Which golf courses near Bay City, MI offer the best mix of location, facilities, reputation, and value in 2026? With options in Bay City, Essexville, Kawkawlin, Freeland, Saginaw, and Midland, golfers can choose from public courses, country clubs, resort golf, and layouts suited to casual rounds. Based on listed ratings, review volume, amenities, and location, these are the best Golf Courses Bay City MI area golfers should consider.
1. Spring Valley Golf Course
Spring Valley Golf Course is located just north of Bay City in Kawkawlin. It is a dedicated golf facility that appeals to players seeking a straightforward round without the added services of a country club or resort. Its 4.5 rating from 143 reviews makes it one of the strongest-rated golf courses near Bay City, MI. The course is a practical choice for regular golfers, visitors, and players who want a focused golf experience.
Phone: (989) 686-0330
Pros:
- Excellent 4.5 rating from 143 reviews
- Convenient Kawkawlin location near Bay City
- Focused golf-course experience
- Suitable for casual and regular golfers
Cons:
- No listed banquet, dining, or lodging facilities
- Website is not listed, so calling ahead is recommended
2. Saginaw Country Club
Saginaw Country Club combines golf with full country club amenities. Located on Gratiot Road in Saginaw, it offers a golf course, golf club, banquet hall, and wedding venue. This makes it a strong option for golfers attending private events or planning a golf outing, reception, or wedding. With a 4.5 rating and 161 reviews, it is among the better-reviewed private-style golf facilities in the wider Bay City area.
Phone: (989) 793-2860
Pros:
- Strong 4.5 rating from 161 reviews
- Golf, banquet, and wedding facilities in one location
- Suitable for events and organized outings
- Established country club setting
Cons:
- Located in Saginaw rather than Bay City
- Country club facilities may be less suited to golfers seeking a simple public round
3. Beech Hollow Golf Course
Beech Hollow Golf Course in Freeland is a popular option for golfers searching between Bay City and Midland. Its 4.4 rating from 228 reviews indicates consistent customer interest and a solid local reputation. As a dedicated golf course, Beech Hollow is best suited to players prioritizing time on the course rather than banquet, lodging, or conference amenities.
Phone: (989) 695-5427
Pros:
- 4.4 rating based on 228 reviews
- Convenient Freeland location
- Strong choice for golfers comparing Bay City and Midland courses
- Dedicated golf facility
Cons:
- No listed restaurant, banquet hall, or lodging
- Website and current policies should be confirmed before visiting
4. Apple Mountain
Apple Mountain in Freeland offers more than golf. Its facilities include a public golf course, restaurant, banquet hall, conference center, wedding chapel, and wedding venue. This broad amenity list makes it a notable destination for golf outings, business events, celebrations, and wedding-related activities. It has a 4.4 rating from 246 reviews, one of the largest review totals among the top-rated options.
Phone: (989) 781-6789
Pros:
- Public golf course with extensive supporting facilities
- Restaurant, conference center, and banquet hall
- Wedding chapel and venue available
- 4.4 rating from 246 reviews
Cons:
- Event activity may make the property busier at certain times
- Golfers seeking a quiet, golf-only setting may prefer a smaller facility
5. Bay County Golf Course
Bay County Golf Course is located in Essexville and is one of the most convenient public golf options for golfers in the Bay City area. Operated as a golf-focused facility, it offers a practical choice for local rounds. Its 4.3 rating from 168 reviews suggests a dependable reputation among area golfers.
Phone: (989) 892-2161
Pros:
- Convenient Essexville location
- Public county golf facility
- 4.3 rating from 168 reviews
- Good option for local golfers and visitors
Cons:
- No listed banquet, dining, or resort amenities
- Call ahead for tee time and seasonal operating details
6. Sandy Ridge Golf Course
Sandy Ridge Golf Course is located in Midland and provides another worthwhile option for golfers willing to travel beyond Bay City. Its 4.3 rating from 218 reviews gives it a strong position among nearby golf courses. The facility is centered on golf, making it appropriate for players who value a dedicated course environment.
Phone: (989) 631-6010
Pros:
- 4.3 rating from 218 reviews
- Established Midland-area golf option
- Dedicated golf setting
- Online website is available for planning
Cons:
- Farther from central Bay City than local options
- No listed lodging, restaurant, or event facilities
7. Bay City Country Club
Bay City Country Club is a local golf and event facility on 3 Mile Road. Along with golf, it offers a banquet hall, making it useful for outings, receptions, and group gatherings. Its 4.2 rating from 313 reviews is supported by a substantial review base, giving visitors more feedback to consider than many smaller facilities.
Phone: (989) 778-1162
Pros:
- Located directly in the Bay City area
- Golf course and banquet hall
- Highest review volume among the listed local country clubs
- Website available
Cons:
- 4.2 rating is slightly below the area’s highest-rated courses
- Event bookings may affect availability
8. White Birch Hills Golf Course
White Birch Hills Golf Course is another Bay City option, located on Ott Road. With a 4.0 rating from 146 reviews, it offers a convenient choice for golfers who want to stay within the city area. The facility is focused on golf and may appeal to players seeking a simple local round.
Phone: (989) 662-6523
Pros:
- Bay City location
- 146 customer reviews
- Straightforward golf-course experience
- Convenient for local residents
Cons:
- 4.0 rating is lower than several nearby competitors
- No listed banquet, dining, or lodging services
- No website is listed
9. Bay Valley Resort
Bay Valley Resort combines golf with resort lodging and event facilities. Located in Bay City, it offers a golf course, hotel, resort accommodations, and conference center. This makes it a suitable choice for golf getaways, tournaments, conferences, and visitors who want to stay on-site. Its 3.8 rating is based on a substantial 766 reviews.
Phone: (989) 520-1362
Pros:
- Golf course and hotel in one destination
- Conference center for meetings and events
- Convenient Bay City location
- Large review base of 766 reviews
Cons:
- 3.8 rating is lower than most courses on this list
- Resort and conference activity may create a busier atmosphere
- Best suited to visitors wanting lodging or event amenities
10. Pleasant View Golf Course
Pleasant View Golf Course in Saginaw is a public golf facility with a driving range. The practice area is a useful advantage for golfers who want to warm up, work on swing mechanics, or practice before playing. With a 3.8 rating from 96 reviews, it is a practical choice for golfers comparing public courses near Bay City, MI.
Phone: (989) 791-4768
Pros:
- Public golf course
- Driving range available
- Good for practice and casual rounds
- Website available
Cons:
- Located in Saginaw rather than Bay City
- 3.8 rating from a smaller review base
- No listed banquet, restaurant, or lodging facilities
For the highest-rated Golf Courses Bay City MI shoppers should first compare Spring Valley Golf Course, Saginaw Country Club, Beech Hollow Golf Course, and Apple Mountain. Bay County Golf Course and Bay City Country Club are especially convenient for local play, while Bay Valley Resort is the better fit for golfers seeking lodging and conference amenities. Call each course before visiting to confirm tee times, rates, availability, and seasonal conditions.
