When the weather in the Midwestern United States starts to warm up, it’s time to wipe the dust off your golf bag and get back out on the green. If you want a relaxing vacation while playing golf, a stay-and-play package is something to look out for. Make the most of your golf vacation by choosing the right stay-and-play for you, and learn more about the best packages in the Midwest in this handy article.
1. The American Club, Kholer Wisconsin
The American Club has a wide range of courses and accommodations, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and expert players. Choose between four magnificent stay options, The American Club Resort Hotel, The American Club Carriage House, Inn on Woodlake, or one of their rustic and cozy cabins in the woods. It doesn’t matter if you choose the 3 or 5-star option, you will be treated like royalty at the American Club.
They have two courses to choose from, Whistling Straits and The Black Wolf Run, each with more courses inside. From greens that cut along the Wisconsin coast to rolling hills reminiscent of Ireland, you’ll be challenged and amazed by the course’s intensity and design. A stay-and-play package ensures you have enough time to thoroughly try each course.
Check packages on the official site.
Interested to check more golf packages here? Check out our list of the best stay and play golf packages in Wisconsin.
2. Maddens on Gull Lake, Brainerd Minnesota
Maddens is a golf resort that the whole family can enjoy. Located on a 1000-acre property in the Brainerd Lakes area, there is room to spread out and enjoy the green. They have 4 stay options, from villas to cottages and more, each more beautiful than the last, with a perfect view of the lakes. For those who aren’t partaking in a round of golf, there are activities to enjoy, like the water park, golf classes, spa, and a waterski school. This resort has room for the whole family.
For those enjoying the green, they have four courses, each offering a different level of difficulty but equally challenging. Get out on the green in the early morning to see the mist rise off the lake. Families will enjoy the Social 9 course, which is designed with varying skill levels in mind, while pros will take on the Classic course. Blow off some steam and practice your swing at the driving range or boost your golf game with a clinic or lesson.
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3. Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs Michigan
From award-winning rooms overlooking the picturesque Lake Michigan to the world-class green, a stay at Inn at Bay Harbor and Boyne Highlands will be a vacation you’ll never forget. The inn features all the comforts of home with an upscale luxury feeling. Guests can enjoy relaxing by the pool, a massage at the spa or a unique upscale dining experience. The rooms are modernly decorated with a clean and comfortable feeling, giving you the best possible night’s rest before a day out on the green.
The ten championship courses will blow your mind. These courses were designed by professional golfers for players of varying skill levels to challenge and reward each player. The resort also offers driving ranges and practice greens to get in some practice before your game. A weekend or a week will fly by with a stay at Boyne Highlands.
Check packages on the official site.
Interested to find out more packages in Michigan? Check out our list of the best stay and play golf packages in Michigan.
4. Wild Rock, Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin
Wild Rock is a peaceful escape and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the green. The resort has many accommodations that range from standard hotel rooms to luxurious three, four or five bedroom cabins featuring all the comforts of home, fire up the grill on the patio after a long day of golf or head to one of their four onsite restaurants for a culinary delight.
Heading onto the green, you’ll notice a significant change from your usual green. The terrain features a stone quarry, rocky patches, and elevation changes, making it feel like a desert course. Risk and reward are built into every hole, no matter which course you choose.
Test out your best driver and enjoy stunning views these courses have to offer. Up your game by trying out the driving range, putting green or chipping bunker before tee time. If you are new to bringing your clubs on your travels, check out this article on how to fly with golf clubs to help keep them safe while traveling.
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5. Treetop Resort, Gaylord Michigan
Treetop resort is a tranquil resort in the heart of Northern Michigan. Choose from five different accommodation types to customize your golf vacation. The lodge, inn, condominiums, chalets, and cottages were all designed to have the best amenities to ensure guests have a pleasant stay. Five restaurants serve delicious American and international cuisine to delight the senses, and the trendy Bar 81 is a must stop for a nightcap to end a perfect day.
