Golf

How to Plan a Golf Trip to Bellaire, MI

How to plan a group golf trip to Bellaire, Michigan: five Shanty Creek courses plus nearby courses, a sample 3-day itinerary, where to stay with a group of 8 to 16, and planning tips.

Bellaire is built for a group golf trip. Shanty Creek's five 18-hole courses are all within a few minutes of each other, more courses are a short drive away, and you can finish the day at Short's Brewing Company or in a hot tub.

Why Bellaire for a golf trip

  • Five courses at one resort. Shanty Creek has 90 holes, by designers including Tom Weiskopf and Arnold Palmer. See our Shanty Creek course guide.
  • More nearby. A-Ga-Ming, Antrim Dells and others are a short drive away. See golf courses near Bellaire.
  • Easy logistics. Everything is close, so there's no long drive between rounds.
  • Long summer days. Northern Michigan's late sunsets leave time for a second loop or a twilight round.

Sample 3-day itinerary

Day 1

  • Arrive and drop bags at the house
  • Afternoon round at the Schuss Mountain course
  • Dinner and beers at Short's Brewing Company in downtown Bellaire

Day 2

  • Morning round at Cedar River, the flagship
  • Lunch at the resort
  • Afternoon round at The Legend for Lake Bellaire views
  • Hot tub and grill night at the house

Day 3

  • Morning round at Hawk's Eye
  • Afternoon off: a boat on Torch Lake, or the sandbar in summer
  • One last nine at Summit before heading home

Check which days each course is open before you lock in the schedule. The courses take turns closing midweek.

Where to stay with a group

Golf groups usually run 8 to 16 people, which is exactly what our larger homes are set up for.

Group sizeBest fit
Up to 9Northwoods Treehaus: three kings, at Schuss Mountain Resort
Up to 12Alm Haus: a king suite and a game room, five minutes from Schuss
Up to 16Overlook Bellaire: four private kings, a four-queen bunk room and a heated garage
17 to 28Two homes together. See large group rentals

Where to eat and drink

  • Short's Brewing Company in downtown Bellaire for dinner and beers
  • At the resort between rounds
  • At the house: every home we host has a full kitchen for big group dinners

Planning tips

  • Book tee times and lodging together, as early as possible for June through August weekends.
  • Ask about group rates and stay-and-play packages at Shanty Creek.
  • Plan one round as a scramble if your group has mixed abilities. The Summit course's par-3 tees help beginners keep up.
  • Bring rain gear. Northern Michigan weather changes fast.
  • Golf in September. It's often the best month: firm courses, cooler days and easier tee times.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bellaire good for a golf trip?

Yes. Shanty Creek has five 18-hole courses in one place, more courses are nearby, and there are homes that sleep up to 16.

How many days do you need for a Bellaire golf trip?

Three days is enough to play four or five rounds across Shanty Creek's courses.

What is the best month for golf in Bellaire?

June through September. September is often the best balance of good conditions and easier tee times.

Sources

Course details from Shanty Creek Resorts. Checked October 2026.

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