Benona Shores Golf Course

Benona Shores Golf Course sits along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Shelby, a small community in Oceana County roughly twenty miles north of Muskegon. The course was designed by Warner Bowen, a Michigan-based architect who worked primarily in the state during the mid-to-late twentieth century. The property occupies terrain characteristic of Michigan's western shoreline, where sandy soils and rolling topography reflect the region's glacial history and proximity to the Great Lakes. The routing takes advantage of the natural undulations and wooded corridors typical of courses built in this part of the state. Holes move through stands of hardwoods and pines, with elevation changes that create variety in shot requirements and sightlines. The sandy subsoil provides good drainage and firm playing conditions, particularly valuable in a climate where spring and fall weather can be unpredictable. Several holes offer glimpses of the surrounding landscape, though the course itself is set back from the immediate lakefront. Benona Shores serves as a public facility and draws golfers from the surrounding region, including seasonal visitors to the Lake Michigan shoreline. The course reflects the straightforward, accessible design philosophy common to many mid-century public layouts in Michigan, where playability and maintenance efficiency were primary considerations. It remains a local option for golfers exploring the courses that dot Michigan's western coast between Grand Haven and Ludington.