How We Got Sold on Michigan for our Golf Trip
Kerry's friend Jerry McGarvey sells us on a Northern Michigan golf trip — covering Forest Dunes, Bay Harbor, Arcadia Bluffs, and why Michigan public golf belongs on your bucket list.
- Guest
- Jerry McGarvey
- Destination
- Forest Dunes, Bay Harbor, and Arcadia Bluffs, Michigan
- Location
- MI
The Setup
This week we’re joined by Jerry McGarvey, a longtime friend of Kerry’s who heard the crew was hunting for their next destination and volunteered to sell us on Northern Michigan. What started as “why would we go to Michigan for golf?” turned into “when are we going back?” — before the trip has even happened.
The Format
Jerry breaks down exactly how he’d structure a multi-day guys’ trip across three standout courses: Forest Dunes, Bay Harbor, and Arcadia Bluffs. He’s got the lodging figured out, the routing mapped, and the competitive format ready to go. All we have to do is show up.
The Hot Takes
- Forest Dunes — a Tom Doak public gem that belongs on every golfer’s list
- Bay Harbor — a stunning Pete Dye layout along Lake Michigan with dramatic cliffside holes
- Arcadia Bluffs — perched high above the lake, this place delivers views and vibes that rival any coastal destination
- Michigan public golf is underrated — the quality-to-cost ratio punches way above its weight
- The logistics are simpler than you think — fly into Traverse City, stay in one spot, and everything’s within an hour
The Run-It-Back
Jerry’s already plotting the return trip — and we haven’t even gone yet. His pitch: don’t sleep on Michigan, book the courses early, and bring a crew that’s as into the post-round hang as they are into the golf itself.