Enjoy four signature courses with 81 holes on pristine grass. The dramatic views, challenges, and green hills will make each day of golf a delight. Their signature “Threetops” course was named number one, three par course in the United States and is a dream to play for any golfer. Test out your skills and clubs at a top-ranking golf resort in the Midwest.
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6. French Lick, Indiana
It’s unexpected that one of the best public golf courses in America would be found in Indiana, but you’d be surprised to see this course and resort ranking number 17 on the list. French Lick is a vast green resort area perfect for a relaxing weekend. Relax in luxury with a stay in one of the two Four-Diamond historic hotels. The grandeur of both hotels is reminiscent of a time gone by, with huge ceilings, elegant furniture, and a modern touch to bring it into the 21st century. Enjoy the elegance of another era with all the modern amenities you need to enjoy your time on the green.
There are 4 courses to choose from at French Lick: The Pete Dye, The Donald Ross, The Valley Links, and The Sultans Run. Enjoy famous 40-mile views and the hilly greens from each course as you encounter challenging traps and varying difficulties. The Donald Ross course is true to the original course built in 1917, with 35 bunkers from the original course. A stay-and-play at French Lick is a thrilling step back in time.
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7. Eagle Ridge Resort, Galena Illinois
Eagle Ridge is the place to be for a modern golfing experience. You’ll want to stay and play for weeks on end with beautiful scenery, comforting stays, and distinctive greens that set the bar for golf resorts. Enjoy a stay in their modern lodges, hotel rooms, and villas with a modern alpine design and natural touches throughout the rooms.
On the green, you’ll find four award-winning golf courses that feature rolling hills, sharp turns, and traps to keep each game interesting. The bold design elements add uniqueness to each game that is hard to find elsewhere. With stunning lake views you’ll never want to leave the green. Enjoy a challenging and relaxing vacation at Eagle Ridge Resort
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8. Gull Lake View, St Augusta Michigan
Stay and play at one of Michigan’s most experienced golf resorts. With over six courses, you can stay and play on their stunning greens for a whole week or just the weekend. With villas, suites, and cottages, they can accommodate everyone from singles to large families. Their scenic onsite restaurants offer award-winning panoramic views of Gull Lake and delicious cuisines.
Start your day off by choosing from one of the six courses that Golf Digest rated 4.5 stars or higher. The courses offer a variety of elemental and design challenges to amuse and test both beginners and seasoned golfers. Different directions, wind, grass, and elevations will challenge and test your golf game daily. Enjoy a thrilling game of golf when you stay-and-play ad Gull Lake.
Check packages on the official site.
9. Eaglesticks Golf
Designed by renowned architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, this 6500 yards golf destination in Ohio features numerous stunning waterfalls, breathtaking views, elevated tee times, and comfortable accommodations, making it a top choice for golfers.
Eaglesticks Golf Club offers affordable and flexible stay-and-play packages in Ohio. Choose from two packages: The Long Weekend (3d2n) and The Getaway (2d1n).
Check packages on the official site
If you’re going to check Ohio, check out our recommendations:
Here’s an alternative: golf resorts. Golf resorts do not always offer golf packages but you can stay nearby the course with great amenities and various activities, often also for families. Here’s our list of the best golf resorts in the Midwest. Check it out!
FAQ
What is the best time to go golfing in the Midwest?
Due to the harsh winters the Midwest experiences, the best time to golf would be between April and October. This also depends on the spring weather; some greens will be open earlier or later in the season.
How many golf courses are in the United States?
There are over 15,500 golf courses in the United States so there are a lot of options for a golf trip. Check out our recommended stay and play packages in other states here.
What are the best golf bags?
Choosing the right golf bag for you can be tricky, depending on your needs and skill levels. Go over this article on the best golf bags to find the one that best suits your needs.
Where should a beginner practice golf?
The best place to practice golf as a beginner is on a driving range or a course designed for beginners. Once you have built your confidence and skills, you can move on to more intermediate courses.
If you’re just looking for fantastic courses to play and not bothering about the packages, here’s our list of the best golf courses in the Midwest. Check it out!
