White at Mistwood Golf Club

Mistwood Golf Club sits in the rolling, wooded terrain of northwest Michigan's Grand Traverse region, a few miles southwest of Traverse City near the small community of Lake Ann. Designed by Jerry Matthews and Ray Hearn and opened in the early 1990s, the course occupies land that transitions between hardwood forest and open meadow, typical of the glacially shaped landscape that defines this part of the state. The routing takes advantage of natural elevation changes and mature tree corridors, creating a layout that feels secluded despite its proximity to the area's busier resort destinations.

The design emphasizes strategic variety over sheer length, with holes that require thoughtful club selection and course management rather than pure power. Fairways move through stands of oak, maple, and pine, and several holes incorporate wetlands and native grasses that frame landing areas and greenside approaches. The greens feature moderate contour, rewarding accurate iron play while penalizing misses to the wrong tier or side. Water comes into play on a handful of holes, but the primary defenses are the tree-lined corridors and the need to position drives carefully for favorable approach angles.

Mistwood operates as a semi-private facility, welcoming both members and daily-fee play during the northern Michigan golf season. The course serves as a quieter alternative to the region's better-known resort tracks, appealing to golfers who prefer a more traditional, parkland-style round in a wooded setting.