In 2018 Boyne Highlands Heather Course was named Michigan’s Golf Couse of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association.
As a state winner The Heather was automatically entered to win Golf Course of the Year from the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and they did just that.
Clearly great golf design and conditions go into selecting the annual course of the year, but the two associations go further by examining, the quality of ownership and management, outstanding contributions to the local community and significant overall contributions to the game of golf. 
“The Heather course started it all with golf in northern Michigan and has been a symbol of excellence in design and the foundation for charitable contributions in northern Michigan,” said Bernie Friedrich, PGA Senior Vice-President of Golf and Resort Sales-Boyne Resorts.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., The Heather became Northern Michigan’s first nationally-acclaimed golf course when it opened for play in 1966. The course has since played host to three Michigan Amateur Championships, nine AJGA Championships, the Michigan PGA State Pro-Am 32 times, and The Celebrity Tour. The Heather continues to receive praise and recognition year after year, with Golf Digest ranking it “Best in State,” among “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses,” and “Top 50 Courses for Women.”
The Heather and Boyne Highlands have been an industry leader in contributions to the game. The Heather is the home course for The First Tee of Northern Michigan and donates office space in Bartley House at Boyne Highlands Lodge. There is space for indoor lessons in the facility and on-course programs are also offered. In addition, the Harbor Cup event has raised over $400,000 benefiting local charities including the First Tee.
Although the Heather was recognized as the National Golf Course of the Year for 2019, it is only one of the ten outstanding courses that make up the Boyne Resorts’ Highlands, Bay Harbor Golf Club and Mountain Resorts.
In addition to great golf, guests at Boyne can stay at the Mountain Resort, the Swiss Chalet at the Highlands or the beautifully appointed Bay Harbor Inn.
The Heather is certainly worthy of this distinction, but the entire Boyne Resort offers the very best in golf, accommodations and fun for the entire family.
