Alpine, cradled within the ski slopes of Boyne Mountain, presents a unique golfing experience far removed from manicured country clubs. This is golf among the pines, an unapologetically northern Michigan test carved into the resort's rolling landscape. Designed by William "Rocky" Rocchio in the late 1960's, Alpine is pure resort golf. Wide fairways and elevated tee boxes that dare you to bomb it. A throwback era which now favors more forgiving play, with the natural undulations of the land dictating the challenge, rewarding creativity over brute force. There are moments of the course where the fader will be rewarded on dog legs, but also where a precise draw will allow you to run up onto the green for a birdie look. While Alpine hasn’t hosted national championships, it remains a favorite among the community in Boyne Falls. After a round it's not uncommon to see players huddled on the deck of the clubhouse, reliving the eagles they made, beers in hand, with laughter filling the crisp northern air. And yes, a few might be adorned in ski apparel.