Harbor Springs, Michigan
The Moor at The Highlands is a favorite among northern Michigan regulars—a welcoming, strategy-rich course that rewards smart positioning and creative shotmaking. Recent renovations have elevated playability and fun without sacrificing its reputation as a championship layout. Expect solid conditioning, friendly vibes, and memorable vistas—this is the local's go-to at Boyne.
Watch for the expanded short-grass surrounds around many greens—these new collection areas make for uniquely creative recovery shots after the recent renovation.
The Moor at The Highlands is a model of northern Michigan resort design, combining Bill Newcomb’s classical routing with significant modern upgrades led by Ray Hearn in 2023–2024. Expect wide fairways, thoughtfully positioned bunkers, and newly expanded short-grass run-offs that create a range of recovery possibilities around the greens. The renovation focused on improving playability and fun, with tree removal opening sightlines and multiple angles into greens—shot options and strategy have never been better. The course’s design pivots on risk/reward, especially on its reachable par 5s and demanding par 3s, and the walk from green to tee reveals the full scope of the rolling, wooded property.
William Newcomb executed the original routing, while Ray Hearn led a transformative playability overhaul in 2023–2024.
A reachable par 5 for longer hitters featuring bunkers that challenge every aggressive play. The hole winds along a subtle ridge, demanding strategy from tee to green.
A well-placed drive sets up a tempting shot to the green in two, but layups and precise laydown positions reward restraint.
Miss the preferred angle and you’ll face an awkward pitch over bunkers—with trouble looming short and right.
Resort-standard firmness and pace, with generally excellent greens and ongoing improvements since the 2024 renovations.
Usually steady and comfortable, but can back up during peak midday resort waves; twilight rounds are more relaxed.
Friendly, welcoming, and geared toward groups or return visitors—not stuffy, but attentive to detail.
Collared shirts and golf-appropriate attire required; standard for northern Michigan resorts.
Study the course map and note which tee shots give you the best approaches—the new green surrounds reward coming in from the smart side.
Pack your bump-and-run and low-lofted chips for the collection areas, especially since tight lies are common after the renovation.
Book early, especially on summer weekends, as the Moor’s value pricing and reputation for fun attract steady resort play.
The Moor opens at Boyne Highlands, designed by William Newcomb
Significant course renovation led by Ray Hearn begins, focusing on playability upgrades
Official reopening of the renovated Moor with widened fairways and expanded short grass
While The Heather grabs more national attention, The Moor is a members’ and frequent visitors’ go-to choice at The Highlands. Its friendlier green fees, less crowded tee sheet, and fun factor make it the insider’s pick among the resort’s four courses.
The Moor has played host to numerous AJGA and Michigan amateur championships, letting everyday resort guests tee it up where future stars have competed. Its layout has become a proving ground for talented young players each season.
Recent renovations transformed The Moor—with strategic tree removal, larger run-off areas, and freshened bunkers—making it more playable, more open, and more fun than ever. The result is a more dynamic, shot-maker’s playground without losing its classic roots.
The Moor is widely regarded as the locals’ favorite course at The Highlands despite lacking national rankings.
After its 2024 renovation, The Moor now boasts some of the largest fairways and green surrounds in the region.
Host to many AJGA championships, The Moor has challenged future stars and regional up-and-comers alike.
Frequent visitors cite the course's walkable, rolling terrain as a major plus for repeat stay-and-play trips.
Modern championship test and demanding shot values.
Classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. layout with a major win history.
Spectacular Lake Michigan views and unique designs.
Fun, well-conditioned public course nearby.
Good play variety, about an hour's drive—ideal for longer trips.
Stay at The Highlands resort for easy access to all Boyne courses; Harbor Springs is best for dining and non-golf options.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If The Moor at the Highlands is your kind of course, Frederica Golf Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Barefoot Resort – Fazio Course a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Moor at the Highlands.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. King & Bear Golf Course a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Moor at the Highlands.
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