Golf at Grand Traverse: the three courses and planning tee times
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has three championship golf courses (The Bear, The Wolverine, and Spruce Run) that total 54 holes and require advance reservations for tee times. Book tee times through the resort (reservations are required) and plan them around shuttle/arrival times, weather, and the resort's available practice and Clubhouse facilities.
In this guide
Overview of the three courses
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers three championship courses: The Bear (Jack Nicklaus design), The Wolverine (Gary Player design), and Spruce Run (Bill Newcomb design). Together they provide 54 holes of golf across the resort property.
Each course has its own character and routing; The Bear is the Jack Nicklaus signature course noted in regional listings, while The Wolverine and Spruce Run are the other two championship layouts available to guests and the public.
- The Bear — Jack Nicklaus signature design
- The Wolverine — Gary Player design
- Spruce Run — Bill Newcomb design
- Total: 54 championship holes
| Course | Designer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Bear | Jack Nicklaus | Signature course (listed on resort/destination pages) |
| The Wolverine | Gary Player | Championship layout |
| Spruce Run | Bill Newcomb | Championship layout |
Booking tee times — how and when to reserve
Reservations are required for golf tee times at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa; the resort advises booking in advance. The resort’s reservation policies and exact lead times can vary, so confirm availability directly when you plan your trip.
Use the resort contact channels or the golf/booking desk to set tee times. If you need assistance, BookResorts agents (24/7) can help at +1 (888) 605-1350.
- Reservations are required — book ahead, especially in peak season (summer and National Cherry Festival dates).
- Call the resort or the golf shop to confirm available start times and any cart or rental options.
- Ask about cancellations, weather policies, and preferred tee-time windows when you call.
| Action | Who to contact |
|---|---|
| Reserve tee time | Resort golf shop / front desk |
| Need booking help 24/7 | BookResorts agents: +1 (888) 605-1350 |
| Confirm policies (cancellations, carts) | Golf shop at the resort |
Best times and seasonal notes
June through September is the warmest, busiest window for golf in the Traverse City area; expect higher demand for tee times and consider booking well in advance. Late May and September are shoulder-season options for fewer crowds.
Winter weather and heavy snow make on-property golf seasonal; if you plan winter travel, check course open/close dates with the resort before assuming availability.
- Peak season: June–September — book early
- Shoulder seasons: late May and September for fewer crowds
- Winter: courses likely closed; verify opening dates
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | Warm weather, high demand, book tee times early |
| Shoulder (May, Sep) | Fewer crowds, variable weather |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Likely closed or limited — check with resort |
Practice facilities and on-site golf services
Grand Traverse offers a year-round golf academy and practice facilities; the resort's golf resources are listed in destination materials and resort pages. Driving range, short game practice, and instruction are typically available through the golf academy.
If you plan instruction or club rentals, reserve those services when you book your tee time so the pro shop can prepare equipment or an instructor.
- Year-round golf academy available (reserve lessons in advance)
- Driving range and short-game practice areas available — confirm hours
- Club rentals and cart availability typically handled by the golf shop
| Service | How to arrange |
|---|---|
| Lessons / Academy | Reserve through the resort golf academy |
| Club rentals | Request when booking tee time |
| Practice range access | Check daily hours with the golf shop |
Where to stay and plan around tee times
Rooms at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa sit on the same 900-acre property as the courses; choose a room type that fits your group and schedule. Popular room names include Tower Deluxe King Bed, Tower Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Standard Room, Premier Triple Room, Golf View, Tower, Deluxe Room, Bay View, and the condo-style Shores and Valleyview units.
If early tee times are part of your plan, note the resort's check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM; coordinate transport or storage of clubs if arriving the same day as an early tee time.
- Room types (examples): Tower Deluxe King Bed; Tower Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds; Standard Room; Premier Triple Room, Golf View, Tower; Deluxe Room, Bay View; Shores One Bedroom Condo; Valleyview One Bedroom Condo; Shores Studio Condo.
- For early morning tee times consider arriving the day before and checking with bellstand for club storage.
- Resort shuttle schedules (airport/casino/beach) are available; confirm timing if you rely on shuttle service to reach the course or airport.
| Room name (exact) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tower Deluxe King Bed | Tower rooms with views — good for couples |
| Premier Triple Room, Golf View, Tower | Specifically mentions Golf View in the room name |
| Shores One Bedroom Condo | Condo-style option with kitchen; useful for groups |
Logistics on golf day
Arrive at the golf shop early to check in, pick up carts, and confirm any rental clubs or lesson times. The resort notes that reservations are required for tee times, and the pro shop will have current course conditions and any weather-related changes.
Factor in transit: the resort provides a complimentary airport shuttle to/from Cherry Capital Airport and other resort shuttles (beach, Turtle Creek Casino) seasonally, but local transportation for other needs may require taxi, Lyft or Uber.
- Check in at the golf shop at least 30 minutes before your tee time (confirm the exact recommendation with the golf shop).
- Confirm cart, rental clubs, and any lesson or bag-drop services at check-in.
- Watch weather forecasts; lake-effect weather can change quickly in this region.
| What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Check in early at the golf shop | Secures carts, rental clubs, and confirms tee details |
| Confirm your rental/equipment | Avoid delays before your tee time |
| Allow travel buffer | Shuttle schedules and traffic can affect arrival |
