The 5 Hardest Public Golf Courses in Bay City, MI
Matthew Holder

Bay City, Michigan, is home to several challenging public golf courses that offer unique layouts and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, these courses provide an exciting and demanding golfing experience. Here, we rank the five most challenging public golf courses in the Bay City area, listed from least to most difficult. Additionally, we provide honorable mentions for those seeking more variety.
5. East – Maple Leaf Golf Course
East – Maple Leaf Golf Course Tee Times
- Location: Linwood, MI
- Hardest Tees: Blue
- Yards: 2716
- Slope: 122
- Rating: 68.7
East – Maple Leaf Golf Course, located in Linwood, offers a shorter but challenging layout. The course’s strategic design requires precise shot-making, making it a great test for golfers looking to improve their skills. The scenic surroundings and well-maintained greens add to the overall experience.
4. North – Maple Leaf Golf Course
North – Maple Leaf Golf Course Tee Times
- Location: Linwood, MI
- Hardest Tees: Blue
- Yards: 3046
- Slope: 125
- Rating: 70.6
North – Maple Leaf Golf Course provides a slightly longer and more challenging layout compared to its East counterpart. The course’s fairways and greens are well-kept, offering golfers a rewarding experience. The variety of holes and the strategic bunkering make this course a favorite among local golfers.
3. Riverside Golf Club
Riverside Golf Club Tee Times
- Location: Battle Creek, MI
- Hardest Tees: Blue
- Yards: 6596
- Slope: 130
- Rating: 72.8
Riverside Golf Club, situated in Fenton, Missouri, boasts of two courses – the Riverside Course comprising 18 holes and a 9 hole Par-3 Course. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to a challenging game as the course spans 5,505 yards from the longest tees and holds a par of 69. Despite being a short layout, the club’s design is such that good shots are rewarded, making it an enjoyable outing for everyone. The course features three ponds on both courses, resulting in water hazards on six holes. For more information, visit www.golfriverside.net.
2. Bay County Golf Course
Bay County Golf Course Tee Times
- Location: Essexville, MI
- Hardest Tees: Blue
- Yards: 6557
- Slope: 120
- Rating: 71.6
Bay County Golf Course in Essexville offers a challenging layout with scenic views and well-kept greens. The course’s strategic design and variety of holes make it an excellent test for golfers of all skill levels. The friendly staff and picturesque surroundings add to the overall experience, making it a favorite among locals.
1. Saginaw Valley Public Golf Course
Saginaw Valley Public Golf Course Tee Times
Saginaw Valley Public Golf Course Tee Times
- Location: Bay City, MI
- Hardest Tees: Blue
- Yards: 6966
- Slope: 125
- Rating: 73.3
Saginaw Valley Public Golf Course is the most challenging public golf course in the Bay City area. The course features a demanding layout with well-placed hazards and pristine greens. Golfers appreciate the course’s beauty and the test it provides to their skills, making it a must-play destination for serious golfers.
Honorable Mentions
West – Maple Leaf Golf Course
West – Maple Leaf Golf Course Tee Times
- Location: Linwood, MI
- Hardest Tees: Blue
- Yards: 3243
- Slope: 122
- Rating: 68.7
Green Hills Golf Course
Green Hills Golf Course Tee Times
Green Hills Golf Course Tee Times
- Location: Pinconning, MI
- Hardest Tees: Blue
- Yards: 6144
- Slope: 112
- Rating: 67.3
Green Hills Golf Course, located in Chillicothe, Missouri, offers a challenging 18-hole regulation course. With its longest tees stretching 6,796 yards for a par of 72, golfers are presented with a memorable and enjoyable golfing experience. The course is well-maintained, making it accessible to all players.
Bay City offers a variety of challenging public golf courses for golfers of all skill levels. Whether aiming for the top spots or seeking an extra challenge, these courses provide a unique and exciting golfing experience.
Updated May 25, 2024