Seven scenic golf courses to play this fall in Southwest Michigan

The weather is tailor made for fall golf in Southwest Michigan

What better weather to play golf than a crisp, cool morning that eases into a warm, sunny afternoon? Add in a swath of fall color and many golfers say this is their favorite time of year to get out on the links in Southwest Michigan. Average September and October high temperatures range in the mid-70s to low-60s throughout most of the two months. With a little luck, you might even score a round or two of golf in early November with some late-season warmth.

Challenge your golfing skills amid spectacular autumn views 

Southwest Michigan has a range of golf courses to match your skills so the game stays fun for you and your companions whether you are just learning the game or finessing your championship drives. You usually can set the tee times for the dates you want, too — just call the clubhouse or reserve online. Ask about fall discount rates, too.

Top picks for playing golf in Southwest Michigan

• The Golf Club at Harbor Shores | 201 Graham Avenue, Benton Harbor | 18 holes | Learn more
  This is one of the most exciting courses in the country! A Jack Nicklaus Signature course, it is the biennial host of the KitchenAid®  Senior PGA Championship. You will enjoy some of the most beautiful vistas, including three dramatic holes with sweeping views of Lake Michigan; nine holes bordering the beautiful banks of the Paw Paw River, Ox Creek and its wetlands; and six holes through rolling hills and ravines.
• Brookwood Golf Course | 1339 Rynearson Road, Buchanan | 18 holes | Learn more
  This championship-level course has hosted many notable golf celebrities, including former Notre Dame Women’s Basketball coach Ann “Muffet” McGraw, Chicago White Sox announcer Ken “Hawk” Harrellson and legendary Notre Dame head football coaches Lou Holtz and Ara Parseghian. A standout feature of this course is its rustic clubhouse — a 1930s barn that was featured at the 1933 Chicago's World Fair as a modern-day dairy facility.
• Hampshire Country Club | 29592 Pokagon Highway, Dowagiac | 36 holes | Learn more
  Two 18-hole, championship-level courses, Hampshire Country Club and Dogwood Trails, are renowned regionally for their scenic, gently rolling hills and wooded terrain. This was the previous site for the qualifying rounds for the Western and U.S. Amateur Championships so you will find the challenges you enjoy here.
• Indian Lake Hills Golf Course | 55321 Brush Lake Road, Eau Claire | 27 holes | Learn more
  This is a fall treat from sunrise to sunset with its majestic trees along the watered fairways, scenic orchards, wide-open areas and tight approaches. If you are looking for a fall golf outing destination, move this course to the top of your list. Not only is the course a gem, "The Landmark on the Lake" Club House offers good food, refreshing beverages and a view of Indian Lake — beautiful all year, but especially in the fall!
• Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club | ​​2520 Kerlikowske Road, Benton Harbor | 18 holes | Learn more
  This course consistently has received a four-star rating from Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play. Designed by Charles Maddox, Sr., it offers many elevation changes, generous tree-lined fairways, multiple tee options and large undulated greens. Legends such as Payne Stewart, Kenny Perry, Adam Scott and other greats have all played here. You will find reasons to come back in the spring and summer, too.
• Paw Paw Lake Golf Club | 4548 Forest Beach Road, Watervliet | 18 holes | Learn more
  Three tee choices make the game fun for all levels; the rolling hills overlooking Paw Paw Lake add to this mature course’s charm (circa 1918).
• Pebblewood Country Club | 9794 Jericho Road, Bridgman | 18 holes | Learn more
  Play one of the area’s oldest courses (circa 1923) with its nine lakes and ponds and the area’s only covered bridge. 

Enjoy a wee bit of Scotland in Southwest Michigan on Welter’s Folly putting green

Journeyman Distillery | Welter’s Folly Putting Green | 109 Generations Drive, Three Oaks | 18 holes | Learn more 

Practice your putting on a course inspired by the famous Himalayan putting green in St. Andrews, Scotland! Avid golfer and Journeyman's master distiller, Bill Welter, shares his passion for the game on this family-friendly, 30,000 square foot public putting green located behind the distillery. Welter’s Folly is considered to be one of the 10 largest putting greens in the world and the largest not affiliated with a golf course. Your fee includes a souvenir Journeyman golf ball. Putters 21 years and older can enjoy a purchased Journeyman’s beverage as they play; children 12 and under join the putting fun with an adult at no cost. It’s a memorable stop in Three Oaks as you follow the West Michigan Pike - Red Arrow Highway Fall Color Tour. 

Plan your fall color tour/golf getaway in Southwest Michigan today. 

As you can see, there is no need to put your golf clubs in storage. Book a centralized "base camp" at one of the many nearby lodging options in the region. Then reserve your tee times and start exploring a variety of course layouts and challenges — all within easy driving distance of each other. Fall will quickly become your favorite season to play here!

Book your fall golf stay