The Heather at The Highlands (Boyne)

I love this golf course. Not enough to give it five stars, but almost. Here's what I like: All the holes are interesting and most are memorable. It's not overly difficult, but isn't a pushover either. It's almost always in great shape. The scenery is terrific. And I love the par 4 18th. With the irrigation lake on the tee shot and approach, its formidable. Always plays longer than advertised. Overall, super enjoyable.

The Heathers is a nice, solid classic resort course, and the first one built at the Highlands, I believe. My round was enjoyable, if not a touch slow. And while this track is worth a play, I wouldn't suggest it over the other courses on-site, except maybe the Moors.

However, it is fairly well kept and is cut through a nice piece of land. A great addition to a golf vacation, assuming you also get to try the Ross Memorial and Aurthur Hills while there, as those two are more favorable plays in my opinion. Service was excellent as expected at Boyne.

The Heather was the second course our group of 52 took on at Boyne Highlands. The course is located right next to the Main Lodge which makes getting to it the easiet of all the course but you also get to see it every time you go in and out of the Lodge and I, personally, couldn't wait to play it as it was just gorgeous to look at.

The course was again in immaculate shape, as they all are at Boyne Highlands. Nothing tricky just a real good basic layout.. Once in trouble just take one shot to get out of it safely or you will pay dearly on every hole. Greens were very true and quick.

The Heathers golf staff was equal to their counterparts at the Moor and Ross complex. Everyone was extremely courteous, eager to help anyone in our group. Was nice to see a staff so customer friendly and professional.

While every hole gets your attention the finishing holes on each nine are remarkable. Number 9 is a par 5 with a steep uphill required to get to the green. A very demanding hole. Number 18 is a great par 4 that has a huge body of water fronting the green. There is ample fairway to go around it but the green calls you to give it a go over the water. Take of plenty of club when you give in to that call. What a wonderful finishing hole.

Our group thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the 19th tee. A mostly outdoor patio overlooking the 18 hole with sandwiches and snacks.

No offense or disrespect to the other course but the Heather was my favorite. Play them all yourself and then you judge.

This Robert Trent Jones Sr. design nestled in Northern Michigan is truly a gem. A classic, tree-lined north woods layout. A lot of doglegs, but the course is right in front of you. Rewards solid golf shots but can be very penal if you get sideways. Bring your short game too.

My group opted for the caddy service, which added to the exceptional experience

First off, the location couldn't be better, it was right next to the Boyne Highlands lodge so boom, easy to get to. This has to be one of my favorite Robert Trent Jones design i've ever played, my buddies and I really had a wonderful time. Conditions were fantastic, pace of play was pretty darn good, just overall a wonderful experience. It was a good start to our Michigan buddies golf trip as we have a lot of different skill levels, so everyone had a fun time.

Played on a gorgeous fall day, not too humid, perfect breeze. The course was immaculate and conveniently located right next to the Boyne Highlands Lodge. It was unlike so many other courses with multiple forced carries for women. I had a great time!!!

I’ve played many over the years and this is my favorite Robert Trent Jones design. Some awesome holes; my favorite was probably No. 5. The course design is timeless; hard to believe we were told it will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

This course really captures all that's great about golf in Northern MI. It's playable for all skill levels, which was perfect for our group since handicaps were high and low. We took advantage of the caddie service, which was a great and unexpected option. Wish more courses were like this!

Have teed it up here many times over the years and have always loved it. Great conditioning and a perfect showcase of the golf bounty of northern Michigan. A Robert Trent Jones course that's tough to beat.

This course is great had a blast playing, well kept course staff very friendly. Nice course for long ball hitter's.

At spots this course is extremely challenging and easy at others. The one consistent you can find is minimum of three large sand traps on every hole with exception of 3 of the Par 3's that have forced carry. This is difficult course to find your ball in the rough. This course is more strategic from the tee. Typical Donald Ross greens you must stay below the hole. If you are pin high or greater it is tough putt. You can be far more aggressive if below the hole. The difficulty to stay below the pin is most greens are elevated with sand traps guarding the greens.

I've played a number of Robert Trent Jones courses over the years, and my thoughts on his work are a bit scattered. With The Heather at Boyne there is no debate, its a great course. It is immensely playable and wonderfully manicured. I'd recommend it to aficionados and weekend warriors alike.