Belvedere Course
Charlevoix, MI, USA
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.
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
Public: #110
Best in USA
Public: #45
Best in MI
Public: #4
Golfers say this Northern Michigan course delivers an old-school, fun layout that keeps players engaged throughout the round, with many praising the back nine's memorable stretch of holes and describing it as a must-play in the region. Most find the conditions solid to pristine, with greens that are challenging but fair, and reviewers note the course works well for all skill levels. Some mention practical drawbacks, including limited on-course signage and yardage information that can make club selection and aiming difficult, and a few question the routing that sends the back nine across the street from the clubhouse. While one reviewer considers it overrated compared to Michigan's top courses, the majority find it highly enjoyable and replayable, though opinions on its overall standing vary.
8.6
106 players
Favorite course I’ve had the pleasure of playing
Wow. What a fantastic place all around from hospitality, conditions and challenge. Could not fall in love with a place more
This is an excellent golf course with all the right attributes. I think this is one of the most fun golf courses I have played due to the old-school feel and attackable architecture. This was done by William Watson, and I thought the routing and the course flowed well. The front nine was on one side of the road and the back nine on the other side. The conditions were really pure when I played it at the end of summer.
I think it’s overrated personally. It’s a nice course but nowhere near the other Michigan heavy hitters
one of the greatest golfing experiences i’ve ever had. really fun track, in pristine condition, on a perfect day. the layout was fun and challenging. the greens were tough but pure and fair. i think the course could do for a re-routing - why is the back 9 across the street? feel like it would make sense for the back 9 to finish right up by the clubhouse like 9 does. nonetheless, really enjoyed playing here ps: the flags cost $350
Really fun old school course in Northern MI. Conditions are solid without being too difficult. Fun for any skill level.
I think the best compliment you can give a course is that you could play it every day and not get bored. This is that course. I caught myself about 7 holes in a row on the back 9 saying "wow what a cool hole". Absolute must play if you're in Northern Michigan. Very old school. Downside is there's no marking around the course so at times it's hard to know where to aim or what a hole does. Also no GPS on cart and no yardage book available when I played.
Public courses closest to Belvedere.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Belvedere has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 71 explicit golfer ratings.
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.
