Pure Michigan: Majestic Boyne

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Neal Kotlarek

Michigan’s Boyne Resorts Serving Up Magnificent Golf

It was, to say the least, an unlikely scenario. On a hot, muggy July afternoon in 1994, I stood under a canopy in Petoskey, Mich., holding a glass of champagne while shaking hands with the state’s governor. We were located on the grounds of an abandoned quarry that once was home to a massive cement plant. The occasion was an implosion ceremony to knock down one of the factory’s smokestacks that still towered over a five-mile stretch of land on the shores of Little Traverse Bay. State dignitaries and local leaders all stood under the canopy with me. The highway across from us was lined with curious Petoskey residents. The plan was to convert this barren stretch of earth into an elegant golf community to be named Bay Harbor. When the dynamite charge went off and the smokestack didn’t budge, I couldn’t help but wonder if this wasn’t an ominous sign of this project’s future.

I was wrong.

Today, as I walk across the pristine grounds of Bay Harbor and its elegant hotel, cafes, shops, and magnificent 27-hole golf course, I can’t even quite place where that smokestack once stood 28 years ago. It is truly one of the most amazing stories of all my decades covering the Midwest golf scene.

Bay Harbor is just one property of the portfolio spanning ten championship golf courses and three elegant Northern Michigan resorts known as Boyne Golf. The courses were designed by some of the world’s premier architects, including Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Bill Newcomb and Arthur Hills. One course serves up 18 holes celebrating great golf holes built by Donald Ross, one of the game’s legendary architects. Two others go up, down, and around massive ski hills. Another towers above Little Traverse Bay to serve up amazing views on almost every hole. And yet another drew its inspiration from the design styles of Dr. Alister Mackenzie, Pete Dye, Donald Ross, and other premier architects. Combine the quality of the designs with impeccable conditioning and luxury accommodations and the result is a perfect destination for your next golf getaway.

“As everyone knows, golf has experienced a boom in recent years,” said Ken Griffin, director of sales and marketing for Boyne Resorts in a recent interview. “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 with an entire reimaging of our properties, including expanded spa services, new luxury accommodations at The Highlands at Harbor Springs and Boyne Mountain Resort, and food offerings that span all preferences from grab-and-go to fine dining.”

Along with amenities that include swimming pools, an indoor waterpark, ziplining, horseback riding, and Segway tours, the resorts continue to expand with a European Spa and a steakhouse in

The Quarry

development at the Highlands. Later this summer, Boyne Mountain is scheduled to unveil still another attraction. Sky Bridge Michigan will be a 1,203-foot long, 118-foot high pedestrian bridge offering an exhilarating walk with extensive light displays and panoramic valley views of that vast property. “We pride ourselves on locating unique ways to enhance the Boyne experience,” Griffin said. “We want to provide ‘wow experiences’ to both new guests and return guests.”

Golf remains a point of emphasis at all three Boyne Resorts. Located in Boyne Falls, about a 5½ hour drive from Chicago, Boyne Mountain is renowned across all of Michigan for its towering and popular ski hills. Parts of those hills serve double duty during spring, summer, and fall in the designs of both the Alpine and Monument courses. Players get to understand the size and scale of both 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 of the fairways below. The Monument Course incorporates tribute holes to legendary architects while the Alpine Course, which serves as annual host to the Michigan PGA’s Tournament of Champions, delivers breathtaking views on holes lined with soaring trees.

Designed by Arthur Hills, the 27 holes at Bay Harbor are actually 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 that serves up a huge tee shot landing area in between mounds and thick rough. Following a well-placed second shot which avoids the perilous right side of the fairway, the approach must keep to the right side of the putting surface which hovers above the lake. You will need a few minutes 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 the property’s humble roots as grounds of the cement factory which 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 par-3 No. 8 features Lake Michigan as both a backdrop and a hazard behind the green. No. 9 is a memorable finishing hole lined by the lake on the left, and drops down to a huge green protected on the right side by a massive bunker.

The Preserve is nestled in a hardwood forest and abounds with wildflowers, native wetlands and an abundance of 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.

Located just across the highway from Bay Harbor, Crooked Tree Golf Club serves up 18 perfectly manicured championship holes perched high on bluffs overlooking Little Traverse Bay.

Boyne Mountain Alpine Monument Overview

Bay Harbor Links No. 3

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 one of the most memorable meals of your year. The Highlands at Harbor Springs rests just a short drive from Bay Harbor and hosts three of the finest golf courses in all of Michigan. The Heather was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and is considered by many state PGA professionals to be

the state’s best layout. Weaving through mature forests and around wetlands, the course was built in 1966 and basically put Northern Michigan on the map as a golf destination. Over the years, the Heather has hosted multiple Michigan Amateur championships, AJGA championships, and in 2019 was honored as the National Golf Course Owners Course of the Year.

