The destination is also known as “ America ’ s Summer Golf Capital ” for its long days and cool summer temperatures . Golfers can easily fit in 36 holes or more daily , playing well into the evening hours . Boyne Golf provides some of the best and most intriguing courses across the country .
The Highlands , located just north of Petoskey near Harbor Springs , is undergoing the most significant transformations on and off the course . The iconic ivy-covered Main Lodge has been transformed into a high-end boutique hotel with a future spa and steakhouse planned . These upscale accommodations are reminiscent of an English country estate with Scottish Highlands charm .
The Highlands ’ 72 holes of championship golf collectively offer a perfect golf experience . Groups can check into the lodge and never get back into their cars during their stay .
A significant part of the resort ’ s golf transformation occurs at the Donald Ross Memorial , built in 1989 , a composite recreation of classic golf holes that Ross designed in the early part of the century at some of his most renowned courses . Working with Michigan-based architect Ray Hearn , a Donald Ross expert , the Boyne Golf team is making significant renovations , bringing the holes closer to their original Ross creations .
The Donald Ross Memorial has become a favorite among members and guests even while this project is ongoing . All the holes – including renditions from famous Ross courses such as Oak Hill , Oakland Hills , Pinehurst , Seminole , and Aronimink – have an “ authentic ” Ross look and feel .
" Our objective with every hole has been to more accurately follow Ross ’ s original designs ; we reshaped the fairways , creating additional angles into the greens and improving shot values ,” said Bernie Friedrich , Boyne Resort ’ s director of golf course renovation and development . “ We are thrilled with how these memorable holes have turned out .”
“ The opportunity we now have through technology makes this process so exciting ,” he continues . “ We now have more access to Ross ’ original drawings , Google Earth data ( past and present ), CAD drawings , maybe most importantly , Lidar maps .”
The new short course , Doon Brae ( Doon means going down into a valley ,
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 51