Northern Michigan Resorts Blog

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cadgate — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:10:00 -0500

In case you've been thinking that it's too early to start thinking about skiing, take a look at what those of us who live near BOYNE are thinking. First, what we're going to do with all the stuff when it comes. And then about how we're going to play in it.

And if you need more reasons to start thinking snow, check out what's going on this weekend in the Boyne Mountain Village. The first-ever Skitoberfest is going to be the party of the season - and there are dozens of reasons why you, your family, and your friends shouldn't miss it. For the whole scoop check it out HERE - but here are the top four things that interest me:

1) Fall food and drink. Brats, cider, and, for the adults in the crowd - beer! Some of Michigan's top micro brewers will be showing off their handiwork.

2) Snowsports Summit. Two presentations by recently retired U.S. Ski Team coach Greg Needell. Greg is 'the man' behind 'THE MAN', Olympic Gold medalist Ted Ligety, and Ted's rise to become one of the best technical ski racers in the world - find out how he did it, and what's the next trend in technique at the highest levels. Oh, and then there's this Simon Dumont guy who will be there. I'm told that the kid gets air like Tiger Woods plays a little golf. Find out how he does it. Find out WHY he does it!

3) New gear. This is a rare chance for consumers to be able to meet and talk with the manufacturers reps for the top snow sports equipment companies. Bend the skis, see what's new, and get the straight story on what it can do for you.

4) All the other stuff. OK this is a favorite because it means I don't have to cajole the rest of my family to come and spend the weekend with me. This time, it's the other way around. Artists, dancers, kids, and kids who are artists and dancers. A parade with golf carts that includes secret surprises? Makes me wonder what could be more surprising than a golf cart parade. MSU/UM on the big screen. Four (4), did I say FOUR, bands. Uh, well, so much other stuff that I won't even try to list it.

So pack up the car and come settle in for a fabulous weekend in the Village. Oh, and plan to sign up for your BOYNE Pass now - because a lot of the Skitoberfest offerings are free to passholders! Again, read all about it HERE.

Cary Adgate, BOYNE Ambassador of Skiing

This is GOLF!

jeccleston@boyne.com — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:08:00 -0500

After a cooler summer, we sure are reaping the rewards with recent warm weather and incredible course conditions. The BOYNE courses on a whole are as good as they have been in a very long time and are just gearing up for a fireworks display in the trees with the upcoming color tour season. Plus, Room and Round packages this fall are an even par $72 for the rest of the season! Check out the best of Fall Golf at BOYNE! See ya on the turf!
Jeff

BOYNE's Dream 18 - completed!

jeccleston@boyne.com — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:03:00 -0500

This summer, the golf professionals at BOYNE had a vote for our favorite holes from the 162 that we offer. We broke it down to the favorite first hole from each course, then our favorite from all of the second holes, and so on. The result..... A Par 73 course that plays 7135 yards! Check to see if your favorites made our list!

BOYNE's Dream 18
Hole #1 - #1 The Heather Par 4 - 383 yards
A great opening hole, your tee shot should not stray to far to the right, which may be a natural reaction. Instead, something to the middle of the fairway will set up a short iron approach to this very well bunkered, undulating green.

Hole #2 - #2 Donald Ross Memorial Par 4, 336 yards
A replica of Hole #4 Plainfield Country Club; Plainfield, New Jersey
A delicate par 4 which gains its drama from the interesting and formidable contours in the tee shot landing area. Pine trees play a key role in forming a thick vertical on the left side of the hole forcing play toward the valley on the right. The small green is well bukered and slopes to the back, making it difficult to hold the green on the second shot.

Hole #3 - #3 The Links - Bay Harbor Golf Club Par 4 - 380 yards
Here is your first real decision of the round. The split level fairway rolls down from the landing area on top right to the bottom of the swale o the left. Longer hitters will often try and either draw a shot off of the hill or make the forced carry on the bottom shelf. Though this will result in a shorter approach, it also makes for a blind shot to an elevated green. Playing out to the right will add a club or two, but the shot is from a similar elevation to the green. A huge bunker in front can be torture.

Hole #4 - #4 The Links - Bay Harbor Golf Club Par 3 - 178 yards
Soak it in. The view from this magnificent par three is truly incredible. Those that are not completely distracted by the views of Little Traverse Bay will need to play their tee shot to the proper side of a two level green for the best shot at birdie. Be aware of the natural slope that runs through the center of the green, falling from top right to bottom left. Too far left here and it won't matter if you are shaken or stirred... you'll simply be on the rocks!

