Boyne Resorts already has 10 golf courses in Michigan. A new par-3 course will be designed by Ray Hearn. The nine-hole layout, which will be lit up at night, will be built into the slope behind The Highlands Main Lodge and scheduled to open summer 2024.
The course’s name will be Doon Brae. Brae is a Scottish word for a steep hillside or bank. The course will be located in the same location as the Cuff Links par-3 golf course.
In a press release announcing this course, Bernie Friedrich, director for golf course renovations at Boyne Resorts said, “As far I know, it is the first ever modern golf course built on a mountain.” What excites me the most is how different and beautiful it is. Three or four wall bunkers are stacked. We’ll use only one marker per hole instead of tee-boxes and allow guests to play anywhere they like.
“And the greens were inspired by some great ones from around the world.” The greens are not exact copies, but they do look and feel different. We sodded the fairways as well, and they will be maintained and surrounded with tall fescue to give them that whisper-like look. It’s going be stunning.”
Boyne Golf has provided the plans for a new Doon Brae Par-3 Course at Boyne resorts in Harbor Springs Michigan.
Hearn is a Michigan native and works with the resort destination to complete several projects for its other golf courses. He will also design a 1,5-acre putting track alongside Doon Brae.
Hearn has focused on minimizing the amount of walking uphill, even though Doon Brae is on a steep slope. The course will be between 678 yards and 993, moving in a horizontal direction. The holes will be 57-134 yards. Hearn stated that he was inspired to design Doon Brae by Royal County Down, Northern Ireland and by many famous template golf greens.
Hearn stated in a media release that “Boyne Golf Resort is one of the most popular golf resorts, attracting thousands golfers each year from across the country. I wanted to ensure we created something unique and fun without making it a difficult walk.” We also thought about the families that would be taking their children out. It’s not a good routing. “1 is a flat hole, 2 is an uphill hole, 3 is a downhill hole, 4 is an uphill one, 5, 6, and 7 are sidehill holes, 5 being slightly uphill and 8 and 9 playing downwards.”
There will also be fire pits, food and music on the course.
In a media release, Josh Richter, Senior Vice President of Golf Operations for Boyne Resorts said, “Guests can enjoy games and fun while drinking their favorite beverage, and taking in the beauty of Northern Michigan.” It’s going be a great space that everyone can enjoy. Music will also make for a great entertainment environment.