Designer of both Crooked Tree and Bay Harbor, Arthur Hills also lent his skills to the signature Arthur Hills course at the resort. The layout is massive in every sense of the word, with huge fairways, large greens, significant bunkers, and, most importantly, tremendous views of the Harbor Springs landscape. The signature hole on the course—and some would say “of all of Michigan”—is No. 13. The par 5 begins seemingly on top of the world and drops toward a huge mound which can stop a drive in its tracks. Get beyond the mound and open the possibility to go for the green in two and putt for eagle. Large bunkers surround this green, which also has a backdrop of towering trees.

The Donald Ross course allows players the opportunity to experience some of the greatest holes in the prolific designer’s career. Over the past two years, Michigan’s Ray Hearn has meticulously worked on renovations to various holes across the course to emulate the style and feel of Ross’s works, including holes built to resemble Seminole, Oakland Hills and Pinehurst No. 2.

“We wanted to pay proper tribute to the works of Donald Ross,” said VP of Golf Operations Bernie Friedrich. “We were able to acquire detailed drawings and photos of many of his greens and have put together a plan that will eventually make the experience as authentic as possible.”

Along with work on the Ross course, Hearn is making subtle changes to the Moor course at the resort. “The course was in need of some tree removal and adjustments of fairway widths and green sizes,” said Hearn. The Moor remains a resort favorite among guests who visit regularly.

Those looking to sharpen their games before or after rounds must visit the resort’s Ross Golf Center Practice Area that incorporates a full-sized 30-bay driving range, outfitted with Trackman technology which allows users to simulate play on courses via an app. There are also two practice putting greens, personalized lessons, and other amenities.

One of the resort’s most popular traditions is dinner theater featuring the Young Americans, an ensemble of talented musicians who serve up Broadway-style performances paired with a fine meal. The theater runs between June and August (Tuesday through Saturday) and incorporates singing and dancing to live music.

While all three Boyne Resorts offer ample amenities within each property, couples and groups are encouraged to explore nearby vineyards and wineries. Day trips to Petoskey and Harbor Springs reveal charming shops and elegant dockside dining. Petoskey Brewing, a short drive from both Bay Harbor and the Highlands of Harbor Springs, offers a taproom, paninis, and craft brews in a building dating back to 1898.

“While golf is an essential part of Boyne Resorts, it is only one aspect of all of the experiences we offer guests,” said Griffin. “Families and couples can have just as much fun at our properties as groups coming specifically to play golf. Our short and long-range plans call for even more things to experience and enjoy.”

Reservations and more information—including Stay & Play packages and Unlimited Golf Packages—are available by visiting: www.boyneresorts.com and www.boynegolf.com.

Produced by Whiskey Hill Brewery in Westmont, Illinois

Available at Green Street Grille in Bensenville, and hopefully at a golf club near you. www.whiskeyhillbrewing.com

Sweet Home Chicago

Highland Park C.C. Converted into 100-Acre Park the two public golf courses in highland park were the topic of much debate throughout the 2017 golf season, with one—Sunset valley or highland park country club—to be closed, and the other to undergo a sizable renovation. hpcc would eventually meet its demise, but the former site is now open to the public as the preserve, a large swath of natural, recreational space that underwent a $1.7 million conversion in recent years. the project planning began in 2018 when the park District of highland park formally acquired the land from the city of highland park. the 100 acres of land is roughly the size of 75 football fields. previously established conservation easements prohibited certain building developments at the site, but that was no problem in the plan, which was geared toward incorporating the golf course’s topography which included bunkers, wide spans of grass, wetlands, and ponds, not to mention all sorts of wildlife. the park District of highland park officially unveiled the area to the public on June 4, with a grand opening celebration that opened the trails, nature maze, and pollinator gardens, and featured scavenger hunts and lawn games.

