Heather Golf Course Boyne Highlands Harbor Springs - Image 1
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Heather Golf Course Boyne Highlands Harbor Springs

4.3
·60 reviews·Harbor Springs, United States

Experience a challenging Arthur Hills design amidst Northern Michigan's beauty, featuring unique local rules and demanding greens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best conditions, fewer geese

CrowdMedium
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Heather Golf Course Boyne Highlands Harbor Springs - Image 1

Heather Golf Course Boyne Highlands Harbor Springs

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best conditions, fewer geese

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a challenging Arthur Hills design amidst Northern Michigan's beauty, featuring unique local rules and demanding greens.

4.3
(60 reviews)

"A challenging, scenic round with unique local rules, though course conditions can be inconsistent."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead, Check Conditions

Book tee times early. Reviews vary on course condition; check recent reports before your round.

🦢 Watch Out for Geese!

Geese are common on the course and can be a bit of a nuisance. Be mindful of them during your play.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Heather's Signature Holes

The Heather's Signature Holes

Various holes

Experience challenging, undulating greens and strategically placed sand traps that test every aspect of your game.

Local Rule Charm

Local Rule Charm

Tee boxes

Discover unique local rules that add a fun, unexpected twist to your round. A true golfer's delight!

Lush Northern Michigan Scenery

Lush Northern Michigan Scenery

Throughout the course

Enjoy the beautiful, natural setting of the Northwoods, offering a picturesque backdrop for your golf game.

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Planning Your Visit

Tee Off with Confidence: Booking & Conditions

Book tee times well in advance, especially for peak season. Be aware that course conditions can vary; some reviews mention issues with greens and bunkers, while others praise lush conditions. Check recent reports before you go.

Navigating Boyne Highlands: Beyond the Fairway

The Heather is part of the larger Boyne Highlands resort. Plan your transportation and consider how you'll access the course, especially if staying off-site. Be prepared for potential weather delays and understand the resort's policies.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best conditions, fewer geese
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We found the best local rule in golf! And it’s at The Heather Golf Course. (Harbor Springs, Michigan) Have you played it? Also what are some other cool local rules we can find? #golf #michigangolf #upnorth #golftiktok
@metrodetroitgolfers
1.4K likes • 76.4K views

🎯 Book Ahead, Check Conditions

Book tee times early. Reviews vary on course condition; check recent reports before your round. Reddit

🦢 Watch Out for Geese!

Geese are common on the course and can be a bit of a nuisance. Be mindful of them during your play. Reddit

Old schoold perfect at The Heather in the #puremichigan #northwoods There are so many courses to choose from up here, and its tempting to opt for the ones right along Lake Michigan, but if your golf trip already includes #arcadiabluffs, I would opt for a highlands course like The Heather when youre in the #boyne area. #golftrip #golfcoursereview #travelitinerary #travelplanning #golftok #northernm...
@lynnstagolf
722 likes • 20.9K views
reddit.com

Hole 18, The Heather. Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs MI

⛳️ Undulating Greens Ahead

Be prepared for quick and challenging greens. Three-putts are a real possibility! Reddit

🚗 Consider Resort Access

If not staying at Boyne Highlands, plan your transportation to the course. TikTok

reddit.com

#13 at Arthur Hills Boyne Highlands - Harbor Springs, MI

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead, Check Conditions

Book tee times early. Reviews vary on course condition; check recent reports before your round. Reddit

🦢 Watch Out for Geese!

Geese are common on the course and can be a bit of a nuisance. Be mindful of them during your play. Reddit

⛳️ Undulating Greens Ahead

Be prepared for quick and challenging greens. Three-putts are a real possibility! Reddit

🚗 Consider Resort Access

If not staying at Boyne Highlands, plan your transportation to the course. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(60 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Heather Golf Course offers a challenging and scenic round with unique local rules that many golfers enjoy. However, some visitors have expressed disappointment with course conditions, particularly greens and tee boxes, and have noted issues with customer service and organization, especially when dealing with weather delays.

"We were on a big group trip of over 20 guys and this was the 1st course we played! Played 9 holes on the evening and again the next morning. It was a great layout and very fun course. Watch out for the geese! Highly recommend! 18 is a amazing finishing hole!"

