Michigan's Golf Mecca

 
 

It may not be the first state that springs to mind as a golfer’s mecca, but over the last three decades, Michigan has quietly become one of the country’s top spots for playing a round. With more than 10,000 lakes, 19 million acres of forest land and incredible scenery, it has been a great escape for outdoorsmen for years. Now, it has come into its own as a golfing paradise.

Playing a supporting role in the state’s claim to golfing fame is The Highlands at Harbor Springs, a nationally recognized resort in northern Michigan that showcases golf with four courses that are part of Boyne Golf’s “Michigan’s Magnificent Ten.” The award-winning courses consistently rank among the top courses in the country, and a visit to this resort means you can enjoy a completely different golfing experience four days in a row. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from each one.

ARTHUR HILLS

Named one of the Top Courses in Mich- igan for three consecutive years and widely recognized as one of the state’s finest, this course absolutely lives up to the reputation of its designer. That has made it a destination course known for incredible views to supplement the challenging layout of the course.

Boasting wide, bunker-dotted fairways, it keeps the game interesting with narrowing approaches and intriguing greens. Perhaps serving up the best views of all the courses, Arthur Hills steps up the visual feast on the back nine, with Hole No. 13 offering an exceptional glimpse of nature’s beauty. And, to finish, there’s a challenging par five that is threatened by water and makes for a memorable ending.

DONALD ROSS MEMORIAL

This exceptional course is billed as a sort of “greatest hits” of the late course designer. Each hole on this tribute course looks, plays and feels like one of Ross’ own creations. For example,
the fourth hole replicates Hole No. 14 at Pinehurst Country Club, completed with the rolls and contours that earned it a par four. And it wraps up with an 18th hole that emulates Oakland Hills Country Club’s spectacular Hole No. 16, complete with the dogleg that makes it both fierce and feared. A day at this course provides a magnificent “best of” golfing experience that earns great bragging rights along with the memories.

THE MOOR

This course is a favorite among members, who just might tell you, “The devil’s in the doglegs.” Whether you’re playing nine or 18 holes, The Moor offers a full slate of twists and turns, beginning with the first hole. One of the most unique holes is the par five eighth hole, which bends far to the left and requires two good shots — and a lot of luck — to make it through the obstacles.

With generous fairways and a classic appeal, it features fast greens and some memorable holes, and is considered perhaps the most challenging of all 10 of Boyne’s golf courses. If you’re looking for a true test of your game, this course should do the trick.

THE HEATHER

This is the one that started it all. Built in 1966 by legendary designer Robert Trent Jones, Sr., this course is one of the best championship courses in the U.S. The Heather was the first resort course in Northern Michigan, and over the years, it has played host to Michigan Amateurs, AJGA Championships, the Michigan State Pro-Am and The Celebrity Tour, among others. Not surprisingly, it has earned multiple Golf Course of the Year honors from the Michigan Golf Course Association and the National Golf Course Owners Association.

Resting at the base of the ski slopes and framed by mountains, The Heather meanders through tall, mature trees and is rich with tight doglegs that demand proper distance; meanwhile, the sloping, elevated greens are well-guarded by large bunkers, so it’s a great chance to work on accuracy. It wraps with a long par 4 that runs straight down the hill to a wide fairway that narrows and then continues around the pond — which is all that stands between you and the final hole.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

If you want to spend time honing your golf skills — before or after taking on one of the courses — The Highlands at Harbor Springs has just the place you’re seeking. The Ross Golf Center’s Track-Man Range is an impressive setup with 30 bays that let you work on whatever it is you want to improve. Using technology, including swing analysis and ball-flight tracking, this interactive system offers feedback and data in real time to improve your game.

Players can also use the free Track-Man Range app to gain access to eight essential data points including ball speed, launch angle, total yardage and more.

And, when you’ve played out all your options on the golf courses, there are plenty of other options for your time at The Highlands at Harbor Springs; swimming, Segway resort tours, zipline adventures, mountain biking and hiking will make sure that you’re getting away from it all in the best way possible.

The Highlands at Harbor Springs, 600 Highland Dr., Harbor Springs, MI 49740, 888-436-2296, highlandsharborsprings.com

 
 
Paula Felps