Adventure Collective
Bay Meadows Family Golf Course
Public
Family-Friendly
18-Hole

Bay Meadows Family Golf Course

Traverse City, Michigan, USANorthern Michigan

Bay Meadows Family Golf Course in Traverse City, Michigan, balances approachable design with solid practice facilities. This public 18-hole venue combines a traditional nine-hole layout with a nine-hole par-3 course, making it ideal for families and golfers refining their skills.

Course Overview

Bay Meadows Family Golf Course offers a refreshing blend of accessibility and quality just minutes from Traverse City’s vibrant core. This public 18-hole facility combines a full nine-hole layout with an additional nine-hole par-3 course, crafting an inviting setting for players of all skill levels. The course’s design emphasizes a player-friendly experience, making it a popular choice for families, beginners, and seasoned golfers looking for a well-maintained spot to sharpen their game.

The grounds are kept in impressive condition year-round, with fairways that provide generous playing corridors and putting surfaces that respond crisply to each stroke. Mature trees and subtle elevation changes create a gentle parkland atmosphere, framing each hole with natural character rather than dramatic obstacles. Golfers can enjoy views of carefully tended greens distant enough to invite strategic approaches but close enough to encourage confidence in shot selection.

Practice opportunities at Bay Meadows stand out as a highlight. The driving range features quality turf and is supported by three short-game greens, offering ample space for chipping, pitching, and putting drills. This focus on practice amenities has earned praise among local golfers and instructors alike, with teaching professionals such as Ed Laprade recognized for fostering improvement in a patient, welcoming environment.

Because of its mainstream appeal, Bay Meadows supports a steady flow of play without the wait times often experienced at busier courses. The layout’s forgiving nature invites golfers to focus on rhythm and course management, rather than navigating penal hazards. Families and groups find the course especially inviting, with the par-3 course providing a quick yet satisfying round for those seeking a faster pace or a confidence-building introduction to the game.

Visitors planning a trip here will appreciate the ease of booking and on-site rental equipment, making it a hassle-free destination. The friendly staff and well-stocked pro shop complete a straightforward experience designed to encourage regular play and skill development in a relaxed Midwestern setting.

Course Highlights

The course pairs a traditional nine-hole layout with a nine-hole par-3 course, ideal for quick rounds or skill-building. Noteworthy are the three dedicated short-game practice greens and a well-maintained driving range, regarded as the best practice facility in the Traverse City area. The course’s gentle elevation changes and tree-lined fairways offer a relaxing yet engaging round suitable for families and players seeking manageable challenges without sacrificing quality.

Championship Course
Historic
Walking Friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Reviews

4.8(10 reviews)

Jada Richardson

2 years ago
Beautiful course!! Very well maintained. Very nice driving range. Employees were very friendly. Can get pretty busy.

Raimo Karhunen

3 years ago
Great course for "casual golf" I played 9 here recently with my wife, who hasn't swung a club in over 10 years! Beautiful late summer day, course in great shape, and for an "executive" course, a really nice, but actually challenging layout. My wife and i had fun, which was the goal. Recommended!

Evan

a month ago
Great golf course, well maintained, very easy to reserve and equally as easy getting situated from the pro shop. If you’re in Traverse City and want the best bang for your buck this is the place. Came from out of town and booked a full 18 (9-hole and Par 3) , got rental clubs and a cart ran me $65. 10/10 can’t wait to come back.

Travis Deemer

a month ago
Love it here, great course for the buddies & kids!

Keegan Gendron

a month ago
Bay Meadows is a phenomenal place to golf. Course is always in satisfactory condition, and staff are all friendly. The BEST practice facilites in town: by far the nicest driving range, and 3 quality practice greens with enough room to work on short game. Range grass, while it gets hit pretty hard, is always adjusted to the best grass available. The par 3 course is great for a quick practice round. Highly recommend Ed Laprade for lessons. I’ve seen him a few times now, he’s a patient and thoughtful instructor who clearly has a desire to see students improve. This has been my go-to range for a few years and will be for many more to come!

Steve KP

in the last week
Great family place to learn, practice and play golf. Very friendly staff and great instructors.

Stephen Sapp

a week ago
Had a couple of grips replaced. Fast, correct, and reasonable price!

Travis Deemer

a month ago
Love it here, great course for the buddies & kids!

Keegan Gendron

a month ago
Bay Meadows is a phenomenal place to golf. Course is always in satisfactory condition, and staff are all friendly. The BEST practice facilites in town: by far the nicest driving range, and 3 quality practice greens with enough room to work on short game. Range grass, while it gets hit pretty hard, is always adjusted to the best grass available. The par 3 course is great for a quick practice round. Highly recommend Ed Laprade for lessons. I’ve seen him a few times now, he’s a patient and thoughtful instructor who clearly has a desire to see students improve. This has been my go-to range for a few years and will be for many more to come!

Evan

a month ago
Great golf course, well maintained, very easy to reserve and equally as easy getting situated from the pro shop. If you’re in Traverse City and want the best bang for your buck this is the place. Came from out of town and booked a full 18 (9-hole and Par 3) , got rental clubs and a cart ran me $65. 10/10 can’t wait to come back.

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Course Details

Holes
18
Total Yardage
5,500
Par
35
Access Type
public
Course is open seasonally depending on weather, with peak conditions from late spring through early fall.

Access & Location

Address

5550 Bay Meadows Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA

Clubhouse

Bay Meadows Clubhouse, featuring a pro shop and snack bar

Walking Policy

Walking encouraged across the parkland layout; flat terrain suited for players of varied fitness levels, comfortable walking shoes recommended

Open to the public with easy online tee time reservations; rental clubs and carts available on site

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