Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is renowned for many things, but we specialize in creating an incredible golf experience. For each of our three signature Michigan golf courses, we sought out the finest designers the industry has to offer. The Bear by was designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Wolverine by Gary Player. Spruce Run by William Newcomb. Over the years, Golf Magazine has awarded us their coveted Silver Medal, and Golf Digest has rated our courses among their best. We're also proud to be certified as an Environmental Steward by the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.

One Clubhouse, Three Golf Courses

The Bear
The Bear's name is a tribute to its designer, Jack Nicklaus, whose trademark blonde hair earned him the nickname, "the Golden Bear." Born in 1940, Jack Nicklaus is a legend both as a player and a course designer. His competitive career spanned five decades, including 18 professional major championship titles. He is the only player in history to have won each of the game's majors at least three times, and is the only player to have completed the career "Grand Slam" on both the regular and senior tours.

The Wolverine
Gary Player's first signature course in the state of Michigan is designed to take full advantage of the Resort's richly diverse environment. Flexibility, versatility and playability with four sets of tees allow the course to be set up to accommodate golfers of all abilities. The course is challenging for a low handicap, yet playable and enjoyable for high handicappers and is capable of being set up to be a true test for professional tournaments.

Spruce Run
Spruce Run, the Resort's original course, began as the nine-hole Acme Public Golf Course and was expanded to 18 holes in the 1970s. The course was redesigned as a 6,741-yard par-72 course in 1979 by former University of Michigan Golf Coach William Newcomb and renamed The Resort Course. It was given the name Spruce Run in 1992 as a reflection of the numerous spruce and fir trees that line its fairways and greens. Spruce Run was modified to a par-70 course during the development of The Wolverine.