Detroit's public golf market is one of the most underrated in the Midwest — a dense network of Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne County courses where weekday rates range from $25 at municipal layouts to $120 at premier daily-fee clubs like The Orchards and Shepherd's Hollow. The metro's 60+ public-access courses include city-operated Detroit Parks courses, strong mid-tier tracks in Troy, Rochester Hills, and Sterling Heights, and a pair of genuine destination layouts in Oakland County's golf corridor that rival anything in the Midwest at comparable prices.
Detroit Green Fees by Tier (2026)
| Course | Weekday 18 | Weekend 18 | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dearborn Hills Golf Course | $27 | $27 | 3.5 ★ |
| Rammler Golf Club | $30 | $35 | 4 ★ |
| Bello Woods Golf Course | $30 | $48 | 3.9 ★ |
| Hickory Creek Golf Course | $35 | $45 | 4.1 ★ |
| Fountains Golf & Banquet | $38 | $49 | 4.4 ★ |
| Huron Hills Golf Course | $40 | $45 | 4.1 ★ |
| Pine View Golf Course | $44 | $46 | 3.8 ★ |
| Pierce Lake Golf Course | $49 | $55 | 4.4 ★ |
| Leslie Park Golf Course | $52 | $69 | 4.3 ★ |
| Glacier Club | $55 | $70 | 3.6 ★ |
| Pine Knob Golf Club | $55 | $70 | 4.4 ★ |
| The Orchards Golf Club | $70 | $85 | 4.3 ★ |
Verified from course websites · Showing 12 courses with published pricing · Verify before booking
Detroit Parks Golf: Best Municipal Value
The City of Detroit operates several public courses with some of the lowest weekday rates in the metro — typically $25–38 for 18 holes. Rouge Park Golf Course (west side) and Rackham Golf Course (east side, designed by Donald Ross in 1924) are the standouts. Rackham in particular is a bucket-list municipal round — a Ross design in excellent shape at a fraction of what comparable courses charge. Both allow unrestricted walking. See current rates above.
Oakland County: Michigan's Golf Corridor
Oakland County is the center of gravity for premium public golf in the Detroit metro. Shepherd's Hollow Golf Clubin Clarkston (consistently rated among Michigan's best public courses) offers a challenging layout through hardwood ravines at $65–95 weekday. The Orchards Golf Club in Washington Township delivers Arnold Palmer design quality at similar rates. For mid-range play, White Lake Oaks Golf Course and Springfield Oaks Golf Course (both county-operated) provide solid conditions at $40–60.
Macomb County Value: Stony Creek and Beyond
Macomb County offers the best price-per-round ratio in the metro for middle-tier golfers. Stony Creek Golf Course (Shelby Township), operated by Huron-Clinton Metroparks, runs $35–55 for a well-maintained, scenic round on reclaimed parkland. Pine Trace Golf Clubin Rochester Hills (4.3 stars) is the county's top semi-private value — outstanding conditions at $55–80 weekday. Both are strong all-day options without committing to Oakland County premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest public golf course in Detroit?
Detroit Parks courses — Rackham Golf Course (Donald Ross design, east Detroit) and Rouge Park Golf Course (west Detroit) — offer the lowest rates in the metro at $25–38 for 18 holes. Both allow walking. Huron-Clinton Metroparks courses in Macomb and Oakland counties run $35–55 and are next in line for value.
What is the best public golf course in Detroit?
Shepherd's Hollow Golf Club in Clarkston (Oakland County) is consistently rated the best public-access course in the metro — a demanding layout through hardwood ravines at $65–95 weekday. For value, Rackham Golf Course (Donald Ross, $25–38) is the most historically significant and beloved municipal course in Michigan.
How long is the golf season in Detroit?
Metro Detroit's season typically runs mid-April through late October, with some courses open into November during mild falls. Michigan winters are too cold for year-round play. The best window is May through September; October offers excellent fall color golf at shoulder-season prices.
Is golf cheaper in Macomb or Oakland County?
Macomb County is generally 15–25% cheaper than comparable Oakland County courses. Huron-Clinton Metroparks courses (Stony Creek, Kensington) run $35–55, while Oakland County's mid-range options start around $45–70. Both counties are less expensive than comparable courses in the Chicago or Cleveland markets.