Kevin Thurston

"Awesome, difficult, lush golf course! Greens are rolling quick and undulating, so be prepared to three putt! I'd definitely recommend playing this course."

Zachariah Krieger

"HORRIBLE, save your money! We booked 4 months early for a group of 8 guys and still paid $183 per guy. I am not joking when I say this course should feel bad charging even $65-70 in these conditions. At least 1/3 of the greens were completely diseased, dead, and in the worst shape I've ever seen, even if it was a local municipal. Well over half the tee boxes were absolutely nuked with divots forcing you to stand in them. The bunkers were filled with crab grass. The pro shop was musty and not friendly. The bathrooms looked like a crack house. My buddies and I could not believe what we were looking at. The pro shop made zero apologies or even mention of this when we gave them nearly $1600 as a group for our second of 3 Boyne courses we played this weekend. We were so fed up with it that our group immediately left after the round and agreed we’d never be back. Donald Ross was amazing, $50 cheaper, and Arthur Hills was PHENOMENAL and $30 cheaper.

The Heather was truly, TRULY embarrassing and you should publicly apologize for charging peak rates and delivering a product that appears as though you'd rather just let nature reclaim the land. Just awful."

Matthew Musinski

What People Like

Challenging layout
Beautiful scenery
Unique local rules

What People Dislike

Inconsistent course conditions
High green fees
Customer service issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Heather Golf Course is located at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan. If you're driving, use GPS coordinates for Boyne Highlands Resort. Public transportation options are limited in this resort area, so a car is generally recommended. TikTok

Yes, ample parking is available at the Boyne Highlands resort, typically near the pro shop and clubhouse for golfers. TikTok

Most visitors drive to Harbor Springs. The nearest major airport is Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), about a 30-minute drive away. You can also fly into Traverse City (TVC) or even Detroit (DTW) and drive north. Reddit

Boyne Highlands Resort often provides shuttle services between its various amenities, including lodging and golf courses. Inquire with the resort directly about current shuttle availability. TikTok

Depending on your lodging location within Boyne Highlands, walking might be possible, but it's a large resort. It's best to check a resort map or ask the front desk for the most convenient access. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Green fees for The Heather can vary significantly based on the season, day of the week, and time of day. Prices can range from $70 to over $180 per person, especially during peak season. It's essential to check the official Boyne Golf website or call the pro shop for current rates and packages. Reddit

Yes, booking a tee time in advance is highly recommended, especially during the popular summer and fall golf seasons. Popular tee times can fill up months ahead. Reddit

Typically, the green fee includes your round of golf. Cart rental is often an additional charge, though some packages might include it. Practice facilities may also have separate fees. Reddit

Look for package deals that combine lodging and golf at Boyne Highlands, or consider playing during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for potentially lower rates. Reserving tee times online directly through Boyne Golf might also offer better pricing. Reddit

The golf course typically opens in the morning, around sunrise, and closes in the evening, usually after the last tee time has finished. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to confirm with the pro shop. TikTok

🎫 ⛳️ Onsite Experience

The Heather is generally considered a challenging course, known for its undulating greens, strategic bunkering, and demanding layout. It's a true test for golfers of all skill levels, but particularly rewarding for experienced players. Reddit

Reviews on green conditions are mixed. Some players report them as fast and undulating, while others have noted issues with disease or poor shape in certain areas. It's advisable to check recent golfer feedback. Reddit

Golf carts are typically available and recommended for navigating the course, especially given its layout and size. Whether they are mandatory can depend on specific resort policies or course conditions on a given day. TikTok

You can expect to see a variety of local wildlife, with geese being frequently mentioned as a notable presence on the course. Reddit

While walkable, The Heather is a substantial course with significant elevation changes and distances between holes. Many golfers opt for a cart to conserve energy and speed up play. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Boyne Highlands Resort offers several dining options, including restaurants and bars located at the clubhouse or main lodge, which are accessible to golfers. TikTok

Expect typical golf course fare, such as sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, along with a selection of beverages. For more extensive dining, the main resort lodge offers a wider variety of restaurants. TikTok

