

The Other 30

21. Hawkshead, South Haven. Rating: 3.88
22. The Bear-Grand Traverse Resort, Acme. Rating: 3.87
23 Tie. Masterpiece (Robert Trent Jones)-Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Rating: 3.85
23 Tie. Art Hills Course-Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs. Rating: 3.85
25. The Majestic Lake Walden. Rating: 3.83
26. Buck's Run, Mt. Pleasant. Rating: 3.79
27. Thornapple Pointe, Grand Rapids. Rating 3.78
28. Yarrow, Augusta. Rating 3.71
29. Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs. Rating: 3.69
30. The Grande, Jackson. Rating 3.65
31. Cutter's Ridge-Manistee National Golf & Resort, Manistee. Rating 3.64
32. Wolverine-Grand Traverse Resort, Acme. Rating 3.62
33. The Rock, Drummond Island. Rating: 3.61
34. True North, Harbor Springs. Rating: 3.56
35 Tie. Angel's Crossing, Vicksburg. Rating: 3.53
35 Tie. Sundance, Kewadin. Rating: 3.53
37. Heather-Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs. Rating: 3.51
38 Tie. Thoroughbred-Double JJ Resort, Rothbury. Rating: 3.50
38 Tie. Northville Hills, Northville. Rating: 3.50
40 Tie. Wild Bluff, Brimley. Rating: 3.49
40 Tie. Dunmaglas Charlevoix. Rating: 3.49
42. Heathlands, Onekama. Rating: 3.48
43 Tie. High Pointe, Acme. Rating: 3.47
43 Tie. Ravines, Saugatuck. Rating: 3.47
43 Tie. Mistwood, Lake Ann. Rating: 3.47
46. Boulder Pointe, Oxford. Rating: 3.40
47 Tie. The Legend-Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire. Rating: 3.35
47 Tie. The Meadows, Allendale. Rating: 3.35
49. Hidden River, Brutus. Rating 3.32
50. Hawk Hollow, Bath. Rating: 3.30