Manitou Passage Golf Club
Manitou Passage Golf Club offers an 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-crafted layout set amid Northern Michigan’s rolling woods and elevation changes. Featuring precise fairways and elevated tees, this championship course challenges golfers with strategic demands and scenic views, including its memorable 8th hole.
Course Overview
Located in the scenic surroundings of Northern Michigan, Manitou Passage Golf Club presents an Arnold Palmer-designed challenge that blends natural terrain with thoughtful course architecture. This 18-hole, par-72 layout sprawls through rolling woodlands and varied elevation, creating a dynamic playing experience that shifts with each hole. The course demands precision off the tee, as fairways are lined by mature trees with limited room for error, but rewards strategic shot-making and course management.
Manitou Passage plays approximately 7,000 yards from the championship tees, making it a test suited for a broad range of players who appreciate a thoughtful challenge. While notably challenging for low handicaps, the course remains approachable for mid-handicappers willing to navigate its well-placed hazards and elevation changes. The signature 8th hole is a highlight, offering elevated tees and stunning vantage points that overlook the surrounding landscape. Elevated tee boxes on multiple holes provide varied angles and distances, adding layers of complexity and visual interest.
The routing feels intimate despite being spacious, with most holes separated enough to avoid distractions, allowing players to focus entirely on their round. Greens at Manitou Passage are well-regarded for their consistent roll and subtle breaks. The maintenance team keeps the course in solid condition throughout the season, although tee box sizes are on the modest side, demanding accuracy rather than brute distance.
Players who appreciate courses with elevation shifts and strategic woodland challenges will find plenty to admire here, especially those seeking a course that tests shot creativity alongside physical endurance. The clubhouse offers a comfortable and welcoming setting for post-round conversations or a quiet meal after a demanding round.
Manitou Passage Golf Club offers a distinct Northern Michigan golf experience, appealing to those traveling through the region or locals who value a design by one of the sport’s iconic figures. Seasonal changes add another layer of attraction, with autumn colors framing the fairways in a memorable way. Planning your visit? Early tee times help avoid afternoon afternoon winds that can add another element of difficulty to the back nine.
Course Highlights
Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course features significant elevation changes and tree-lined fairways offering strategic challenge. The signature 8th hole provides panoramic views and elevated tee boxes are a common trait enhancing shot variety across the round. The course emphasizes accuracy and shot creativity, with greens noted for their true roll and subtle contours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Teddy Konrath
Course was incredible, well worth the money. Fairways and greens were immaculate. Tee boxes were a little chewed up, but they're smaller and don't have much room. Almost all the holes are different, tree lined and have alot of elevation change. On very few holes can you see another hole, which is quite nice. The drives from greens to the next tee box are spaced out nicely so you don't feel rushed. I'll definitely be coming back to here.
Craig Connolly
Super fun course...pro shop lads were top notch! Starter Rod was a great guy to chat with as well. Highly recommend playing it. Greens were the perfect quickness, but rolled true. Worth the drive over from Gaylord to play 100%
Brad Elliott
Well maintained course that was designed by Arnold Palmer. The 8th hole is the course's signature hole and a personal favorite of Palmer. It has incredible views of the area and is one of best looking holes on the course. Lots of elevated tee boxes makes this an exciting place to play. Definitely recommend if you are visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Spike ster
John Horwath
Nice course. Pretty difficult for me. Friendly staff. Green fees were a tad pricey for an average golfer.
Craig Connolly
Super fun course...pro shop lads were top notch! Starter Rod was a great guy to chat with as well. Highly recommend playing it. Greens were the perfect quickness, but rolled true. Worth the drive over from Gaylord to play 100%
Adlai Deisler
Awesome course. It is a challenge for every aspect of your game. I would not recommend this place if you can’t keep the ball within 15 yards of the fairway unless you love looking for your ball in the woods. Two gripes: They sanded the greens either today or yesterday. It made them incredibly inconsistent and slow in some places. If I had paid full price I would have been very unsatisfied. Rates need to come down if maintenance like that is being performed. Unless of course the greens are always like this, then my rating would go down. Second, the back nine was so slow because of 4 locals split in to two groups. One of the groups finally let us through (myself and a single that had teamed up because it was so slow). Then the second group finally let us through and proceeded to complain about it in earshot for the rest of the round. They also sped up to keep pace with us from there on out. I know the course and staff haven’t much control over who is playing, but those ladies were enough to not make me want to come back. Course is great, hopefully will be back next summer.
Basil Stein
I played Manitou Passage the end of September. This is a great Arnold Palmer designed course hidden in Northern Michigan. It was in excellent playing condition considering the lack of rain they have been having this year, with greens in great condition. Pricing, place of play and clubhouse were all amazing. The staff there was very friendly, I had a great experience with the pro shop and kitchen staff and I can't wait to go back.
Stephen Potter
I gotta say the course was beautiful and in good condition. But what really sticks with me is the customer service from Keith. I will golf here again for many reasons but Keith was an absolute gentleman. He made me feel welcome and made me want to come back. Give that man a raise.
Adlai Deisler
Awesome course. It is a challenge for every aspect of your game. I would not recommend this place if you can’t keep the ball within 15 yards of the fairway unless you love looking for your ball in the woods. Two gripes: They sanded the greens either today or yesterday. It made them incredibly inconsistent and slow in some places. If I had paid full price I would have been very unsatisfied. Rates need to come down if maintenance like that is being performed. Unless of course the greens are always like this, then my rating would go down. Second, the back nine was so slow because of 4 locals split in to two groups. One of the groups finally let us through (myself and a single that had teamed up because it was so slow). Then the second group finally let us through and proceeded to complain about it in earshot for the rest of the round. They also sped up to keep pace with us from there on out. I know the course and staff haven’t much control over who is playing, but those ladies were enough to not make me want to come back. Course is great, hopefully will be back next summer.
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Course Details
Access & Location
4600 S Club Dr, Cedar, MI 49621, USA
Manitou Passage Clubhouse serving dining and pro shop needs
Walking is permitted and encouraged; the course features varied terrain with some elevation. Good walking shoes are advised.
Open to resort guests and public play with advance tee time reservations recommended, especially during peak season.
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