The Heather Course
Harbor Springs, MI, USA




The Heather, etched into the rolling landscape of Harbor Springs, Michigan, stands as a testament to the vision of William "Bill" Newcomb, who carved the course from the northern Michigan terrain in 1966. Newcomb's design, a product of its era, favors a strategic, parkland style with a reliance on subtly contoured greens and classic bunker placement. The Heather embraces the natural undulations and mature hardwoods of its northern setting. The layout presents a balanced challenge, with several demanding tee shots into tight fairways, placing a premium on accuracy over sheer power. The course is known for its undulating greens, which demand a deft touch. While The Heather hasn't hosted any major professional tournaments, it remains a highly regarded test of golf in the northern Michigan golf community. Beyond the course itself, The Heather has long been noted for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is said Newcomb sought to build a course for golfers of all skill levels and backgrounds, encouraging play for families of all types. Post-round chatter often centers around the "Heather Burger," a local favorite and post-round tradition.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in MI
Public: #21
7.9
40 players
Certainly the best Boyne course in my opinion with the best layout. Conditions are usually solid.
Public courses closest to The Heather at Boyne Highlands Resort.
Most arrivals to Boyne Highlands Resort route through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), followed by a northward drive of roughly four hours that traces the eastern shore of Lake Michigan into the resort country of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Regional flyers may opt for Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, trimming the journey to just under an hour through rolling hardwood forests and orchard-dotted hills. The final stretch along M-119 - the famed Tunnel of Trees - delivers a winding, canopy-shaded passage before the road opens onto the high ground of Harbor Springs, where Boyne Highlands sits perched above Little Traverse Bay with sweeping views of blue water and distant bluffs.

FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Heather at Boyne Highlands Resort has a Course Vaults score of 7.9 out of 10 based on 20 explicit golfer ratings.
The Heather was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr..
Yes. The Heather at Boyne Highlands Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Heather is 72.
The Heather plays 7,143 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Heather is 147.