Hole #5 - #5 The Arthur Hills Par 4 - 481 yards Arguably the toughest par 4 at BOYNE. This hole is just long. Smash a drive between the stripes and at all costs avoid the rows of pines that frame the outer edges of the hole. The green is well bunkered and falls off hard to the right, creating a number of different ways to play from. None of which are very easy.

Hole #6 - #6 The Alpine Par 4 - 447 yards
Perhaps one of the best par 4 holes at BOYNE. A corridor of trees opens up to the fairway which is guarded by fairway bunkers down the left. The towering trees to the right provide additional headaches, but give you somewhat better odds of saving a par than the left side does. The green has some tricky breaks so make sure you walk around the entire hole before committing to a line.

Hole #7 - #7 The Links - Bay Harbor Golf Club Par 5 - 500 yards
Regarded by many as one of the finest golf holes anywhere, the seventh is a par 5 that stretches all along a cliff, high above Lake Michigan. A good tee shot seems to fly out into the water, but never fear, there is plenty of room. What will be a challenge are the moguls and bunkering on the left side of the fairway. An aggressive play to go for the green here is all uphill, but there is enough room short of the green that makes a nice safety net if your shot is not struck well. It is much easier to find yourself below the hole on this green that slopes from left to right, back to front.

Hole #8 - #8 Donald Ross Memorial Par 3, 181 Yards
A replica of Hole #11
Charlotte Country Club; Charlotte, North Carolina
Designed by Ross in 1913 and opened in 1926, the Charlotte Country Club was renovated by Robert Trent Jones in 1960. In 1968, the greens were converted from Bermuda grass to bent in preparation for the 1972 U.S. Amateur Championship.
Like most par 3s at Charlotte Country Club, the 11th is relatively short. This is the first hole on The Ross to use water as a design feature. The golfer must carry a small lake to reach the green. Several tees located at different elevations offer many different looks and lengths to this par 3 gem.

Hole #9 - #9 Bay Harbor Golf Club - The Preserve Par 3 - 186 yards
Out of the hardwoods and back to the coast. The green has a giant slope to the left, allowing a shot to be played to the right side and funnel down to the hole. With Lake Michigan to the left, a fairway bunker is the only thing stopping your ball from a watery grave.

Hole #10 - #10 Donald Ross Memorial Par 4, 422 Yards
A replica of Hole #14
Royal Dornoch Golf Club; Dornoch, Scotland
     Designed by renowned Tom Morris, this hole from Royal Dornoch Golf Club adds a wonderful dimension to The Ross. It was where Ross learned his trade as a club maker and golf professional. And where under the tutelage of Morris and John Southerland, Ross developed many of his ideas about golf course architecture.
     Not as well known as other British courses which host the British Open, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is ranked by many experts as being among the ten greatest courses in the world. Playing it for the first time, Tom Watson described the experience as "the most fun I’ve ever had playing golf in my life".
     The 14th may be its most recognizable hole. The hole calls for a slight draw off the tee. The approach shot onto the green favors a high ball flight and slight fade.

Hole #11 - #11 Heather Par 5 - 550 yards
Fairway bunkers on the right off the tee and to the left in the second landing area will need to be respected when plotting your route to the eleventh green. Some will try to go for it in two, but with bunkers on every edge of the green, the crafty veteran will try to leave a full wedge shot from the left hand side of the fairway.

Hole #12 - #12 Alpine Par 5 - 517 yards
Enjoy the view of the "Alpine Valley" all the way down to Deer Lake. A tempting par 5, the tee shot can carry the traps along the left to set up an opportunity to reach in two. Be sure to check your lay-up yardage as the pond in front can sneak up quickly. There is a collection area in the back so don't be afraid to take one extra club here.

Hole #13 - #13 Arthur Hills Par 5 - 570 yards BOYNE's Everest! If you've ever wondered what it would be like to hit a driver as hard as you can from the top of one of our ski slopes... here is your chance! Arguably a signature hole for all of Northern Michigan, the fairway is wide enough to let the next three groups play through, together. Further down the hill, some will go for the green in two, some will lay up short leaving a wedge shot approach. The green slopes inward from most of the edges, creating a bowl effect. This can filter balls closer to the hole, but make for trickier putting. Get a good read and go for it.

Hole #14 - #14 Alpine Par 4 - 403 yards
Bunkers down the right side can be very penalizing. The fairway really narrows in the landing area requiring a precise or long shot that clears everything. This huge green can play up to three clubs different depending on the hole location.