Beverage carts often circulate the course, offering drinks and snacks. Some courses also have halfway houses or snack bars available at the turn. TikTok

Harbor Springs itself has a charming downtown area with various restaurants, from casual pubs to fine dining. You can also find more options within the Boyne Highlands resort complex. Reddit

Absolutely. The clubhouse restaurant or other resort dining facilities are perfect for post-round meals and drinks to discuss your game. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The course offers scenic views throughout, particularly from elevated tees and greens. The natural Northern Michigan landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for memorable golf photos. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos during your round. Many golfers capture scenic shots of the holes, their group, and the surrounding environment. TikTok

While specific iconic holes aren't always highlighted, the overall beauty of the course, with its mature trees and rolling terrain, makes for consistently picturesque scenes. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' often provide the most dramatic and flattering light for photography, enhancing the natural beauty of the course. TikTok

A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing great golf course photos. If you're a photography enthusiast, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will offer more control and higher quality. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Heather Golf Course is primarily designed for adult golfers and may present a significant challenge for younger or less experienced players. While the resort itself offers family-friendly amenities, the golf course's difficulty, with its undulating greens and strategic hazards, might not be ideal for a family outing unless the children are avid and skilled golfers. TikTok

If your family enjoys golf, consider exploring other, potentially more forgiving courses in the Boyne area or focusing on the resort's other activities. For families looking for a golf experience, it's best to inquire directly with Boyne Golf about any junior programs or family-friendly course options they might offer. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

The Heather Golf Course is generally considered a premium golf experience with corresponding green fees, often exceeding $100-$180 during peak season. This makes it less suitable for travelers on a strict budget. Reddit

For more budget-conscious golfers, exploring off-season rates, looking for package deals that include lodging, or considering other golf courses in the Northern Michigan region that might offer lower green fees could be a better strategy. Some reviews suggest that other courses in the area, like Donald Ross or Arthur Hills, offer comparable or superior experiences at a lower price point. Reddit

couples

The Heather offers a beautiful and challenging golfing experience that can be a fantastic activity for couples who enjoy the sport. The picturesque Northern Michigan setting provides a lovely backdrop for a romantic day out on the links. TikTok

Consider booking a twilight tee time for a more relaxed pace and potentially stunning sunset views. Afterwards, you can enjoy a nice dinner at one of the many dining options available at the Boyne Highlands Resort or in the charming nearby town of Harbor Springs. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding The Heather's Design and Challenge

The Heather Golf Course, designed by Arthur Hills, is renowned for its challenging yet rewarding layout. It's characterized by strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and a layout that demands thoughtful shot-making. The course is often praised for its natural integration into the Northern Michigan landscape, offering a picturesque setting for a round of golf. TikTok

Players frequently mention the difficulty of the greens, noting that they can be fast and tricky to read, often leading to multiple putts. This design element, combined with the course's length and strategic hazards, makes The Heather a true test of a golfer's skill and patience. It’s a course where precision and course management are key to scoring well. Reddit

Despite its challenges, many golfers find The Heather to be a highly enjoyable experience. The unique local rules mentioned in some reviews add an element of fun and surprise, setting it apart from other courses. It’s a course that golfers often remember for its distinct character and the memorable shots it inspires. TikTok

Navigating Course Conditions and Golfer Experiences

Reviews for The Heather Golf Course present a mixed picture regarding course conditions. While some visitors describe the course as lush and in great shape, others have reported significant issues, particularly with the greens and tee boxes. These discrepancies highlight the importance of checking recent conditions before booking. Reddit

Specific complaints have included diseased or dead greens, divot-filled tee boxes, and bunkers filled with crabgrass. These issues have led some golfers to feel that the high green fees were not justified by the course's upkeep. Conversely, other recent reviews have praised the course's condition, suggesting that issues may be localized or temporary. Reddit

It's also worth noting that customer service experiences have been varied. Some groups have reported disorganization and dismissive staff, particularly when dealing with weather delays or seeking adjustments to tee times. This feedback suggests that while the golf itself can be a highlight, the overall resort experience might require careful management and clear communication. Reddit