How to Improve Your Golf Game in Traverse City, MI


Welcome, Traverse City golfers! Whether you’re a beginner eager to lose your “weekend warrior” label or a seasoned player looking to shave a few strokes off your game, this guide is for you. We’re here to support your golfing journey in Traverse City by providing detailed information about local courses, experienced coaches, and excellent practice facilities. Don’t miss our article on Why Most Golfers Don’t Improve for a glimpse into common pitfalls in the game.

Top Places to Practice in Traverse City

Finding the right place to practice can be just as important as playing the game itself. Traverse City offers a variety of settings to hone your skills:

Best Public Practice Facilities

  1. Bay Meadows Family Golf Course: This facility is an excellent choice for golfers of all skill levels. Located a short drive from downtown, it features three practice greens, practice bunkers, and a large driving range with both mat and turf options. Bay Meadows Family Golf Course offers lessons and clinics year-round.

  2. Traverse City Golf & Country Club: Although private, this club offers members access to exceptional practice facilities, including a driving range with target greens and a short game area perfect for practicing those delicate chips and pitches. Learn more about their practice facilities here.

Indoor Options for Winter

If Traverse City’s cold weather is freezing your progress on the links, consider these indoor spots:

  • X-GOLF Traverse City: This indoor simulator facility offers state-of-the-art technology, such as infrared lasers and camera systems, to make your practice as realistic as possible. They also provide custom club fittings and lessons. Check them out here.

Coaches and Instructors in Traverse City

The right guidance can significantly impact your game. Check out these standout instructors from Traverse City:

  1. Danielle Frank, PGA Golf Professional: Based at the Traverse City Golf Performance Center, Danielle offers tailored lessons focusing on short game, strategy, and overall swing improvement. Get to know her here.

  2. Traverse City Golf Performance Center Pros: With multiple PGA teaching professionals, they offer premier instruction year-round. They utilize Trackman technology for a data-informed approach. Learn more here.

  3. Ed Laprade, PGA at Bay Meadows: Highly decorated and experienced, Ed offers comprehensive lessons and has a proven track record with both juniors and adults. Find out more about Ed and his teaching methods here.

Club Fitting Options

Finding the right clubs can elevate your game. Traverse City offers several expert fitting options:

  • TC Golf Performance Center: Known for its precise fittings using Trackman technology, this center customizes clubs to your swing perfectly. Check them out here.

  • X-GOLF Traverse City: Specializes in Callaway Custom Fittings. The indoor environment makes it ideal for year-round fittings. Visit their website here.

Best Courses to Test Your Game

Traverse City offers stunning golf courses suited for players of every skill level.

  • Bay Meadows Family Golf Course: Ideal for beginners and intermediates with its accessible 9-hole layouts designed for family play.

  • The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: Not for the faint-hearted, this Jack Nicklaus-designed course is challenging, scenic, and a must-play for serious golfers. More information here.

Indoor Golf + Winter Training

For offseason training, facilities like:

  • X-GOLF Traverse City offer leagues, lessons, and competitions.

  • Traverse City Golf Performance Center has indoor bays equipped with Trackman technology perfect for winter practice.

Other Helpful Resources

  • Traverse City Junior Golf Association: Fantastic resource for young golfers looking to learn and compete. Learn more here.

Finally, Join the ParBound Waitlist, and be the first in Traverse City to experience tools that take the guesswork out of improving your game.

There’s never been a more exciting time to golf in Traverse City! With fantastic courses, knowledgeable instructors, and state-of-the-art training facilities, your potential improvements are limitless. See you on the course!