Hole #15 - #15 Moor Par 4 - 410 yards
Position is very key to having success on the fifteenth. A long tee shot can take on the pond that is down the right side. If a shot is played too straight, it can be in the bunker to the left. Two more water hazards hide the green with their natural cattails, revealing only a sliver of hope. The entire green moves from back to front.

Hole #16 - #16 Donald Ross Memorial   Par 5, 568 Yards
A replica of Hole #10
Pinehurst Country Club, Pinehurst #2; Pinehurst, North Carolina
     Pinehurst’s 10th is an example of several Ross design principles. The tee shot landing zone is generously wide, supporting Ross’ conviction that the longer the shot the more margin for error the player should be allowed.
     The hole tightens for the second shot, however, right along with the player. A cross bunker guards a smaller landing area. The long, the skilled and the brave have the option of flying it, setting up a short third. Those of lesser skills should opt to aim to the right of the bunker, the prudent way to go. This option leaves a longer approach, but compensates by presenting an elevated view of the green.
     This hole was the turning point in a victory by Ben Hogan in a Ryder Cup match when Hogan birdied the hole and went on to win the match.

Hole #17 - #17 The Quarry - Bay Harbor Golf Club Par 3 - 172 yards
Bay Harbor's answer to the seventh at Pebble Beach. A downhill par 3 with nothing behind it but an indescribable panorama of Little Traverse Bay. Club selection can vary by up to 3 or 4 clubs more or less than normal depending on the wind. Any balls that miss short will splash straight into a boulder faced pond. Putting to hole locations toward the back of the green will probably have some nasty snap to it.

Hole #18 - #18 The Heather Par 4 - 451 yards
One of the most memorable finishing holes anywhere, the tee shot on the last hole of the Heather is straight down hill to a very wide fairway. Long hitters may run out of room and into the pond ahead. The fairway then narrows to just a few steps wide and continues around the edge of the pond to the left. The approach is then all carry, across the pond to the green that is quite large with big bunkers waiting to catch any balls that are hit too far.

Picture Yourself A Winner

jjohns — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:18:00 -0500

I've always said that BOYNE is in the memory business. That’s ahead of being snow farmers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, shop keepers, golf professionals, etc.
Nothing proves that more than the thousands of pictures taken by our guests every year. They snap it all into focus so much more clearly than the most painstakenly planned professional marketing pics. Because of that we're throwing a little contest:

Have a great photo of your best times at Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain to share? If so, enter it in our Facebook Grand Prize photo contest happening now through August 16 on the Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain fan pages! Simply post your favorite vacation photo on the Wall of our fan pages and be entered to win.

While visiting our Facebook pages, let fans know what you enjoy most about vacationing at BOYNE and checkout our upcoming events, deals, photos and videos.

Not yet a fan? It’s easy, visit www.facebook.com/BoyneHighlands or www.facebook.com/BoyneMountain and click the green “Sign Up” icon in the upper left corner and away you go.

-JJ

Tennis Anyone?

cadgate — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:30:00 -0500

The scene didn't make much sense: a professional skier, and admitted tennis hack speaking to the group at the new Boyne Mountain Tennis Academy. When I was first asked to speak, it didn't make much sense to me either.

At first, I wondered what in the world I might say to help people - some of them expert tennis players - improve a skill I know little about. After some contemplation, I realized that my lifelong athletic adventures have perhaps qualified me to speak - certainly not about tennis technique - but about effective approaches to learning skills and preparing for competition. And then it hit me that the confidence I have in my approach to sporting success is not as much rooted in my career as an Olympic and World Cup skier, but rather in my experiences as a novice sportsman over the last few years.

During that time, I have undertaken the goal of becoming as proficient as possible at the game of soccer. I also jumped back into the sport of ski racing - a sport which is now far different from the sport I knew decades ago.

My success with learning these sports has made for really fun experiences - and I think the fun is a big part of what has generated some success. I am still far from being an expert, particularly in soccer, where I started from scratch. But regardless of one's proficiency in a discipline, I discovered that certain general strategies are universally effective - like keeping an open mind and a learning attitude, and a willingness to seek out and listen to the experts. A little bit of patience sprinkled in ensures that frustration does not stall the learning or the fun. The formula is really no different from the one that helped me during my professional career, and I have realized that it's virtually the same regardless of the discipline you're trying to master.

As I spoke to the group, it was gratifying for me to see coaches Bill Perlmutter and Larry Stark (former Michigan State University #1 singles player) nodding in agreement from time to time. When it comes to mastering difficult skills, it seems that there are indeed universal paths to success.

