Awe Inspiring Beauty.
Exhilarating Challenge.
Twenty-seven holes of pure Northern Michigan:
winding forest trails and panoramic Lake Michigan vistas.
Challenge yourself on 27 meticulously maintained holes that showcase northern Michigan's natural beauty, from untouched woodland to stunning water overlooks that make every round memorable.
The Farms Course:
Timeless Northern Golf
Start where Birchwood golf began: a classic Northern Michigan layout winding through mature hardwood forests. Craft shots through tree-lined fairways and trust your approach to generous greens that reward solid contact.
Members call the conditions "meticulous." Play the Farms and discover golf that respects tradition while making your round feel new, where even a tough day makes you want to tee it up again tomorrow.
The Birches Course:
Golf That Rewards Strategy
Wind your way through the Northern Michigan forest on the Birches course, where you’ll be rewarded by smart play over power.
Shape your shots around doglegs, choose your line over water, and learn which approaches hold the elevated greens.
Members love the Birches because it's fair. Play smart, and you'll score well. The course gives you options, rewards creativity, and keeps you coming back.
The Woods Course:
Where Lake Meets Fairway
Experience The Woods course, Jerry Mathews' 1998 masterpiece that showcases breathtaking Lake Michigan views from the very first hole.
With multiple elevated tee boxes and dramatic terrain formed thousands of years ago, this modern design delivers stunning vistas and memorable golf that keeps you coming back
Meet Our Pros
Sharpen your skills with experienced teaching professionals who offer private lessons, group clinics, and programs for all ages. Whether you're working on fundamentals or fine-tuning your competitive game, find instruction tailored to your goals in a setting that makes learning enjoyable.
Cris Cavitt, PGA
Director of Golf
Cris Cavitt enters his 29th year at Birchwood Farms in 2026, having served as Assistant Professional (1998-2001), Head Professional, and Director of Golf since 2013. He views the club as an extended family and takes pride in its welcoming community. Two of his children were raised in Harbor Springs, while his oldest daughter lives in metro Detroit with two grandsons. Outside of work, Cris enjoys spending time with family, following sports, and traveling during the off-season.
Andrew Park
Golf Professional
Andrew Park joins Birchwood Farms as Golf Professional, bringing experience working with PGA, LPGA, and elite amateur players. Rated among Golf Magazine's Top 100 and Golf Digest's top instructors in Florida, Andrew believes in building personalized instruction plans customized for each player. A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, he competed on professional tours before transitioning to instruction. Andrew currently teaches players across multiple professional tours and owns Andrew Park Golf and Junior Development.
Cole Ketterer
Head Professional
Born and raised in Harbor Springs, Cole had a distinguished high school golf career including two-time Division 4 All-State honors. After graduating from Ferris State University in Professional Golf Management, he worked at Bloomfield Hills Country Club and The Silverleaf Club in Arizona. He has qualified for the Southwest Section PGA Assistant Championship in 2024 and 2025. Cole is excited to return home as Head Professional.
Cam Kuebler
First Assistant
Cam spent childhood summers in Petoskey and Harbor Springs, giving him deep Northern Michigan roots. He currently serves as an assistant at the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst. An Associate PGA Member pursuing his Class A credentials, Cam previously spent five years teaching economics in Suzhou, China.
Gear Up for Success
Find everything you need in our full-service Pro Shop, from quality equipment to apparel. Our knowledgeable staff ensures you have the right gear and local course knowledge to enjoy your best golf.
Why Members Love Birchwood Golf
At Birchwood, the sense of community is just as important as the thrill of the game. Here's what members have to say:
"As a second-generation member, Birchwood has always felt like a true home away from home. The golf course is beautifully maintained, scenic, and challenging. I'm also a member at two private clubs in the Detroit area, and Birchwood continues to impress me. It's a place my family has cherished for many years and will continue to enjoy for many years to come."
–David Runyon
"The golf course is truly exceptional - peaceful, beautifully maintained, and unlike any other. There's something here for everyone, and the club offers opportunities to be as involved as you wish. The staff are consistently warm, welcoming, and always willing to go above and beyond."
–Marvin and Diana Tisdale
FAQs
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How many holes of golf does Birchwood Farms offer?
Birchwood Farms offers 27 holes of championship golf across three distinct 9-hole courses—Birches, Woods, and Farms. Members can play any combination of the three courses for variety and a unique experience every round.
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What makes the golf experience at Birchwood different from other Northern Michigan courses?
While Northern Michigan offers exceptional golf destinations, Birchwood stands apart through its welcoming, community-focused approach. With seven tee options on every hole, our courses accommodate everyone from scratch players to beginners and families. The Farms course serves as a relaxed, executive-length option perfect for newcomers.
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How long is the course, and what skill levels does it accommodate?
Birchwood's courses play up to 6,734 yards from the championship tees, offering eight different tee selections to match any skill level. Our multiple tee options ensure everyone in your group can play from distances that make the game fun and achievable.
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Who designed the courses?
The 27 holes at Birchwood Farms were designed by members of the Matthews family, a prominent lineage of Michigan golf course architects. The Birches and The Farms (original 18 holes) were designed by Bruce Matthews Sr. and his son Jerry Matthews and opened in 1972. The Woods (additional 9 holes) was designed by Jerry Matthews and added in 1998.
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What makes each of the three courses unique?
The Farms Course: The Farms course is half of the club's original 18-hole layout. It is known for its manicured fairways and generous greens, set within mature hardwood forests.
The Birches Course: The Birches course forms the second half of the original 18-hole pairing with the Farms course. It shares the woodland setting but introduces more specific hazards.
The Woods Course: Added in 1998 and designed by Jerry Matthews, the Woods course is often cited as the most spectacular of the three due to its dramatic terrain.
Schedule a visit to tour our 27 holes and discover why members treasure these courses for their pristine conditions, stunning views, and natural beauty.