There’s something about the Midwest that can make anybody feel like they are part of the family.
It’s an emotion that is evoked from the moment you step foot on property at some of the game’s special destinations, and nowhere is that feeling more prevalent than at the BOYNE Golf Resorts in Northern Michigan.
As one of the largest golf resorts in the United States that is now home to 11 golf courses, BOYNE Golf can literally cater to any type of golf trip through its three golf resort hubs of The Highlands, The Inn at Bay Harbor, and Boyne Mountain.
The Inn at Bay Harbor – Lake Michigan luxury
As we mentioned, what differentiates the experience of a golf vacation to BOYNE Golf is how they can cater to any type of price point and golf trip. If you and yours are looking to create a higher end experience, then The Inn at Bay Harbor should be where you hang your hat here. The vibe here provides that of lakeside luxury with a touch of Midwestern comfort, and the elevated experience provides a boutique hotel feel in a resort that is quite sizable. You’ll want to be outdoors as much as possible, whether that’s dining outside taking in the views of Little Traverse Bay, setting up a relaxing afternoon or morning at the spa, lounging poolside, or of course, teeing it up at Bay Harbor Golf Club.
Bay Harbor Golf Club is home to 27 holes of unforgettable golf with the Links, Quarry, and Preserve 9-hole routings that can all be fashioned into 18-hole experiences. With holes that run along Lake Michigan and a unique charm to each of these layouts, they are known as the marquee experiences at BOYNE Golf and push the overall experience here into bucket list status. This area of the resort also features the nearby Crooked Tree Golf Club which provides a parkland layout slightly inland from Lake Michigan that still features spectacular views down to the water that can be enjoyed throughout your round.
Bay Harbor Golf Club
The Highlands – Perfect for buddies trips
The Highlands tends to be the epicenter for buddies golf trips at BOYNE Golf as it’s home to five of the golf courses here with The Heather, Donald Ross Memorial, Arthur Hills, The Moor, and the Doon Brae Short Course alongside The Yaird 27-hole putting course. The Heather was designed in 1966 by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and it was the course that put BOYNE Golf on the golfing map as the original layout that still packs quite a punch to this day. Pro tip: when you’re on the 18th hole, there’s a “local rule” that is a hidden message underneath the bench on the tee box that gives you a free drop should you drive your tee shot into the water!
The Arthur Hills course, aptly named after its legendary designer, is a favorite among guests as it provides ample space off the tee on most holes and is known for its iconic tee shot on the par-5 13th hole where you tee off from the top of one of BOYNE Golf’’s ski slopes providing a dramatic vista to take in before you rip your drive here. The Donald Ross Memorial course is one of the most underrated golf courses in the country. This ever-changing design pays homage to the great Donald Ross and features some of his most famous holes all in one location. Their dedication to honoring Ross’ memory knows no bounds as there have been constant updates to the course to make sure it’s just right. To see what we mean, check out our exclusive drone footage of the course here for you to enjoy.
The Moor rounds out the championship courses available at The Highlands, and it is considered by many to be one of the tougher tests amongst their portfolio. Known for its twists and turns, there are ample holes that feature doglegs and plenty of water hazards as this ball striker’s design will reward those who know how to manage their game properly. And last but certainly not least, the newest addition here is the Doon Brae short course which is located on the back side of The Highlands resort. This fun nine-hole loop plays up and down the ski slope creating some wonderful holes and some challenging pin locations.
Doon Brae Short Course
Boyne Mountain – Family fun to the South
Boyne Mountain is the Southernmost property in the BOYNE Golf portfolio, and it is often a great option for both family getaways and buddies golf trips. Home to The Alpine and The Monument courses, these two layouts embrace the embodiment of the mountainous landscape they reside on as many of the holes feature dramatic elevation changes. Over the years, the agronomy team here has significantly elevated the profile of these courses through exceptional best practices and now they are in every bit as good of condition as the rest of the courses in the BOYNE Golf family.
Boyne Mountain
Recommendation
If we’ve said it once we’ve said it a thousand times…BOYNE Golf provides every bit as much value in a golf trip as any resort in the United States. The pride that the team here takes in elevating your experience is palpable. No matter which resort you choose to make the home of your trip, you’ll be glad you chose BOYNE Golf for your next Michigan golf getaway.