Doon Brae will be the 11th course at BOYNE when it opens is 2024.
The new short course was designed by Ray Hearn and sits at the base of the ski hill behind The Highlands Lodge.
“As far as I know, this is the first modern golf course ever built on a ski hill,” said Bernie Friedrich, Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development at Boyne Resorts. “What excites me most is how beautiful and different it is. There are three or four stacked wall bunkers. Instead of using tee boxes, we’ll have just one marker on each hole and let guests play wherever they want. And the greens are inspired by some of the great ones around the world. They’re not copies of any specific greens, but they look different and are big. We also sodded all of the fairways, which will be well-maintained and surrounded by some tall fescue for that whisper look and feel. It’s going to be quite stunning. There’s a lot of excitement about short courses. We want to keep people excited about golf and wanting to play. If playing 18 or 36 holes is not enough on any day, this gives golfers another option.”
In Scottish, Doon Brae translates to, Doon, going downhill into a valley, while Brae refers to a hillside. Sitting at the base of the Highlands ski hill, that is exactly what this 9-hole short course is.
The course maxes out at 993 yards with the forward tees being 678 yards. Holes will vary in length from the shortest 57 yards to the longest at 134 yards. Due to the elevation and slope of the hillside, uphill, downhill, as well as side-hill lies will add to the challenge.
Golf designer Ray Hearn, who has been working closely with BOYNE to renovate several of the resort’s courses, was chosen to build this new course.
“Working with Stephen Kircher and Bernie Friedrich on this project has been really exciting,” said Hearn, who was inspired by his many overseas trips to Scotland and Ireland and in particular, Royal County Down. “Stephen came over to Ireland on one of the first architecture seminars overseas while teaching at MSU and we both fell in love with Royal County Down and it inspired us during the design of Doon Brae.”
Hearn drew inspiration from the iconic links greens in Scotland and Ireland. Golfers will find Hearn’s tribute to the Eden green, Punch Bowl, Redan, Reverse Redan, Volcano, Steep Slope, Postage Stamp, and even a Biarritz green.
Doon Brae will also be lit for night play and a quick round will be the perfect end to a day on the links. The short course is also the ideal family activity.
BOYNE To Host IAGTO
In June, Boyne resorts will host 350 tour operators from around the world at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) convention. They will get to experience what great golf Northern Michigan has to offer.
“With three locations and 162 holes under our control we are one of the largest golf resorts in the country.’’ said Griffin. “It’s not just the holes. It’s the total golf experience. We’ve become an international destination.’’
Back 9 Report talked with Ken Griffin, Director of Sales & Marketing, about golf at BOYNE and the international tour operators coming to the resort. To watch the full interview, click HERE.
Renovations
BOYNE has been working closely with course designer Ray Hearn to renovate several of their courses.
The Moor course expanded fairways and updated the green surrounds to improve the playability of the course. Hearn updated several holes on the Ross Course and by using modern technology, he made them more closely replicate the original Donald Ross designs.
Bernie Friedrich spoke with Back 9 Report about the renovations and new short course at BOYNE Highlands. To view the full interview click HERE.
Lodging
BOYNE has also been busy updating their accommodations and they have never been better. With three locations, The Highlands, The Mountain and the luxurious Bay Harbor Inn, they have something for everyone. All three locations provide world-class lodging, plus they offer several wonderful dining options.
Other Amenities
When you are not on one of the 11 courses, zip lining, hiking, biking, swimming and other outdoor activities are available. BOYNE also boasts the largest indoor water park in Michigan at The Mountain location.
The world’s longest and tallest timber-towered suspension bridge, SkyBridge Michigan is also located at BOYNE Mountain. At 1,203 feet long and 118 feet above the valley floor, resort guests can access SkyBridge via a chairlift, or hike the trail to the top.
Cherry Capital Airport Has 18 Direct Flights
It’s never been easier to get to BOYNE. The Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City now offers nonstop flights to 18 cities across the United States. American, Delta, United, Sun Country and Allegiant fly direct to Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington D.C. (Dulles and Reagan), Newark, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
Upon arrival breeze through the Cherry Capital Airport and be on the first tee at a BOYNE golf course within two hours of touchdown. With the long summer days in Northern Michigan, there will be ample sunlight to get in a full round in the afternoon.
Why Wait Book NOW!
BOYNE Golf has a 10-year plan for systematic renovation to their properties and to continue to offer the best vacation experience imaginable. Now is the perfect time to book your 2024 Golf Getaway to BOYNE Resort.
