Boyne Falls, Michigan
The Alpine delivers a thrilling ride down Boyne Mountain’s terrain, blending big elevation swings, lake vistas, and inviting fairways. It’s a must-play for those chasing spectacular Northern Michigan golf, with enough tournament pedigree and toothy back-tee yardage to engage any skilled player.
After your round, head down to Deer Lake Beach—resort guests can enjoy paddle boarding and lakeside drinks within view of the final green.
The Alpine is a true mountain resort layout engineered for fun and challenge by Bill Newcomb. Routed dramatically from the top of Boyne Mountain down to Deer Lake, the course uses the natural rises and falls of the resort's terrain to great effect, with fairways opening up after selective tree removal and bunkering restored for both beauty and strategic shotmaking. Fairway cuts around greens encourage bold run-up approaches and creative recoveries, particularly after recent renovations. The design offers a balance of approachability and tournament grit, best seen during Michigan’s Tournament of Champions each summer.
Bill Newcomb’s vision embraced Northern Michigan’s slopes, carving a fun-yet-challenging test that rewards both power and placement.
A classic par 5 sporting bold bunkering and a subtle uphill finish, this hole tempts long hitters to reach in two but punishes weak placement off the tee with a tougher layup. Smart clubbing is critical on the second shot, especially with fairway bunkers guarding the approach.
Prioritize fairway position over distance for a clear look at the green, and resist laying up too close to bunkered landing zones.
Misses left or right bring sand and tricky lies into play, with a challenging green if approaching from the wrong angle.
Excellent bentgrass greens and recent upgrades yield consistently smooth play and fair turf throughout the season.
Pace is comfortable but plan for slower rounds during peak summer or tournament events.
Friendly, relaxed, and vibrant resort atmosphere with a sense of Northern Michigan adventure.
Standard golf attire expected; collared shirts and proper shorts or pants recommended.
Mountain weather is unpredictable—mornings can feel brisk, even in summer.
Prepare for major elevation changes; walking is possible but expect a workout between holes.
Review flyovers if possible—the best scoring chances come from precise layups and attacking the right hole locations.
Late day rounds book up quickly, especially during Tournament of Champions week.
The Alpine opens as original Bill Newcomb design
Becomes annual host of Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions
Broad renovation begins: fairway widening, tree removal, bunker and green approach work
Improvements deliver even wider fairways and more accessible greens
From your opening tee shot, the course plunges down the flanks of Boyne Mountain, offering increasingly spectacular views until you reach the shores of Deer Lake. The elevation shifts are both breathtaking and strategic, shaping how each hole plays and setting up a showstopping finish.
Since 1992, The Alpine has annually crowned winners at the Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions, demanding peak play across its most difficult holes. This tradition cements its identity as the region’s anchor championship venue, beloved by pros and amateurs alike.
Recent years have brought thoughtful tree removal, expanded short grass, and rebuilt bunkers—making the course more playable for everyday golfers while subtly raising the shot-making stakes for low-handicappers. The result: you’ll face more shot options and fun recovery through the green.
The home holes work inexorably downhill with sweeping sightlines, playing toward—or along—the shimmering expanse of Deer Lake. The visual crescendo makes the last stretch easily one of Northern Michigan’s most memorable finishes.
The Alpine’s first tee sits atop Boyne Mountain’s ski slopes, with a shuttle transporting you to the dramatic start.
Expanded green surrounds after renovation have opened up numerous run-up and recovery shot options around the greens.
The Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions here includes men and women, juniors and seniors—it's one of the state’s most inclusive major events.
You can play both The Alpine and The Monument in a single stay without ever leaving the Boyne Mountain property.
Right next door—a challenging Newcomb sibling with contrasting style.
Bill Newcomb’s other classic area layout, just a short drive north.
Stunning, high-profile public 27-holer on Lake Michigan—Northern Michigan bucket-list territory.
Peaceful, wooded holes and a favorite among locals and visitors.
Excellent value and member-favorite play if you're looking beyond resorts.
Stay directly at Boyne Mountain Resort for ease, or opt for Petoskey to split access to Bay Harbor and Boyne courses.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If The Alpine at Boyne Mountain Resort is your kind of course, Portsmouth Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: If The Alpine at Boyne Mountain Resort is your kind of course, Reynolds Lake Oconee – the Landing is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Black Lake Golf Club is a natural next stop after The Alpine at Boyne Mountain Resort: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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