Belvedere Golf Club, Northern Michigan’s legendary golf destination, is set to mark its 100th anniversary in 2025. Famed for hosting the Michigan Amateur Championship 40 times, this historic course—designed by acclaimed architect William Watson—stands as a tribute to the golden age of golf course design.

“This is a very exciting time for the Belvedere Golf Club, turning 100 and hosting the prestigious and historic Michigan Amateur Championship once again this year,” said Tom Folliard, Belvedere Golf Club President. “We are very proud of the history at Belvedere and how this William Watson classic has stood the test of time, hosting some of the greatest players in the game. From Hagen, Sarazen, and Jones to Hogan, Snead, Watson, and Nicklaus to everyday golfers, Belvedere has become a part of the fabric of Northern Michigan golf, attracting golf aficionados from all over the country.”

The club’s origins trace back to 1925, when 10 members of the Belvedere Club, formerly the Charlevoix Home Association, decided it was time to establish their own course. They selected the rolling highlands of the Supernaw and Hooker farms on Marion Center Road, entrusting the design to Watson, a visionary whose work would later shape some of Among the most prestigious and celebrated golf courses in America.

By 1926, members enjoyed limited play, and by 1927, all 18 holes were fully open. From its inception, Belvedere embraced traditions reminiscent of the great British Isles courses, remaining a private club while welcoming guest play at select times.

The Watson Legacy: A Scotsman’s Influence on American Golf

Born in 1860, just eight miles from St. Andrews, Scotland, William Watson grew up surrounded by golf royalty, including Old Tom Morris. His love for the game led him to St. Andrews University, where he honed his skills and absorbed the art of course design.

Watson immigrated to the U.S. in 1898, designing his first course, the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis. He later moved to California, where he became a sought-after architect, crafting over 100 courses nationwide. His work included prestigious layouts such as The Olympic Club, Olympia Fields, and Harding Park.

By 1925, Watson was at the pinnacle of his career, standing alongside legendary designers like Donald Ross, George C. Thomas, Bill Bell, and Tom Bendelow. His expertise and artistry would soon shape Belvedere into a masterpiece of strategic course design.

A Timeless Golfing Treasure: The Greatest Holes of Belvedere

Belvedere’s finest holes are immortalized in George C. Thomas’ 1927 book, Golf Architecture in America. Watson’s designs—particularly holes 1, 11, and 16—were hailed as prime examples of masterful course architecture.

• Hole 11: Nestled in a natural canyon, this hole exemplifies how terrain can be sculpted to create a dramatic yet playable challenge.
• Hole 16: Watson’s crown jewel, this elevated green demands pinpoint precision, punishing errant shots with three punishing bunkers and a daunting approach.

These strategic, undulating greens, meticulously designed to reward accuracy and punish misjudgment, have stood the test of time.

“The drawings validated what was in the field,” says Hepner. “You could see the outlines or the actual shaping of the greens — the plateaus were out that far. You could also see that the greens had shrunk significantly.”

A Historic Discovery: Restoring Watson’s Vision

In 2016, during a local demolition, Watson’s original 1925 course blueprints were rediscovered, revealing that Belvedere’s greens had once been larger with more pronounced contours.

Course architect Bruce Hepner, renowned for his work with Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf, led the restoration effort, ensuring Watson’s intricate green complexes were revived. Today, Belvedere’s restored greens rank among the finest in the nation, maintaining Watson’s original brilliance while offering modern playability.

“Here’s the brilliant part: When you have a hillside green, you don’t want the water coming off the hillside under the green,” says Hepner. “So, he created drainage swales around each green site and used them in different ways to create interest and variety to divert the water away from the greens while also creating interesting contours in the shaping. Every green has a distinctive personality.”

A Course Fit for Champions

Belvedere has long been a stage for golfing greats.

• Walter Hagen won the 1929 Great Lakes Open, declaring Hole 16 the best par-4 in America.
• Ken Venturi was drawn to Belvedere on the recommendation of his mentor, Gene Sarazen.
• Legends like Bobby Jones, Tommy Armour, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Jack Nicklaus have all played its fairways.
• Tom Watson, five-time British Open champion, vacationed nearby and remains an honorary member.

For nearly a century, the course has hosted elite golfers, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

The Michigan Amateur Returns to Belvedere in 2025

The Michigan Amateur Championship, the state’s most prestigious golf event, will celebrate its 41st return to Belvedere from June 17-21, 2025.

Since first hosting the tournament in 1930, Belvedere has been an integral part of the Michigan Amateur’s history. It was the permanent host from 1963 to 1988, witnessing legendary victories, including two-time champion Dan Pohl, a PGA Tour player and Ryder Cup member.

This centennial edition promises to be a fitting tribute to the club’s enduring legacy.

America’s Premier Destination for Hickory Golf

Beyond its traditional play, Belvedere has become one of America’s top hickory golf venues.

Hosting national hickory events since 2006, the club welcomed the U.S. Hickory Open in 2019, drawing players from around the globe using authentic pre-1935 hickory shafted clubs.

In 2023, Belvedere proudly hosted The Hickory Grail, the premier Ryder Cup-style hickory event, solidifying its place as a mecca for classic golf.

Ranked Among America’s Best

Belvedere’s timeless design and championship pedigree have earned it national acclaim, with rankings including:

Golf Digest: Ranked Among America’s Top 100 Public Courses
GOLF Magazine: Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.
Golfweek: Top 200 Classic Courses

With its rich history, world-class restoration, and commitment to preserving the traditions of the game, Belvedere Golf Club enters its next century as one of the greatest golf destinations in America.

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