Cedar River Golf Course is one of northern Michigan’s most celebrated championship layouts, carved from a glacial canvas of rolling hills, dense hardwood forests, and natural waterways at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan. Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Weiskopf and opened in 1999, Cedar River was built to take full advantage of the dramatic natural terrain, resulting in a course that rewards strategic play and offers a visually stunning experience from the first tee to the final green.
Recognized among America’s Top 100 Resort Courses by Golfweek, listed among the Top 1,000 Courses in the World by Rolex, and named one of Michigan’s Top 20 Public Courses by Golf Magazine, Cedar River has earned its reputation as a destination-worthy golf experience. The course has also served as the home of the Hall Financial Michigan Open in both 2025 and 2026, hosting the 108th and 109th editions of one of the longest-running professional golf tournaments in the state.
Cedar River plays to a par-72 championship layout stretching from 5,268 yards at the Red tees to 7,001 yards from the Black tees, offering a genuine test for every level of golfer. Its dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and natural waterways make it a course that demands both precision and creativity, while its northern Michigan setting makes every round memorable regardless of score.
Cedar River Golf Course is available as a standalone tee time or as part of a stay-and-play golf package at Shanty Creek Resort. Packages combining lodging at The Lodge at Cedar River with course access offer the most convenient experience, with walk on style proximity to the course. Group outings, corporate events, and tournament bookings are also available.
For tee times, current rates, and package options across all five Shanty Creek golf courses, visit our Golf Courses and Rates page here or call the pro shop directly 231.533.2020.
| Tee | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 74(M) | 138(M) |
| Blue | 71.7(M)/77.9(W) | 134(M)/144(W) |
| Blue/White | 70.5(M)/76.5(W) | 131(M)/141(W) |
| White | 69.4(M)/75(W) | 127(M)/138(W) |
| White/Silver | 67.9(M)/73.4(W) | 124(M)/133(W) |
| Silver | 66.6(M)/71.5(W) | 120(M)/128(W) |
| Red | 66(M)/70.7(W) | 117(M)/126(W) |
Yardage Marking System: Distance markers are installed in the fairway for easy determination of distance of your ball position to the true dead center of the putting green.
U.S.G.A. Rules govern all play.
Tom Weiskopf is celebrated for bringing the drivable par 4 into modern course design, and at Cedar River his signature short par 4 comes to life on the 13th hole. A large bunker and an even larger oak split the fairway, creating a true test of risk-reward golf that demands strategy whether you go for the green off the tee or layup for the safe shot.
The journey at Cedar River begins along tree-lined fairways before opening wide into a sun-drenched pocket of the course, home to holes 6, 7 and 8, three of the most beautiful on the property. Here the trees fall away and rarely come into play; instead, a large pond anchoring the center of all three holes and a scattering of well-placed bunkers define the challenge. It's the stretch of the course that many of our players call their favorite.
When building Cedar River, Weiskopf left much of the landscape untouched, using the region's glacially carved canvas to create a course that rewards golfers of every ability. His thoughtful routing through Northern Michigan's rolling terrain and natural features gives players who pick the right line a little extra length and a helping kick on many of the holes.
Plan your round with the official 2026 Cedar River Golf Course scorecard.
Full yardages across all seven tee options, course ratings, slope ratings, and hole-by-hole layout included.
Download and print before your tee time or save it to your phone for easy reference on the course.
Who designed Cedar River Golf Course?
Cedar River Golf Course was designed by Tom Weiskopf, one of the most respected golf course architects in the world, and opened in 1999 at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan. Weiskopf is known for designs that work with natural terrain rather than against it, and Cedar River is widely considered one of his finest Midwest achievements.
Is Cedar River Golf Course good for beginners?
Cedar River offers seven tee options ranging from 5,268 to 7,001 yards, making it accessible to a wide range of skill levels. Beginning golfers playing from the Red tees at 5,268 yards will find a more manageable experience, while advanced golfers can test themselves from the Black tees at 7,001 yards. Golfers looking for the most forgiving option on property may also enjoy Summit Golf Course at Shanty Creek.
What is Cedar River Golf Course rated?
From the Blue tees, Cedar River carries a course rating of 71.7 (Men) and 77.9 (Women), with a slope of 134 (Men) and 144 (Women). Full ratings across all seven tee options are available on the downloadable scorecard.
What is Cedar River Golf Course ranked?
Cedar River has been ranked among America’s Top 100 Resort Courses by Golfweek, listed among the Top 1,000 Courses in the World by Rolex, and named one of Michigan’s Top 20 Public Courses by Golf Magazine.
