October 2021 Ohio Golf Journal

Four Years After Devastating Fire, Boyne Highlands Has A Renaissance F ive days before her long-planned trip to northern Michigan, Cheryl Watkins broke her wrist playing pickleball. That didn’t stop she and her husband, Rick, from driving seven hours from suburban Indianapolis to join nine friends on their second annual, all-inclusive golf vacation at Boyne Highlands resort in Harbor Springs. I met themmidway through their getaway, relaxing by the heated pool and hot tub, apres’ golf. Despite her wrist splint, they were taking full advantage of their five-night “Great Escape” package, which features breakfasts, dinners, activities such as free pedal boat and chairlift rides, and almost unlimited golf at Boyne’s trio of resorts near Petoskey. Of 10 championship-caliber courses, only three require an upcharge, including the premier Bay Harbor Golf Club, rightly renowned, the Watkins say, “for its gorgeous views of Lake Michigan.” “Rick and I golfed an extra round together yesterday on the Donald Ross course after our group scramble,” said Cheryl, whose score, even with an injured hand, was better than mine. “The doctor assured me that swinging a golf club couldn’t hurt me anymore. I’m getting a full cast next week.” The couple, who said they were considering adding horseback riding, or ziplining to their By Susan R. Pollack Ohio Golf Journal