If tennis is your thing, you can't do any better than to open your mind to the expert coaches at the BMTA. As they pour in the knowledge, you'll be guaranteed to find a more competitive tennis game and a richer enjoyment of the sport. There are still two sessions with openings.

Boyne Mountain Tennis Academy

Cary Adgate - BOYNE SnowSports Ambassador

Swing To Your Target, Not Your Destination

jeccleston@boyne.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:30:00 -0500

With higher winds on the golf course, your target may very well be different than it would be on a calm day. As you calculate what effect the wind will have on your ball choose your target and make an extra committment to hitting your shot directly to it. Our common tendencies are to swing somewhat towards our destination which results in more errant shots.

This can happen while putting as well. We know the ball will break, but somehow we putt toward the hole or destination. This results in many putts never starting high enough and they fall to the low side (amateur side) of the hole.

So play like a pro and swing your energy towards your target and let nature bring your ball back to your final destination.

What's Your Golf Octane

jeccleston@boyne.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:22:00 -0500

As we know, the level of octane of the fuel we use in our vehicles has a direct correlation to its performance. So to is the "GAS" you put into your golf game. The better your "GAS", the better you will play. "GAS" in golf is of course your GRIP, ALIGNMENT and STANCE. These three fundamentals determine almost 90% of every shot you will ever play. If you don't believe me... track down some tour pros and ask them. Take some time to practice and double check these simple fundamentals to make sure you are getting the highest golf octane you can.

Good luck in your pursuit of a great game and remember... nobody likes to play with someone who has bad "GAS"!

BOYNE Cup - 2nd Round Comlpete

jeccleston@boyne.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:05:00 -0500

The second round in the BOYNE Cup featured some classic match ups from our pros and interns! Here are the results!

Ryan Thompson advances over Mike Fay

Tristan Pitts defeats Austin Pieters

Gaetan Biane over Charlie Henninger

Casey Powers trumped Dan Turcott

Mike Kollett clipped Steve Niezgoda

Ryan Tubbs ousted Gary Day

Brian O'Neill moves on over Ryan Brown

Brad Wancket took down Dave McWorter

The Secret to 36...and Beyond.

jjohns — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:16:00 -0500

Welcome to the longest days of the year. There’s no better time to enjoy 36.
Is there anything better? Maybe 54. All this daylight makes it possible AND, if you’re hip to this little secret you just might have enough in the tank to go for it.

Secret, you say?

Yep.

Well, not really, but since so few people do this it seems like a secret.

The secret is shoes.
A pair that fits great is good. Two pair that fit great are better.
The second pair is the key to hitting round two and beyond feeling fresh and revived. After 18 holes, cool clean socks and fresh shoes are as invigorating as a shower.

You don’t have to break the bank. Boyne Country Sports has closeouts on high-end, fully waterproof models running from $49.99. If you aren’t near a store, you can order men's or ladies' from our online partner SkiGolf.com. They’ll ship them to you for free.

So take care of those ponies. Your playing partners will find you annoyingly chipper when you tee up for the afternoon round- provided that they survive the olfactory assault when you change.

If you’re going for 54, just repeat the process, or put on your morning pair after they've had a chance to breathe for a few hours. The difference is pure magic.

-JJ

Give it a "Waggle"

jeccleston@boyne.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:22:00 -0500

A golf tip from Jeff Eccleston - Boyne Golf Academy

Ben Hogan said that IF you have a sound grip, stance, and waggle, that you will never have a bad ball striking day..... Wait a minute, A Waggle? What does a waggle have to do with my golf swing? Better yet, what is a waggle?

Well, provided that your grip and stance are fundamentally correct, the waggle portion of the equation goes like this.

From your address postion, allow your wrists to hinge the club so that the shaft is parallel to the ground and the toe of the club is pointed skyward. Your arms should still remain in front of your body. If done correctly, your top hand will have a slight cup in it, and the hands will move slightly ahead of the ball. From here, simply return the club to address postion and repeat a couple of times as you let your eyes move between the ball and the target.

By incorporating a waggle into your shot you are effectively setting the plane for your backswing, rehearsing impact, and removing tension from your swing.

Nike Golf Varsity Camp

jeccleston@boyne.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:08:00 -0500

The Nike Junior Golf Camps at BOYNE started Varsity Camp yesterday. 18 young men from Michigan, Nebraska, Indiana, Connecticut, Wisconsin, California, Illinois, and Kentucky converged on Boyne Highlands for a full week of intensive golf training.

Camp started with a warm up round on the Cuff Links par 3 course before pizza and practice and finally a 18 hole round on the Heather! This morning will start with a gourmet breakfast buffet, video analysis with the BOYNE Golf Academy, and lunch. The afternoon holds a round of golf on the Arthur Hills, Moor, or Donald Ross Memorial.