Has Cedar River Golf Course hosted professional tournaments?
Yes. Cedar River Golf Course has served as the home of the Hall Financial Michigan Open for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, hosting the 108th and 109th editions of one of the longest-running professional golf tournaments in Michigan.
What is the signature hole at Cedar River Golf Course?
How do I book a tee time at Cedar River Golf Course?
Tee times at Cedar River Golf Course can be booked online through Shanty Creek Resort’s golf courses and rates page or here, or by calling the pro shop directly at 231.533.2020. Stay-and-play packages that include lodging are available by calling the resort.
Is Cedar River Golf Course part of Shanty Creek Resort?
Yes. Cedar River Golf Course is one of five championship 18-hole golf courses at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan. The other courses are The Legend, Hawk’s Eye, Schuss Mountain Golf Course, and Summit Golf Course.
How many holes does Cedar River Golf Course have?
Cedar River Golf Course is an 18-hole championship layout playing to a par of 72.
What are the dress code requirements at Cedar River Golf Course?
Proper attire includes collared shirts and slacks or bermuda-length shorts. Metal spikes are not allowed. Personal coolers are prohibited; food and beverages must be purchased through Shanty Creek Resort’s beverage carts, halfway houses, or pro shops.
When is Cedar River Golf Course open?
Cedar River Golf Course is open Wednesday through Sunday. The course is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours vary by season; current hours and tee time availability can be confirmed on the booking page.
Where is Cedar River Golf Course located?
Cedar River Golf Course is located at Shanty Creek Resort, 2400 Troon S, Bellaire, Michigan 49615.
Do I need to book a tee time in advance at Cedar River Golf Course?
Advance tee time reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer season and on weekends. Cedar River is a popular destination course and same-day availability cannot be guaranteed. Tee times can be booked online here or by calling the pro shop at 231.533.2020.
How far in advance can I book a tee time at Cedar River?
To get your first choice of not only day but time of day, it is recommended to book your tee times as soon as possible.
Are golf carts included with the greens fee at Cedar River?
Golf carts are included in your round purchase.
Is walking allowed at Cedar River Golf Course?
We are a walking allowed course. We do recommend using an included golf cart during busy hours to keep pace of play.
Does Cedar River Golf Course have a driving range?
Cedar River offers a driving range just walking distance or shuttle trip from our pro shop.
Does Cedar River Golf Course offer golf lessons or instruction?
Golf instruction is available at Shanty Creek Resort through the pro shop. PGA professionals are available for individual lessons and clinics. Contact the pro shop at 231.533.2020 for current availability and pricing.
Can I rent golf clubs at Cedar River Golf Course?
Stop in or call 231.533.2020 to see what selection of clubs we have to offer.
Does Cedar River Golf Course have food and beverage on the course?
Snacks and drinks before your start your round at the pro shop. Halfway house offers a variety food, snacks & drinks. Or end your with take out or dine in options at the infamous River Bistro restaurant and bar. Per Michigan state liquor license regulations, outside food and beverages including personal coolers are not permitted on the course.
What is the pace of play at Cedar River Golf Course?
Players should plan for approximately 15 minutes per hole, or roughly four and a half hours for a full 18-hole round. Players are expected to maintain pace of play out of respect for other golfers on the course.
Does Cedar River Golf Course offer special rates?
Cedar River offers Spring and fall discounted rates as well as promotions like out 90 holes for $90. Check these out when booking rounds online here, or call our pro shop at 231.533.2020 for details.
Can I play Cedar River Golf Course as part of a multi-course package?
Yes. Shanty Creek Resort offers multi-course golf packages allowing guests to play multiple courses during their stay. Contact the resort at 231.533.2020 or visit the golf courses and rates page here for current package options.
Is Cedar River Golf Course suitable for a golf outing or corporate event?
Yes. Cedar River Golf Course is available for golf outings, corporate events, and tournament play. Shanty Creek Resort has over 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space in addition to course access. Contact the resort’s events team for group pricing and availability.
Is there a pro shop at Cedar River Golf Course?
The Cedar River Proshop is located both at beginning and end of your 18 hole round.
What happens if there is bad weather during my round at Cedar River?
If the pro shop closes the course or delays play due to inclement weather, rain checks will be issued. If weather conditions do not warrant a course closure, play continues. Players should use their own judgment regarding lightning safety.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to Cedar River Golf Course?
Personal coolers and outside food and beverages are not permitted on the course per Michigan state liquor license regulations. Beverage carts, halfway houses, and pro shops provide food and beverage options throughout your round.
