October 2021 Ohio Golf Journal

At Boyne Highlands, we saw white-tail deer and fawns on several fairways, plus a quartet of sandhill cranes on The Heather, a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. classic. We also spotted a noisy flock of cranes flying overhead as we dined, socially- distanced, on the Seminole Pub patio overlooking the 18th hole of the Donald Ross Memorial. They were among the few— but not the only — birdies we saw on our five-day Boyne golf adventure. One night, we drove 20 minutes into downtown Petoskey and watched the sunset over Little Traverse Bay while savoring tasty mushroom- studded Forest Floor soup and smoked pork chops at Palette Bistro. Forays to some of the Petoskey region’s dozen wineries and breweries are options for those seeking a golf break. Two favorites are Boyne Valley Vineyards, with a treehouse tasting deck, and Pond Hill Farm, where activities include a kid-pleasing squash rocket launcher. We met Richard Morton of Jupiter, Florida, on the Alpine at Boyne Mountain on his last day of a weeklong golf buddy getaway. He said he’s eager to return with his family next year. Morton’s group rented cottages at Crooked Tree, playing there before taking on Bay Harbor’s trio of 9-hole courses, the Links, Quarry and Preserve. “Looking out across the bay it’s a lot like Scotland,” he says. Accustomed to Southern golf, Morton was impressed with Boyne’s cooler climate and playing conditions. “The golf courses aren’t crowded, the pace of play is awesome and the low humidity, that’s the big thing,” he says. “It’s such a great break from the summer heat.” Due to the growing popularity of golf, it’s smart to book now for next year to secure preferred tee-times. For more information, check BOYNE.com/golf or call (855) 688-3286 to ask about 2022 golf packages. Reprinted with permission from Susan Pollack, as first appeared in the Detroit News.