
Belvedere Course
Belvedere Golf Club




About this course
Belvedere Golf Club stands as a testament to classic golf architecture, a layout where hickory-shafted legends once walked and a young Walter Hagen honed his game. Set in the rolling terrain of Charlevoix, Michigan, the course presents a deceptively gentle challenge, a parkland-style layout demanding strategic positioning more than brute force. The fairways, lined with mature trees and subtly undulating, reward thoughtful shot-making and precise club selection. Designed by William Watson during golf’s Golden Age, Belvedere retains the charm and strategic nuances of that era. The course favors a controlled fade off the tee, with many holes subtly doglegging right, rewarding those who can shape the ball with accuracy. While not boasting excessive length, the small, well-guarded greens place a premium on approach play and a deft touch around the putting surfaces. Notable renovations have been undertaken by Bruce Hepner, ensuring the course remains true to Watson's original vision while meeting the demands of the modern game. Belvedere hosted the Michigan Open an impressive 40 times. The club, while not internationally renowned, holds a special place in Michigan golf history. Beyond the course, Belvedere fostered a vibrant and unpretentious golfing community. Stories abound of friendly matches and lively post-round discussions, fueled by the club's simple offerings and welcoming atmosphere. It is a place where the spirit of the game, rather than its trappings, takes center stage.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MI
Quick facts
- Location
- Charlevoix, MI, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1925
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Willie Watson
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,713 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.3/126
- Course Vaults score
- 8.6
Getting there
The journey to Belvedere Golf Club begins at either Pellston Regional Airport, a compact gateway roughly thirty minutes north, or the larger Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, an hour's drive southwest along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Private arrivals often favor Charlevoix Municipal, a quiet airstrip minutes from the club gates. The final approach traces US-31 through rolling farmland and stands of northern hardwood before descending into Charlevoix, where the road narrows past Victorian summer cottages and yacht-lined harbors, delivering you to the understated elegance of Belvedere - a century-old enclave perched above the shimmering waters of Round Lake.

FAQ
Common questions about Belvedere
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Belvedere has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 108 logged golfers.
Belvedere was designed by Willie Watson.
Yes. Belvedere is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Belvedere is 72.
Belvedere plays 6,713 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Belvedere is 126.