More than 50 acres of newly-seeded native plants line the site. the project was partially funded by the illinois Department of natural resources and the illinois environmental protection agency, and the park District worked with city officials and the lake county Stormwater Management commission. Tickets Now Available for 2023 U.S. Senior Open tickets are now on sale for the 2023 u.S. Senior Open championship hosted for the first time at SentryWorld, in Stevens point, Wisc., June 29–July 2, 2023. Several ticket options are available. Daily (tuesday–Sunday) and Weekly gallery tickets include general admission to the grounds, access to walk the course, grandstand availability, access to food and beverage concessions, free parking, and shuttle service. Weekly gallery tickets are on sale now. Daily gallery tickets will be available starting aug. 8, 2022. there is also pJ’s champions club, a premium offering for this year’s championship. this exclusive ticket option includes upgraded food and beverage options at pJ’s clubhouse (all inclusive), free parking, shuttle service, and general admission to the course. all tickets are available for purchase at sentryworld. com/usso2023/tickets.

Mike Small Wins First Career XXIO Illinois Senior Open Championship university of illinois head coach Mike Small won the 2022 XXiO illinois Senior Open championship held June 28 at the preserve at Oak Meadows. Small came back from a two-stroke deficit after round one to hold off Wheaton’s Danny Mulhearn and amateur Mike henry from Bloomington en route to his first career illinois Senior Open championship. Small carded rounds of 69, 69 for a tournament total of 6-underpar 138.

Historic Midlothian CC Showcases Stunning Course Renovation rumored to be closing a decade ago, historic Midlothian country club has come roaring back to life, thanks in part to a dramatic course renovation led by famed architect raymond hearn. the course hosted the 1914 u.S.

Open championship, won by 21-year-old Walter hagen, who held off amateur chick evans by a single stroke to win the first of his two u.S. Open titles. it was the first of hagen’s 11 major championships.

While paying due respect to the original course design by herbert J. tweedie, with influences from famed Scottish architect Donald ross prior to the 1914 u.S. Open, hearn’s redesign marks a return to the layout’s championship caliber. Midlothian first opened in 1898. all 82 bunkers were renovated by hearn and now feature eye-catching pro/angle Sand for increased playability and easier maintenance. Meeting demands of the modern game, the tee boxes were lengthened for added yardage as well as new sightlines and shot-making options placing a premium on strategy. the renovation melds the historic past of Midlothian’s timeless layout, even recreating intriguing pin positions from the 1920s, with contemporary course design principles that will continue to put the 18 holes in the highest echelons of chicago area golf clubs for decades to come.

Lac La Belle Unveils Papa’s Porch We’ve been seeing and hearing a lot about the club at lac la Belle in (refer to last month’s gOlfchicago cover story for more details). On father’s Day, the Oconomowoc, Wisconsin-based resort announced the opening of papa’s porch, a very special outdoor lounging area. idea to name it papa’s porch. “Without him,” says a resort spokesperson, “none of this would be possible. he was a father, a papa, and a friend to many. papa’s porch is one of the many ways we’ll remember his legacy. papa’s porch will serve as a spot of fellowship; where you can get excited about your upcoming round, or recap the day with your friends.

KemperSports to Bring High School Golf to Two Chicago Public High Schools With support from callaway golf and the illinois international port District, KemperSports will sponsor a boys and girls high school golf team at gwendolyn Brooks college preparatory academy high School and hyde park high School, both part of the chicago public Schools [cpS] system. equipment for the golf programs is being donated to the schools by KemperSports and callaway, and each team will have free access to practice at harborside international golf center.

KemperSports staffers, including pga professionals across the chicagoland area, will be available to the coaches of these teams to provide guidance and support as needed throughout the season. additionally, KemperSports will host a coaching seminar for all cpS golf coaches city-wide this summer in preparation for the season.

Kemper has a long history of supporting youth golf and creating programming to teach important life lessons through the sport while investing in the communities in which it operates. the company has operated golf courses in and around the chicago area for more than four decades and founded the first tee – greater chicago chapter in 2000. this will be the first-ever golf program at hyde park high School and will mark the resumption of a golf program at Brooks for the first time in 20 years.

LPGA’s Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational the Dow great lakes Bay invitational (glBi) was introduced to the lpga tour schedule in 2019 and features 144 of the world’s best golfers playing at Midland country club in Midland, Mich., July 10-16. the Dow glvi is played with 72 two–woman teams competing in a 72–hole stroke play format with alternating rounds of foursomes (alternate shot) and four-ball (best ball).

While the lpga tournament is at the heart of the Dow glBi, the event incorporates much more than just golf. the whole family can take advantage of the weeklong series of community events including the eat great food festival, a number of youth activities, and opportunities to give back and celebrate the great lakes bay region.

Daily tickets start at just $10 while special eat great trail tickets are $45 each day and give spectators a chance to sample a variety of menu items at hospitality decks located throughout the course. Kids 12 and younger will be admitted to the eat great trail for free. visit www.dowglbi.com for tickets and more information.