Manitou Passage Golf Club
Arnold Palmer’s Manitou Passage Golf Club in Northern Michigan offers an engaging 18-hole journey through wooded elevation changes, combining thoughtful design and scenic vistas. This public championship course balances accessibility with challenge, inviting golfers of various levels to enjoy meticulous greens and a signature hole with sweeping views.
Course Overview
Manitou Passage Golf Club offers an immersive 18-hole experience shaped by the legendary Arnold Palmer, set against the scenic backdrop of Northern Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes area. This public championship course blends rolling elevation changes with dense woodlands, creating a route that challenges both strategic thinking and shot-making precision. From elevated tees perched above shimmering fairways to greens guarded by thoughtfully placed bunkers, the layout commands respect without overwhelming players of varying skill levels.
The course’s routing takes full advantage of its natural terrain, with holes flowing through tree-lined corridors that often isolate each hole from the next, fostering a sense of quiet focus. The elevation shifts affect everything from club selection to approach angles, providing a dynamic test that feels fresh at every turn. While the front nine eases players into the round with inviting fairways and approachable greens, the back nine intensifies, particularly with the signature 8th hole offering breathtaking views and demanding a precise tee shot to a well-guarded green.
Manitou Passage is designed with playability in mind, offering multiple tee boxes that accommodate beginners while still challenging accomplished golfers. The greens, meticulously maintained, roll true and vary in speed depending on conditions, rewarding well-placed approach shots and deft putting. The course’s walkability is enhanced by widely spaced tees and well-maintained cart paths, though hikers are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear due to natural elevation changes and wooded terrain.
Beyond the course itself, the pro shop and clubhouse enhance the overall visit with attentive service and comfortable facilities that welcome players after a round of rigorous golf. Its proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore adds a layer of natural beauty, making each round a retreat into Michigan’s distinctive landscape.
Manitou Passage Golf Club stands as a rare blend of approachable charm and championship challenge, inviting golfers to test their skills while absorbing the peaceful wilderness that surrounds each hole.
Course Highlights
Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course features diverse elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and the standout 8th hole with panoramic views. The layout offers a mix of open shots and strategic challenges framed by natural dunes and forest, making it a distinct Northern Michigan golf destination.
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%
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Course Details
Access & Location
4600 S Club Dr, Cedar, MI 49621, USA
Manitou Passage Clubhouse with full pro shop and dining facilities
Walking is welcomed and encouraged; comfortable golf shoes recommended due to natural elevation and terrain.
Open daily; tee times recommended, especially during peak season. Clubs and carts available for rent.
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