Trip Overview
This carefully crafted golf getaway includes:
- 3 nights accommodation (Thursday-Sunday)
- 2 rounds of championship golf
- A Lake Michigan beach day
- Group dining experiences
- All transportation options
- Comprehensive budget breakdown
We've prepared two destination options in Michigan, each offering exceptional golf, comfortable accommodations, and a perfect balance of activities.
Trip Details
- Dates: August 28-31, 2025 (Labor Day Weekend)
- Group Size: 10-12 people
- Focus: Golf (2 rounds) with beach/activity day
- Out-of-town travelers: 2 (from San Diego and Bay Area)
- Local travelers: 8-10 (driving from within Michigan)
- Accommodation: Large vacation home with individual beds for all
Traverse City, Michigan
Known as the "Golf Coast" of Michigan, Traverse City is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the country. Nestled between the azure waters of Grand Traverse Bay and rolling hills covered in cherry orchards and vineyards, this destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and world-class golf.
Why Traverse City?
- Championship golf courses designed by legendary architects
- Stunning Lake Michigan beaches and dunes
- Direct flights from major cities to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
- Award-winning restaurants featuring farm-to-table cuisine
- Access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Location Overview
Championship Golf
The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort
Day 1Designed by Jack Nicklaus, The Bear is celebrated as one of Michigan's most challenging courses. With its severe elevations, tiered greens, and deep bunkers, it offers a memorable test of golf.
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course
Day 2Perched on bluffs 225 feet above Lake Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs offers breathtaking views on every hole. This links-style course features rolling terrain, natural fescues, and 3,100 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Additional Recommended Course
The Wolverine at Grand Traverse Resort
AlternativeDesigned by Gary Player, The Wolverine is a more player-friendly alternative to The Bear. The course features strategic bunkering, generous landing areas, and undulating greens that provide challenge without overwhelming players.
Accommodation
7-Bedroom House with Amazing Deck & Backyard
Primary OptionThis spacious 7-bedroom property offers 7 separate beds, ensuring most of your group can have their own bed. Located just 4 minutes from Traverse City Beach and 11 minutes from Cherry Capital Airport, it features a beautiful deck, large backyard, and easy access to golf courses.
5 Bedroom Home with 10 Beds
Traverse CityA stunning property in Traverse City with 11 separate beds to accommodate your entire group individually. Features a heated pool and access to Cedar Lake. Perfect for golf enthusiasts with easy access to downtown Traverse City and Grand Traverse Resort courses.
Bed Configuration (11 separate beds):
- 2 king beds, 6 queen beds
- 2 twin beds, 1 child bed
- Enough beds for everyone in your group
Key Features:
Location:
- 20 min to Grand Traverse Resort courses
- 5 min to downtown Traverse City
- 19 min to Cherry Capital Airport
Transportation
Flights
Out-of-town guests can fly into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City or Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) with a connecting flight.
San Diego to Traverse City
Estimated Cost: $580-680 round trip
Airlines: United, Delta, American (all require connections)
Average Flight Time: 7-9 hours (with connection)
Check Flight PricesSan Francisco to Traverse City
Estimated Cost: $550-650 round trip
Airlines: United, Delta, American (all require connections)
Average Flight Time: 6-8 hours (with connection)
Check Flight PricesCar Rentals
Renting SUVs or minivans will provide comfortable transportation for the group between golf courses, beaches, and restaurants.
SUV Rental (7-8 passengers)
Estimated Cost: $80-100 per day
Companies: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis (all available at TVC)
Recommendation: 2 vehicles for flexibility
Compare Rental PricesLocal Driving Distances:
- Accommodation to The Bear: ~15 minutes
- Accommodation to Arcadia Bluffs: ~50 minutes
- Accommodation to Sleeping Bear Dunes: ~35 minutes
- Accommodation to Downtown: ~10 minutes
Off-Course Activities
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Experience the breathtaking beauty of massive sand dunes that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan. Perfect for a group beach day with swimming, hiking, and stunning views.
Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
Explore the award-winning wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. Enjoy tastings with stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay in this premier wine region.
Downtown Traverse City
Explore charming Front Street with its boutiques, breweries, and restaurants. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon of shopping and local culture.
Dining Recommendations
Amical
$$European-inspired bistro with a warm atmosphere. Their private dining room can accommodate groups of 12. Known for their rotating menu and excellent wine list.
The Boathouse
$$$Upscale restaurant with panoramic views of West Grand Traverse Bay. Features fresh, local ingredients and an extensive wine list in an elegant atmosphere.
North Peak Brewing
$$Casual brewpub in a historic building with rustic atmosphere. Offers craft beers and elevated pub fare perfect for a relaxed group dinner after golf.
Budget Breakdown
Traverse City Costs
Per Person Costs
| Expense | Local Travelers (8-10) | San Diego Traveler | Bay Area Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (3 nights) | $550 | $550 | $550 |
| Golf (2 rounds) | $275 | $275 | $275 |
| Transportation | $50 (gas share) | $680 (flight) + $50 (car share) | $650 (flight) + $50 (car share) |
| Dining (3 dinners) | $180 | $180 | $180 |
| Activities | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Total Per Person | $1,105 | $1,785 | $1,755 |
Group Total Expenses
| Category | Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $6,600 | Lakefront luxury home (3 nights) |
| Golf | $3,300 | 2 rounds for 12 people |
| Flights | $1,330 | For 2 out-of-town travelers |
| Car Rentals | $600 | 2 SUVs for 3 days |
| Dining | $2,160 | 3 group dinners |
| Activities | $600 | Beach day, attractions |
| Grand Total | $14,590 | All expenses for 12 people |
Sample Itinerary
Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Arrival Check-in at accommodation (4:00 PM)
- Evening Welcome dinner at Amical (7:00 PM)
Friday, August 29, 2025
- Morning Breakfast at accommodation
- 10:00 AM Tee time at The Bear
- Afternoon Relax at accommodation
- Evening Dinner at The Boathouse (7:30 PM)
Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Morning Breakfast at accommodation
- 10:00 AM Tee time at Arcadia Bluffs
- Afternoon Relax at accommodation
- Evening Dinner at North Peak Brewing (7:00 PM)
Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Morning Breakfast at accommodation
- 10:00 AM Beach day at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Afternoon Departure
Benton Harbor, Michigan
Located in the heart of Southwest Michigan, Benton Harbor offers world-class golf courses, pristine Lake Michigan beaches, and easy access from major airports. This destination has emerged as one of the Midwest's premier golf destinations, with the crown jewel being Harbor Shores, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course.
Why Benton Harbor?
- Home to Harbor Shores, a PGA Championship venue
- Multiple gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches
- Just 90 minutes from Chicago, 3 hours from Detroit
- Rich in wineries and farm-to-table dining
- More affordable than northern Michigan options
Location Overview
Championship Golf
Harbor Shores Golf Club
Day 1A Jack Nicklaus Signature course and host of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. Features dramatic terrain changes with holes along the Paw Paw River, through wetlands, and along Lake Michigan dunes.
Point O' Woods Golf Club
Day 2Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this private course can be available for outside play with advance arrangements. It's hosted the Western Amateur Championship and offers a classic, challenging layout through wooded terrain.
Available Accommodations for August 28-31, 2025
We've found one excellent property that are currently available for your dates and can accommodate your entire group with individual beds. Each property offers a unique experience and location while providing all the amenities needed for a successful golf trip.
Lakefront Home with 375 Feet of Private Beach
Benton HarborThis one-of-a-kind lakefront property offers 375 feet of private Lake Michigan beach frontage, making it perfect for combining golf and beach activities. Located just 4 minutes from Harbor Shores Golf Club, it provides luxurious accommodations with 6 separate beds.
