Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

The Monument

Boyne Falls, Michigan

MI #50

Established

1972

Architect

Bill Newcomb

Access

Resort

Par

Par 72

Length

4,892 – 7,024 yds

Green Fees

$$$

The verdict

Resort Tribute With Regional Prestige

The Monument blends championship challenge with a unique homage to golf history. Its playable hall-of-fame concept and bold hole variety make it a can’t-miss stop for golfers exploring northern Michigan’s resort circuit.

Course DNA

Difficulty

Scenery

Conditioning

Shot Variety

Walkability

Green Complexity

Wow Factor

Design Quality

Don't miss

Check out the monument plaques on each tee—especially the opening hole’s homage to Sam Snead, which locals say captures the course’s story in a single swing.

At a glance

Quick facts

Designer

Bill Newcomb

Course Inspiration

Features homages to Ross, MacKenzie, Jones, Dye, Fazio

Each Hole Dedicated To

A legendary golfer or figure

Home Resort

Boyne Mountain Resort

Notable Tournament

Boyne Tournament of Champions (rotates with Alpine)

Course Character

Mix of open, wooded, and elevation-driven holes

Highest Rating

4.7/5 (GolfPass users)

Signature Traits

Playable 'hall of fame' feel

The design

The architecture

The Monument is a tribute course in both concept and execution—Bill Newcomb’s design draws inspiration from some of golf’s greatest architectural minds, distilling signature hole types and strategic principles into a modern championship resort routing. The course is set amid rolling northern Michigan terrain, blending open and wooded stretches, dynamic elevation changes, and a frame of thick forest. Large, varied greens and bold bunkering channel Ross and MacKenzie strategies, while holes are labeled after storied figures, giving every tee box its own personality. The result: a well-conditioned, playable 'hall of fame' where shot variety and storytelling go hand in hand.

Newcomb weaves together strategic philosophies and theatrical nods to golf’s history, resulting in a course unlike any other in the Midwest.

Defining features

Each hole dedicated to a golf legend
Varied elevation with both open and tree-lined holes
Large greens with inspiration from Ross and MacKenzie
Strategic bunkering recalling classic architects
Tribute design highlights from Dye, Jones, and Fazio
Playable for all skill levels from multiple tee sets

Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 8

Northwoods Power Alley

PAR

YARDAGE

438 yds

A demanding par 4 that plays both through and over a corridor of mature trees, this hole separates contenders from pretenders with a challenging, uphill approach to a well-guarded green.

Play it smart

Accuracy off the tee to the right landing area is vital—missing left brings thick woods and awkward lies into play, while a well-positioned drive opens the best angle to a large, complex green.

Where it bites

Errant drives find the dense forest right or left; approach shots left short are repelled, and back bunkers lurk for aggressive second shots.

Course management

Shots to think about

Long Par 3 Tee Shots

Commit to your club and line—aim for the front-center of the green and don’t chase back pins.

Short Par 4 Temptation

Don’t get greedy on holes like 6 and 16; positioning beats power—lay up for the best angle if you lack total control.

Dogleg Par 4s

Shape your drive to match the fairway—risk the corner only if you can clear trouble; otherwise, favor the safer route for a clear approach.

Approaches Into Elevated Greens

Take an extra club and err short of the back—these greens repel overly bold second shots.

Finishing Hole with Pressure

Focus on tempo and target—avoid the urge to overpower the tee shot and trust your routine.

Second Shots on Par 5s

Play for your preferred yardage even if you can reach—avoiding trouble beats gambling with a forced carry.

On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Well-manicured fairways and large greens typical of northern Michigan resort courses, with reliable maintenance and tidy presentation.

Pace

Expect a relaxed 4–4.5 hour round, especially during peak season weekends or tournament days.

Vibe

Polished but welcoming resort atmosphere, with a sense of golf history and friendly service.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

Scout the Greens

Practice your putting on Boyne’s expansive practice green; the Monument’s surfaces are large and feature multiple subtle breaks.

Warm Up for Long Irons

Hit extra fairway woods and hybrids—par 3s and approach shots can stretch to 200+ yards.

Pack Layered Clothing

Weather can change quickly in northern Michigan; be ready for sun, wind, or a sudden chill.

The lore

How it came to be

1972
Course debuts at Boyne Mountain Resort designed by Bill Newcomb
1972
Course is dedicated, reportedly with Sam Snead present

Stories & legends

What makes it special

course-identity

A Playable Hall of Fame

Every hole is dedicated to a golf legend or historic figure, making the course both a test and a narrative stroll through the game's history. From Walter Hagen to Sam Snead, it’s like teeing it up alongside the immortals.

opening-day

Sam Snead’s Dedication

When the course opened, the legendary Sam Snead was reportedly on hand to dedicate it, cementing its legacy as a living tribute to golf’s giants. That inaugural day set a tone that still resonates throughout The Monument.

tournaments

Host of Champions

The Monument shares hosting duties for the Boyne Tournament of Champions—a unique contest that draws together past state champs, current professionals, and rising talents on a stage built to honor the game’s traditions.

design

Inspired Architecture

Bill Newcomb’s routing borrows design ideas from all-time greats, with each hole offering nods to classic strategic philosophies. The result is a course that feels like a living scrapbook of legendary golf minds.

For the group chat

Fun facts

Each hole is named after and dedicated to a different legend or contributor in golf history.

The course was dedicated in person by golf great Sam Snead.

Boyne Mountain’s signature event, the Tournament of Champions, regularly uses The Monument.

Build the trip

If you're making a Boyne-area golf trip out of it

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip

The Alpine at Boyne Mountain

Resort

Classic sibling layout to The Monument, offering scenic mountain views and a fun challenge.

Bay Harbor Golf Club

Resort

One of Michigan’s top public tracks with dramatic Lake Michigan views and bold Arthur Hills design.

Crooked Tree Golf Club

Public

A well-conditioned, value-packed course with elevation and variety.

Springbrook Golf Club

Public

Laid-back, affordable golf just a few minutes from Boyne Mountain.

Ye Nyne Olde Holles

Public

A quirky area favorite that makes for a relaxed bonus round.

Boyne Mountain Resort for easy access to The Monument, The Alpine, and on-property amenities.

Course DNA

If You Like The Monument

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match7.8

Sawgrass Country Club

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Why it matches: If The Monument is your kind of course, Sawgrass Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

Strong DNA Match7.8

The Ranch Golf Club

Southwick, Massachusetts

Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Ranch Golf Club's own setting.

Strong DNA Match8.2

Coal Club

Brookwood, Alabama

Why it matches: If The Monument is your kind of course, Coal Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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