As any traveling golfer knows, great destinations abound worldwide. And one of the best, on every level, can be found in Northern Michigan along the shores of the Great Lake Michigan, thanks to the efforts of Boyne Golf. In Episode 115 of the “Talking GolfGetaways” podcast with Mitch Laurance and Darin Bunch (presented by 2UNDR Apparel) Laurance shares his recent visit to “The Summer Golf Capital” near Petoskey, Mich., as he and co-host Darin Bunch dive deeply into what makes this particular golf getaway so special.
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Beginning with a brief history of how Everett Kircher, founder of Boyne’s ski and golf properties, and a true outdoor-recreation visionary, Mitch then details his first stop on the Boyne itinerary — the courses and accommodations at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs. The diversity of the four championship layouts at the Highlands begins with the very first of the Boyne golf properties, the Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design at The Heather, and then continues with The Hills, the Donald Ross Memorial Course and The Moor. Mitch explains why he believes Boyne offers one of the more remarkable collections he’s played, how the conditioning of each course takes them to a rare level for a resort destination, and why the Highlands could be one of the best “Buddy Trip” choices you’ll find anywhere.
Next up on his Boyne tour was one of the country's most decorated resorts — the Inn at Bay Harbor and Bay Harbor Golf Club. Mitch explains why the lakeside Inn deserves every accolade it receives, and why the 27-hole complex at Bay Harbor is among the more unique and exciting collection of golf holes you can play. Detailing the nine holes that make up The Links and The Quarry, Mitch shares how the Arthur Hills’ design on each makes them worthy of consistent top rankings on every “Top Resort Courses” list.
Mitch’s last round came on The Alpine, one of the two Boyne Mountain Resort layouts — a fitting end to a great Michigan trip. He shares what makes the Alpine such an adventure, beginning with a 10-minute cart ride up the side of Boyne Mountain to the first tee. He describes the downhill nature of the layout, the stunning views of Deer Lake, and the design features that make The Alpine one of the most popular local courses in Northern Michigan. Mitch closes with a description of the second course at Boyne Mountain, the unique Monument Course, which features hole designs that pay homage to the greatest architects in the game, with each hole named for a great, legendary player.
With so many golf options throughout Michigan, this episode about Boyne Golf should be the catalyst you need to add this Great Lakes region to your must-play list — and start planning a summer of fall getaway to one of our country's truly exceptional golf destinations.