Bed Configuration (6 separate beds):
- 2 king beds, 4 queen beds
- Note: Some sharing would be required for a group of 10-12
Key Features:
Location:
- 4 min to Harbor Shores Golf Club
- 10 min to Silver Beach
- 3 hours from Detroit Metro Airport
Transportation
Flights
Out-of-town guests can fly into Detroit (DTW) or Chicago (ORD/MDW) with a drive to Benton Harbor, or into the smaller South Bend Airport (SBN) which is closer.
San Diego to Detroit
Estimated Cost: $550-650 round trip
Airlines: Delta, American, United
Travel to Benton Harbor: 3-hour drive
Check Flight PricesSan Francisco to Detroit
Estimated Cost: $500-600 round trip
Airlines: Delta, American, United
Travel to Benton Harbor: 3-hour drive
Check Flight PricesCar Rentals
Renting vehicles will be essential for getting around Southwest Michigan, as golf courses, beaches, and restaurants are spread out.
SUV Rental (7-8 passengers)
Estimated Cost: $70-90 per day
Companies: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis
Recommendation: 2 vehicles for flexibility
Enterprise Benton HarborLocal Driving Distances:
- Accommodation to Harbor Shores: ~10 minutes
- Accommodation to Point O' Woods: ~25 minutes
- Accommodation to Silver Beach: ~15 minutes
- Accommodation to Wineries: ~20 minutes
Off-Course Activities
Silver Beach County Park
A wide, clean beach on Lake Michigan with swimming, volleyball courts, and beautiful lighthouse views. Perfect for a relaxing group beach day with plenty of space.
Southwest Michigan Wine Trail
Explore several award-winning wineries in the area, featuring beautiful vineyard views and tasting rooms. Many accommodate large groups with advance notice.
Downtown St. Joseph
Charming downtown area with boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront dining. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon of shopping and exploring.
Dining Recommendations
Plank's Tavern
$$Waterfront restaurant offering American cuisine with views of the St. Joseph River. Features a private dining room perfect for large groups and a diverse menu to please everyone.
Tosi's Restaurant
$$$Historic Italian restaurant established in 1948, known for fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. Features traditional Italian cuisine with modern touches and an extensive wine list.
Silver Harbor Brewing
$$Award-winning craft brewery with excellent food options in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a casual dinner after a day of golf or beach activities.
Budget Breakdown
Benton Harbor Costs
Per Person Costs
| Expense | Local Travelers (8-10) | San Diego Traveler | Bay Area Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (3 nights) | $450 | $450 | $450 |
| Golf (2 rounds) | $320 | $320 | $320 |
| Transportation | $40 (gas share) | $600 (flight) + $40 (car share) | $550 (flight) + $40 (car share) |
| Dining (3 dinners) | $170 | $170 | $170 |
| Activities | $40 | $40 | $40 |
| Total Per Person | $1,020 | $1,620 | $1,570 |
Group Total Expenses
| Category | Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5,400 | Lakefront luxury home (3 nights) |
| Golf | $3,840 | 2 rounds for 12 people |
| Flights | $1,150 | For 2 out-of-town travelers |
| Car Rentals | $540 | 2 SUVs for 3 days |
| Dining | $2,040 | 3 group dinners |
| Activities | $480 | Beach day, attractions |
| Grand Total | $13,450 | All expenses for 12 people |
Sample Itinerary
Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Arrival Check-in at accommodation (4:00 PM)
- Evening Welcome dinner at Plank's Tavern (7:00 PM)
Friday, August 29, 2025
- Morning Breakfast at accommodation
- 10:00 AM Tee time at Harbor Shores Golf Club
- Afternoon Relax at accommodation
- Evening Dinner at Tosi's Restaurant (7:30 PM)
Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Morning Breakfast at accommodation
- 10:00 AM Tee time at Point O' Woods Golf Club
- Afternoon Relax at accommodation
- Evening Dinner at Silver Harbor Brewing (7:00 PM)
Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Morning Breakfast at accommodation
- 10:00 AM Beach day at Silver Beach County Park
- Afternoon Departure