
The Links Course
Bay Harbor Golf Club

About this course
The Links at Bay Harbor, carved into the bluffs above Lake Michigan near Bay Harbor, presents a dramatic golfing experience where the Great Lakes' unpredictable winds and stunning vistas are as much a part of the challenge as the course itself. Designed in the late 1990s, this Arthur Hills design captures a contemporary take on the links aesthetic, eschewing traditional rolling dunes for elevated tees and greens that maximize the panoramic lake views. The course is known for its forced carries over ravines and strategic bunkering that punishes wayward shots, but the prevailing wind can be a larger deterrent, particularly along the exposed shoreline holes. While not steeped in tournament history, Bay Harbor has carved out a niche as a coveted destination for discerning golfers seeking a challenging round amidst unparalleled natural beauty. The club attracts a membership drawn to both the serious golf and the resort lifestyle, creating a vibrant social atmosphere that extends beyond the fairways. Adding to Bay Harbor's appeal is its commitment to culinary excellence, with a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In particular, their house-smoked whitefish dip, a regional delicacy, is a favorite among members and guests alike, often enjoyed on the clubhouse terrace while taking in the sunset over Lake Michigan, helping tie the club into its surrounding culture.
Quick facts
- Location
- Bay Harbor, MI, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1997
- Designer
- Arthur Hills
- Holes
- 9
- Par
- 36
- Length
- 3,449 yards
- Difficulty
- 38.2/143
Getting there
The journey to Bay Harbor Golf Club begins at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, roughly forty minutes north along the eastern shore of Grand Traverse Bay. Private arrivals often favor the same facility, which accommodates corporate and charter traffic with ease. The drive traces M-119 as it hugs the water's edge, passing through Petoskey before descending into the purpose-built enclave of Bay Harbor - a meticulously planned village where the road narrows, the architecture turns deliberately New England, and the clubhouse emerges on a dramatic bluff overlooking Little Traverse Bay and the Straits of Mackinac beyond.

FAQ
Common questions about The Links at Bay Harbor Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Links was designed by Arthur Hills.
Yes. The Links at Bay Harbor Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Links is 36.
The Links plays 3,449 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Links is 143.
The Links is a 9-hole course.





