
Grosse Ile Course
Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club



About this course
Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club occupies a distinctive setting on Grosse Ile, the largest island in the Detroit River downstream from the city. The course was designed by Donald Ross and opened in the 1920s, part of the prolific architect's extensive portfolio of work throughout the Midwest. The island location provides a relatively flat terrain with mature tree-lined corridors, characteristic of parkland courses in southeastern Michigan. The routing takes advantage of the property's natural features while reflecting Ross's principles of strategic design, with greens that typically feature his signature crowned and subtly contoured surfaces. The club serves as a traditional private country club for families on the island and from the surrounding Detroit area. Grosse Ile itself is a residential community connected to the mainland by bridge, and the club functions as a social and recreational center for its membership. The course layout moves through established neighborhoods of the island, with holes framed by hardwoods and offering a quiet, secluded atmosphere despite the proximity to metropolitan Detroit. As with many Ross designs from this era, the course emphasizes precision over length, rewarding accurate iron play and thoughtful course management. The greens remain the primary defense, requiring careful attention to pin positions and approach angles. The club maintains its character as a classic American country club, balancing golf with family amenities and social traditions typical of private clubs established in the early twentieth century.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MI
Quick facts
- Location
- Grosse Ile, MI, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1919
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Donald Ross
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,828 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.9/130
- Course Vaults score
- 7.7
Getting there
Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club sits on a private island in the Detroit River, accessed via the Grosse Ile Parkway toll bridge approximately twenty-five minutes south of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The approach carries you off the mainland and onto the island's tree-canopied roads, where the rhythm shifts from urban corridor to insular tranquility. For members arriving by private aircraft, Grosse Ile Municipal Airport occupies the southern end of the island itself, offering perhaps the most seamless arrival of any club in the Great Lakes - wheels down to first tee in mere minutes, with the Detroit skyline visible across the water to the north.

FAQ
Common questions about Grosse Ile
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Grosse Ile has a Course Vaults score of 7.7 out of 10 based on 16 logged golfers.
Grosse Ile was designed by Donald Ross.
Grosse Ile is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Grosse Ile is 71.
Grosse Ile plays 6,828 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Grosse Ile is 130.




