By David Theoret
Ask any golfer, who visits this part of the country to play golf, what their favorite golf course is and odds are that someone will name a course at one of the Boyne properties. After all, there are 10 great courses split between three resorts: Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain and Bay Harbor, all near Michigan’s summer vacation mecca, Petosky.
Bay Harbor features three 9-hole layouts that sits along the gorgeous Little Traverse Bay coastline and offer incredible views. At the time it was built in 1996, the Links nine was the most expensive
9-hole golf course ever built and for many players, the par 5, 7th hole is the most memorable. The hole plays 490 yards from the Blue Tees and hugs the Lake Michigan coastline. The scenery as you make your way down the fairway is absolutely incredible.
In 2014, Arthur Hills rebuilt the last three holes of Crooked Tree, located across the street high above Bay Harbor on a huge sand dune. It provides views every bit as spectacular as Bay Harbor.
The course features significant elevation changes from tee to green. Most holes have large landing areas making it the perfect venue for any level of golfer.
Boyne Highlands has four golf courses: The Moor, The Heather, Arthur Hills and the Donald Ross Memorial, which pays homage to legendary golf course architect.
Boyne painstakingly researched Ross’ greatest holes and succeeded in recreating exact replicas, plus made them playable by the average golfer. Everyone can experience the best of Donald Ross’ work at Boyne Highlands.
When the Robert Trent Jones designed Heather Golf Course opened in 1966, it was considered one of the finest championship courses in the nation. The course continues to receive accolades, and has been ranked as one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play ” by Golf Magazine, and “50 Best Courses for Women” by Golf for Women.
The most memorable hole is the 18th, which plays back to the clubhouse. It starts out with a downhill tee shot that must stay short of the lake. From there, you’re faced with a long iron shot that is all carry over water into a wide, shallow green with bunkers to catch anything hit too far. It is a great finishing hole.
The Arthur Hills course is one of this master designer’s quintessential works. The layout is rife with strategically placed bunkers and challenging green complexes, making it a challenging course with enough variety that it will test even the most experienced golfer. The Hills Course was used for The Golf Channel’s Big Break X: Michigan.
As you hit your approach to the 11th green, you begin a three-hole climb to one of the highest elevations in the area. This all leads to #18, a monstrous par 5, dogleg left around a lake. The hole is dotted with bunkers all the way around. In addition to its brilliant design, superb course conditioning and breathtaking vistas, the Hills course has earned a reputation from golf travelers as being a great test of golf for players of all levels of ability.
The fourth course at Boyne Highlands is a favorite for those in search of a true test of golf. The Moor is regarded by many as the most challenging at Boyne. Numerous twists and turns on the front nine favor right-handed players, who hit fades. Number 3 is a challenging uphill par 5 can set the tone for the rest of your round. 
Boyne Highlands offers many styles of accommodations including hotel-style rooms, condos, townhomes and cottages. Need something bigger? Choose from several rental homes that sleep up to 16 guests. Boyne Highlands also offers several dining venues, where you will find everything from a cup of hot cocoa to a sizzling steak with all the trimmings. It just depends on what you’re hungry for; there’s something for everyone!
Boyne Mountain Resort offers the unique opportunity of playing down the mountain, after a mile drive to the first tee at the summit. The Alpine course is located in a spectacular mountainside setting and features panoramic views of Deer Lake. The Alpine Course will test every aspect of your golf game. From your tee shot on the first hole, high atop Boyne Mountain, through the signature island green of the 18th hole, the stunning views and vistas will leave you with fond golf memories.
Alpine’s sister course, The Monument, was designed for players of all skill levels and pays homage to some of America’s most memorable and accomplished golfers, as well as, designers.
Much like Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain has a bevy of cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from. Several are seasonal, but that’s not hard to figure out once you get there.
For more information on the great golf opportunities available at the Boyne Resorts in Northern Michigan, visit https://bit.ly/2KWjfuZ
