The Highlands at Harbor Springs

I've had the good fortune to play a number of Arthur Hills-designed golf courses, such as this one. I have become a fan based on the variety of his designs.
The Hills course at Boyne Highlands is a terrific track.
There are a fair number of tracks with fairly large greens, some of which have false fronts or run offs. These quick, large greens require a lot of concentration and good strokes to avoid three putts. Large waste areas are present on many holes (some blind) which reinforces the necessity of accurate drives. Water and marsh areas also make frequent appearances on this solid test of golf.
This course has got it all and will challenge all levels of golfers. There are plenty of tee stations, so pick one that makes the game the most fun for you and have at it.

The story behind The Memorial is a fascinating one. Top Boyne brass - like resort founder Everett Kircher and his son, Stephen - scoured the country looking for holes on Donald Ross courses worthy of bringing back to northern Michigan. Playing the Memorial will introduce you to replica holes from Inverness, Oakland Hills, Royal Dornoch, Pinehurst No. 2 and more.
But the real story is simply this: The Memorial is a really strong golf course, even if you didn't know or care about its background. It's got a good collection of holes, especially a few short par 4s. One caveat: More than 120 bunkers and thick rough make scoring difficult. If you can solve the Memorial, your game can travel anywhere.

I'm surprised this track doesn't get more attention. Beautiful Arthur Hills design that sits in the shadows of the likes of Bay Harbor and HawksHead. This course should be a top 10 play in the state. Very strategic layout with great elevation changes. Also the most scenic course in the resort.

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 Hills is likely the most visually appealing of the Highlands. The highlight comes on the back nine with hole #13 having quite the view from the tee box. The course is in very good shape and seems, along with the Ross Memorial course, to be in slightly better condition than the other two located at Boyne Highlands (Moors, Heathers).

My only complaint would be regarding pace of play. It's not horrible, just very inconsistent. The front nine was moving right along, but the back was a log-jam due to a couple of groups of newbies who could've used some assistance from a ranger regarding pace-of-play etiquette, had one been present.

Regardless, the layout, condition and surroundings all outweigh what was likely an exception for such an esteemed resort. The service was excellent and the resort located in a beautiful area. I'd definitely return given the opportunity...

The Donald Ross Memorial......wow...bring your A game and be ready for sand. Our groups third and final day at Boyne Highlands and what a way to finish. Every shot is a challenge, even if you look out and think the hole looks benign, don't be fooled. The Ross course is ready to grab you at any point and add strokes to your score quickly. The sand looks and is daunting. There is plenty of it on every hole and a lot of it is very deep. A game needed and that includes sand escapes. The greens are quick but fair and true. The problem is getting to them. Stay ouit of the sand and you will score well and have earned a good refreshment after the round.

Again the golf staff at the Ross was just as excellent and professional as we had seen our previous two days. I know I am repeating from other reviews but I can't say enough good things about the entire golf staff at Boyne Highlands. They were great to work with in advance of our outing and even more so with all of the people in our group upon arrival at each course.

This Ross design takes some of his leading holes from his other famous designs and puts them into one 18 hole challenge. It's a nice idea and you can read about the holes, where they are located course wise and realize the greats who have played them. Truly a gem of a course and a great afternoon playing it.

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.

Took a group to Boyne Highlands and the Moor was the first course we played. The course was in immaculate shape ( a theme that carries through all of the Boyne Highland course). Very playable for our group but you do need to pick the coirrect tees as well. The greens are very fast on the Moor and that is where any high scores will most likely come into play. Fairways were generous and opening to the greens were plentiful. Just watch your speed once you are on the greens.

The staff was just outstanding from the pro on down. They made the group leaders (me) job getting things organized at the beginning of the round much easier. Our group also had high praise for the 55th tee eating area prior to our round. Good food and once again outstanding staff support.

The Moor is another one of the offerings at Boyne Highlands but is probably the least impressive option on the property. It has a very "resort" feel, and there are some tricked-up holes, including a horseshoe-shaped par 5 that is one of the goofiest holes I've ever played. But there are some great holes, including the 10th, a long, straightaway par 4 with a second shot over a marsh. All in all, still an enjoyable round. Not long, so if you keep it in front of you, you can shoot a score.

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.

Arthur Hills is just a great course. Start easy with shortest par 4 but you must decide how much to chew off with waste area to the right. The course starts off in the valley and then goes up the "Mountain". Must stop at the top of hole 13 and get a picture with your group. The 13th has forced carry so make sure you pick your tees correct at the start or you will be dropping a ball on this hole. The finishing hole is one of the greater risk reward holes. You can take the long way and take your par or drive down to the water and take the short cut for potential eagle. But you must hit a good next shot. The 10th hole is one that is toughest par 4 if you lack precision. Shortest par 4 to elevated green. Anything to the right of the green has potential to roll off. If you miss your second shot just plan on bogey and go on to next hole. My final thought is keep in mind where the mountain is as putting is challenge with this and the undulation on the green.