Mackinac Island golf courses include an 18-hole resort course, a historic nine-hole layout, and a waterfront putting course. The Jewel at Grand Hotel provides the island’s only full 18-hole round. Wawashkamo Golf Club offers a shorter, traditional alternative.
Each course delivers a different experience, so choose based on your available time and preferred style of play. Rates, tee-time policies, and seasonal schedules can change. Confirm those details directly with the course before your trip.
Mackinac Island Golf Courses at a Glance
- The Jewel at Grand Hotel: An 18-hole, par-67 course split between two distinct nine-hole layouts.
- Wawashkamo Golf Club: A historic nine-hole course with traditional links-style features.
- The Greens of Mackinac: An 18-hole putting course at Mission Point Resort.
The Jewel at Grand Hotel
The Jewel combines the Grand Nine near Grand Hotel with the Woods Nine in the island’s interior. A horse-drawn carriage carries golfers between the two sections. That transfer makes the round unusual, but it also adds time to the schedule.
The Grand Nine
The Grand Nine sits across from Grand Hotel and offers views toward the Straits of Mackinac. Its fairways cross rolling ground, while mature trees frame many shots. The layout rewards distance control more than raw power.
This nine works well for golfers who cannot fit in a full round. Ask the golf shop whether nine-hole bookings are available on your preferred date.
The Woods Nine
The Woods Nine runs through quieter inland terrain and feels more secluded than the opening half. Its tighter corridors place a higher value on accuracy. Uneven ground can also affect stance and club selection.
Plan for the carriage ride when estimating your total playing time. Golfers with ferry reservations should leave a comfortable buffer after the round.
Wawashkamo Golf Club
Scottish golf professional Alex Smith laid out Wawashkamo Golf Club in 1898. The course retains a traditional design with compact greens, natural contours, and few modern alterations. It occupies ground associated with the 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island.
Wawashkamo measures shorter than many modern courses, but small targets keep the round demanding. Players need controlled approach shots and a reliable short game. Nine holes also make it practical for visitors with limited time.
The club sits inland, away from the main waterfront district. Ask about club rentals, pull carts, and transportation before arriving. Advance planning matters because Mackinac Island does not allow routine private automobile traffic.
The Greens of Mackinac at Mission Point
The Greens of Mackinac is an 18-hole putting course rather than a regulation golf course. Its waterfront setting and real-grass surface make it suitable for groups with mixed skill levels. No full bag of clubs is required.
Mission Point has also offered evening glow-golf sessions during parts of the season. Programs and operating hours vary, so check the resort’s current schedule. This option usually requires less time than either traditional course.
How to Choose the Right Course
Book The Jewel if you want a complete 18-hole round and the carriage transfer between nines. Choose Wawashkamo for historic architecture, a quicker pace, and a walking-oriented game. Pick The Greens for casual putting with minimal equipment.
Golfers comparing Mackinac Island golf courses should also consider location. The Jewel lies near Grand Hotel, while The Greens sits at Mission Point Resort. Wawashkamo requires a trip into the island’s interior.
Planning Your Golf Day
Mackinac Island’s main visitor season runs from spring through fall. Course conditions and opening dates depend on weather, especially early and late in the season. Reserve popular morning tee times well ahead of summer weekends.
Passenger ferries have baggage rules that may affect full-size golf bags. Check those rules before departure, and ask your lodging provider about bag transfers. Rental clubs may save time if your trip includes several transportation connections.
Allow extra travel time between the dock, your lodging, and the course. Visitors usually move around the island on foot, by bicycle, or in horse-drawn vehicles. Do not build a tight ferry connection around your expected finishing time.
Choosing Your Island Round
The three Mackinac Island golf courses serve clearly different plans. The Jewel fills most of a day, while Wawashkamo offers a focused nine-hole round. The Greens provides a casual activity without the schedule or equipment demands of regular golf.
Check current rates, reservation rules, dress requirements, and rental availability before booking. With those details settled, you can select a course that fits both your game and your island itinerary.
