In 1963, President John F. Kennedy reminded us that the world does not stand still. “Change is the law of life,” he declared. “And those who only look to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”
Knowingly or not, the visionaries behind BOYNE Golf in Northern Michigan have fully embraced Kennedy’s words. At a time when so many golf properties across the country have settled in to enjoy the fruits of America’s post-pandemic embrace of the game, the myriad of golf courses, hotels, and amenities that make up the destination has been continuously expanded, upgraded, and a few even created from scratch.
BOYNE Golf encompasses three resorts across a relatively short expanse of Michigan located near Petoskey, Michigan. Stationed at or around the hotels are 10 delightful, challenging and amazingly diverse golf courses. Ask someone who has played any or all of them and they will tell you that all 10 are picture-postcard-perfect in beauty and conditioning. That said, each course has either recently received marked improvements or is slated for such in the coming months and years.
How do you improve perfection? Bernie Friedrich, currently the director of golf course renovation and development (and 2023 PGA National Golf Course Executive of the Year) laughed at the question. “Like everything else in life, golf courses change as they mature. Maybe the bunkers have filled in. Maybe the greens have gotten smaller than the architect originally intended. With 10 courses to manage, we try to stay on top of how we can provide the optimal golf experience for our guests and members.
Friedrich cited the famed Donald Ross Memorial Course at the Highlands at Harbor Springs as a prime example. “Technology has really helped us understand the subtleties involved in the architecture of Donald Ross,” Friedrich said. When that course was built, famous Ross holes from around the world were emulated to provide players with the look and feel of a Ross design. “But decades later,” Friedrich continued, “we were provided access to the original drawings of these famous holes and even received satellite imagery of what those holes look like at their original courses.”BOYNE Golf engaged prominent Michigan architect Raymond Hearn to review each course in the portfolio and provide input on improving the player’s experience. Given access to original sketches, maps, and photos of some of the greatest Ross courses, the architect was able to convey the intricacies of Ross’ designs.
Fans of great golf architecture are treated to the works of many of the world’s premier designers on any extended trip to BOYNE Golf. The Monument Course at Boyne Mountain incorporates holes inspired by the greatest holes of Dr. Alister Mackenzie, George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Pete Dye. And speaking of Jones Sr., his 1966 masterpiece The Heather course is located at The Highlands and remains one of Michigan’s premier tournament layouts. The Highlands also features the Arthur Hills Course. Any golf trip should include this tract on the itinerary as the par-5 No. 13 begins from a tee built on top of the world and descends across and over a valley before climbing up and then down a knoll toward a massive green.
“The golf industry has experienced amazing growth following the pandemic years,” said Ken Griffin, director of sales and marketing for BOYNE Golf . “We’ve seen new interest in golf by couples, women, juniors, and groups. Golf has always been a social game of inclusiveness. We have responded to these new channels by reimaging our properties, including, new luxury accommodations at The Highlands and Boyne Mountain, and food offerings that span all preferences from grab-and-go to fine dining.” Along with amenities that include swimming pools, an 88,000 square foot indoor waterpark, ziplining, and horseback riding. And the resorts continue to expand with a 1,200-feet-long pedestrian SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain to provide exhilarating views.
In total, the three Boyne properties offer hundreds of accommodation options, from the elegant cottages and suites at the Inn at Bay Harbor to family villas at Boyne Mountain, townhomes at The Highlands, and charming, affordable hotel rooms at each resort.
Golf, of course, remains a point of emphasis at all three Boyne properties. Boyne Mountain is renowned across all of Michigan for its popular ski hills. Players get to understand the size and scale of both The Alpine and The Monument courses right out of the gate as the ride between the clubhouse and the first tee takes you up the mountain for a magnificent view and tees up towering drives toward fairways below.
Designed by Art Hills, the 27 holes at Bay Harbor are three unique 9-hole courses, each with different landscapes. The Links takes players alongside cliffs hugging Lake Michigan. The Scottish links-inspired course is highlighted by the stunning par-5 No. 7. Give yourself additional time following the hole to take photos of your foursome standing behind this green seemingly on the edge of the world.
The Quarry nine is a reminder of that property’s roots as grounds of a cement factory that was decommissioned in the 1980s. One hole calls for a tee shot over a 40-foot gorge while others weave around the quarry and around natural ponds and wetlands. The Preserve is nestled in a hardwood forest and abounds with wildflowers, native wetlands, and abundant wildlife. Following eight holes through the woods, the course ends on a 186-yard par 3 featuring a sloping green postured above the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan.
Across the highway from Bay Harbor, Crooked Tree Golf Club provides 18 perfectly manicured holes perched high on bluffs overlooking Little Traverse Bay. No trip to Bay Harbor is complete without drinks and dinner at the opulent Inn at Bay Harbor, a Marriott Collection Hotel. A gourmet dinner on the veranda overlooking the lake will make for the most memorable meal of your year.
In 2025, two new golf experiences will become available at The Highlands; the Doon Brae 9-hole short course and an accompanying 27-hole, 1.2-acre Himalayan putting area. Doon Brae features a collection of greens inspired by some of the legendary putting surface designs on British Isles courses.
“Boyne has a diverse clientele, including avid groups of golfers along with couples and families; the goal was to make a course that would be fun for every level of player. “This was a really interesting and exciting project, since the course is laid out on a ski hill,” added Hearn.“Our vision of Boyne Resorts goes well beyond 2030,” said Friedrich. Stay tuned for even greater and better experiences in the coming days, months, and years,” said Friedrich.
To book a trip or for more information, visit BOYNEgolf.com or call 844.884.4374.