Elk Rapids at Elk Rapids Golf Course

Elk Rapids Golf Course sits in the northern Michigan town of Elk Rapids, along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. The course was designed by Donald Ross, the Scottish architect whose American portfolio includes Pinehurst No. 2 and hundreds of other layouts across the country during the early twentieth century. Ross's work in Michigan reflects his characteristic approach to routing over natural terrain, using elevation changes and strategic bunkering to create interest without excessive length.

The course occupies rolling ground typical of the region's glacial topography, with mature hardwoods framing many holes and views toward the bay from elevated portions of the property. Ross's design philosophy emphasized ground game options and thoughtful placement over distance, features that remain evident in the layout's green complexes and approach angles. The property's natural contours provide variety in stance and shot requirements throughout the round.

Elk Rapids serves as a municipal facility, making it accessible to both residents and visitors exploring the Grand Traverse region. The course represents one of several Ross designs in northern Michigan, an area where the architect found terrain well-suited to his strategic principles. While not among his most famous works, the layout demonstrates the routing intelligence and use of natural features that characterize his broader body of work. The setting offers a straightforward golf experience in a region known for its concentration of classic American course architecture.