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There are several great golf courses in Upper Michigan, but three have recently received plenty of state and national attention: Greywalls, Sweetgrass, and TimberStone.

Greywalls, in its fourth year of existence, was recently named by Golfweek Magazine as the 92nd best modern course in the entire country.

"I think the thing that stands out and suprises a lot of people that come to Marquette is just how much rock is actually out here, hence the name Greywalls,"  commented Marquette Golf Club Head Professional Marc Gilmore.  "When you see the golf course, you're seeing things you don't see normally in the state of Michigan or the Midwest for that matter.  It's like you're playing in British Columbia."

Panoramic views of Lake Superior, rocky outcrops, dramatic elevation changes, and undulating greens, Greywalls has it all.

"Course architect Mike DeVries is a minimalist, and he didn't disturb the terrain out here and that's evident when you step on that first tee," Gilmore added.  "I mean what was here thousands of years ago is still is here, he basically kept everything intact and that's why it's gorgeous."

Now if you hop on M-95 and head to Iron Mountain, you'll find TimberStone golf course, which Golf Digest Magazine has awarded a five star rating.  It's one of only 24 courses in North America with that distinction and puts it in a class with Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass.

"It is carved out of the woods, so it is tree lined, however, there are a couple holes that do offer some water features," said TimberStone Director of Golf, Joe Rizzo.  "Then also, the elevation changes on some of the holes are really dramatic. Our signature hole would have to be hole number 17.  It's a par 3 where the elevation from tee to green is approximately a 100 foot drop and it really is spectacular when you're standing up there.  You can see, on a clear day, probably 30 or 40 miles from the top of Pine Mountain."

If you're a fan of the British Open, head to Harris and the Island Resort and Casino to play Sweetgrass.  After only one year of existence, Golfweek Magazine named the course the 20th best you can play in the state.

"I mean some of the features is the fescue grass--it's a links style golf course," commented Sweetgrass Director of Golf, Dave Douglas.  "We do have a lot of water and a couple parkland holes, which would be treelined holes.  The signature hole would be hole number 15.  Of course with the Island Resort and Casino, 15 is an island green par 3."

Sweetgrass features rolling fairways, long grass, tricky greens, and exposure to the elements.

So that's three very distinctive and challenging golf courses all within a short driving distance of each other.  It makes you want to stay and play in Upper Michigan.