In the summer of 2025, the highly anticipated BOYNE Golf will open new courses at The Highlands in Northern Michigan, complete with a par-3 short course called Doon Brae and a Himalayan-style putting experience known as the Back Yaird.
Tucked behind the resort’s Main Lodge, Doon Brae marks BOYNE Golf’s 11th layout—earning it the moniker “Michigan’s Magnificent 11”—on the very site where the Cuff Links nine-hole par-3 course once existed (and where ski slopes thrive each winter).
“As far as I know, this is the first modern golf course ever built on a ski hill,” said Bernie Friedrich, Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development at Boyne Resorts.
“The combination of small greens inspired by some of the great green templates from overseas with sod-faced bunkers and tight mowing patterns will be a fun, perfect add-on to the daily golf itinerary.
It also provides a wonderful option for families, kids, and beginners to try golf for the first time.”
Featuring tee yardages between 678 and 993 yards and holes ranging from 57 to 134 yards, Doon Brae lives up to its Scottish namesake (with “Doon” meaning downhill into a valley and “Brae” referring to a steep hillside).
Golf course architect Ray Hearn—who has modernized several of BOYNE Golf’s courses—focused on horizontal routing to avoid an arduous uphill climb.
Instead, players will find an appealing mix of downhill, level, and sidehill shots, along with scaled-down templates of famous greens that add a distinct nod to the British Isles.
“I wanted to make sure we were creating something fun and unique without being a difficult walk,” explained Hearn.
“We also considered all the families taking their kids out to play the short course and then the putting course.
Every time I visited Scotland with friends, I was always inspired by The Himalayas at St. Andrews.
We just kept playing it over and over and never got bored. The Back Yaird will provide that kind of experience.”
Complementing Doon Brae is the Back Yaird, a 1.5-acre, 27-hole putting course that draws inspiration from famed putting layouts like the Himalayas at St. Andrews and Thistle Du at Pinehurst.
Families, beginners, and seasoned pros alike can enjoy the swales and slopes across three nine-hole segments, set conveniently next to the Slopeside Patio of The Highlands.
“Adding the Back Yaird putting experience creates the perfect combination for a fun golf experience for everyone,” continued Friedrich.
“Having experienced some of the top resorts in the country with their short courses and putting courses they have created for guests, it is exciting to bring that type of golf entertainment for our BOYNE guests.”
The short course itself spotlights design homages to celebrated holes from overseas.
“Drawing on our inspiration from the British Isles allowed us to create scaled-down versions of famous template greens highlighted by The Short at National Golf Links, a favourite of Stephen’s,” he said.
“Other inspirations include Eden, Punch Bowl, Redan, Reverse Redan, Whinny Brae, Steep Slope, Postage Stamp, and Biarritz.”
This new dual-course development is part of The Highlands’ larger revitalization, which has introduced updated lodge rooms, enhanced amenities, and a vision to keep reinventing the resort experience.
According to Josh Richter, Senior Vice President of Golf Operations for Boyne Resorts, the additions are poised to become a social centrepiece, offering a welcoming setting that extends late into the evening.
“We are so excited about how this area has been reimagined and how the guests are going to enjoy the uniqueness, character, and atmosphere around Doon Brae and the Back Yaird,” said Richter.
“Add in the lights, music, fire pits, and food service; it will be a wonderful gathering space for golfers and families to hang out well into the evenings, creating a new energy level at The Highlands and fond golfing memories. It will be a great golf entertainment venue.”
With tee times already available in advance of the 2025 debut, Doon Brae looks to be a thrilling highlight on any itinerary—whether you’re a dedicated golfer, a family exploring a short-course challenge, or simply someone who loves the scenic slopes that transform from ski runs in winter to golf fairways in summer.
And together with the Back Yaird, it’s clear that the BOYNE Golf development promises an entirely fresh way to savour Northern Michigan’s remarkable terrain.
