The Mackinaw at The Mackinaw Club

The Mackinaw Club sits in the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, near the small community of Carp Lake, roughly midway between Petoskey and Mackinaw City. Designed by Jerry Matthews and opened in the late 1990s, the course occupies rolling terrain characteristic of the region, with mature hardwoods and conifers framing many holes. The property benefits from its location in Emmet County, an area known for its glacially sculpted topography and proximity to the Straits of Mackinac.

Matthews routed the course to take advantage of natural elevation changes and wooded corridors, creating a layout that moves through varied terrain. The design incorporates strategic bunkering and green complexes that reward thoughtful course management, with several holes playing along ridgelines or through natural clearings in the forest. Water features appear on select holes, adding variety to the shot values throughout the round.

The Mackinaw Club operates as a private facility serving members and their guests. The club maintains a relatively low profile compared to some of the more publicized northern Michigan courses, focusing on providing a traditional golf experience in a forested setting. The routing and conditioning reflect the club's commitment to year-round playability within the constraints of Michigan's northern climate, where the golf season typically runs from late spring through mid-autumn.