This evening we will start a match play tournament on the Cuff Links, UNDER THE LIGHTS!!!

Instruction continues all day with Golf Academy staff accompanying each group for further on the course tips, advice, and lessons.

Camp concludes on Thursday with a tournament style round and awards ceremony. This is the second camp of the summer of a total of eight. Some spots are still open for the upcoming camps. Click here for more information.

BOYNE CUP - MATCH PLAY

jeccleston@boyne.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:18:00 -0500

The first round has completed! The Winners and Final Counts are in BOLD

We are frequently asked by our guests, "Who is the best player at BOYNE?" Well that answer will be narrowed down with the 1st annual BOYNE Match Play Tournament.

The Matches will start on Friday the 5th of June with the finals taking place on July 26th. Here are the first round matches.

Mike Fay vs. Ryan Brown - CCU

Leighton Smith vs. Ryan Thompson 2 and 1

Bernie Friedrich vs. Tristan Pitts 4 and 3

Austin Pieters vs. Mike Basinski 3 and 1

Mike Chumbler vs. Gaetan Biane 2 and 1

Mark Novak vs. Charlie Henninger 6 and 4

Dan Turcott vs. Drew Pillar 7 and 5

Casey Powers vs. Andy Niettering 2 and 1

Josh Richter vs. Mike Kollet 6 and 5

Steve Niezgoda vs. Brian Dionisio 1 up

Steve Good vs. Gary Day

Steve Hueston vs. Ryan Tubbs 2 and 1

Dave Trudell vs. Ryan Brown - CS 1UP

Ian Hirsch vs. Brian O'Neill 4 and 3

Jeff Eccleston vs. Brad Wanckett 2 and 1

Colin Stackus vs. Dave McWorter 3 and 2

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Improve Your Ball Striking…Practice in the Sand Box!!

jeccleston@boyne.com — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:28:00 -0500

A lesson from Brian O'Neill - BOYNE's Director of Instruction!
Email Brian with questions or to book a lesson! boneill@boyne.com

One of my favorite practice routines is hitting balls out of a fairway type bunker with a 6 or 7 iron! Several years ago while working on the driving range with a friend of mine, who happened to be one of the best ball strikers I knew, he mentioned this tip to me and it seemed to stick like no other has before.

He would work for 30-35 minutes in the bunkers hitting mid-irons, his point was that it really seemed to improve his ball striking with his irons. After watching him practice this drill I began to realize its ramifications on his particular golf swing. It helped slow his lower body down so his "overactive leg drive" was forced to slow down….creating some type of synchronicity between legs and arms and club. It also battled his steep angle of attack into his impact area, which in effect improved his ball striking all together. Every golfer I know hates a fairway bunker….so maybe it is time to get in there with a focus of improving ball contact, while at the same time creating some efficiency out of fairway bunkers. Next time your are on the range I challenge you to begin to spend time hitting balls from a bunker with a mid-iron, and watch, and listen, to the improved ball striking as you head for the links!

Str8 is Gr8!

jeccleston@boyne.com — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:30:00 -0500

If you are like me, opening day of golf season is the holiday equivalent to Christmas and this year Santa (Nike) showed up with a brand new SQ Str8 Fit Driver! Could this be true? I can set my driver up 8 different ways? Now I have a new setting for each of BOYNE's eight courses!! This is the perfect club if you are up here for the Gr8 Escape, which is still America's best golf vacation!

This is how I decided to set my magic wand up this year to split the fairways!
Alpine - #4 High and Straight
Monument- #3 High Fade
Arthur Hills- #8 High Draw
Donald Ross Memorial- #5 Low Straight
Moor- #1 Fade
Heather- #2 Low Fade
Crooked Tree- #7 Low Draw
Bay Harbor- #6 Draw

Check the 'Str8 fit' out for yourself at our Nike Demo Days May 19th at Boyne Highlands!

-Ecc

Hooray Hooray its the First of May!

jeccleston@boyne.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:47:00 -0500

Today is opening day and first opportunity to play our courses that were featured on the Golf Channel's hit series Big Break X: Michigan. Check out this video of the first tee shot of the year featuring Matt from Grand Rapids. I think he may have an idea now of what the contestants felt with the cameras on! I hope the rest of the round went better.

Watch the video on Facebook here.

Don't forget that if you don't play today, you can't play every day this summer! There is still time with daylight until after 9 p.m. and twilight rates are just $29 at almost every course up here until May 14th!

-Ecc