Setting the Standard - BOYNE Golf Has Continually Raised The Bar for Nearly 60 Years

Former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin long echoed “The standard is the standard” when referring to the franchise’s continual pursuit of excellence. It’s not just a slogan, but a philosophy that emphasizes unwavering expectations and a commitment to consistent high performance and accountability.   

BOYNE Golf, comprising 11 courses and three distinctive resorts all within 18 miles of Petoskey in Northern Michigan, embodies that creed, perpetually elevating the bar for 75 years in the golf and ski space. Boyne’s diligence and dedication have been recognized at the highest level: in April 2026, USA Today 10BEST named BOYNE Golf the #3 Golf Resort in the United States.

“It’s an honor to be recognized once again by USA Today 10BEST, alongside some of the best destination golf properties in the country,” said Josh Richter, PGA, Senior Vice President of Golf Operations for BOYNE Golf. “Following last year’s No. 1 ranking in the destination category and 2nd among resorts for The Highlands, this consistency of excellence is a testament to our BOYNE Golf teams from golf professionals, agronomy, lodging, and food and beverage who ensure that our guests have the best golf experience when visiting BOYNE Golf.”

But it’s not only a bevy of honors that continues to put BOYNE on the map, but it’s also the tangible improvements and additions that live and breathe Tomlin’s mantra – because at Boyne, golf and your resort experience have no margin for mediocrity.

Adding to their illustrious portfolio, BOYNE Golf unveiled Doon Brae, a creatively routed par3 short course at The Highlands, which opened for public play last summer. Designed by Ray Hearn, it’s carved into the skihill slopes, lit for twilight rounds, and comes complete with a Himalayanstyle, 65,000-square-foot, 27hole putting green dubbed the Back Yaird. Early reviews celebrate its imaginative bunkering and terrain variety – a bold experiment that is as fun as it is unique. Doon Brae is believed to be the first course ever built into a ski hill, which is proof that BOYNE Golf doesn’t settle; they extend the standard to make something unexpected and unforgettable.

Under the guiding ethos that the standard never stagnates, BOYNE recently remodeled six holes on their revered Donald Ross Memorial Course. This redevelopment doesn’t merely refresh – it reinvigorates play, bringing new strategic textures to one of the Highlands’ crown jewels.

“Being on the journey to update the Ross Memorial with architect Ray Hearn was an absolute thrill for our staff and myself,” began Bernie Friedrich, Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development and the 2023 PGA Golf Executive of The Year by PGA of America. “To modernize six classic Donald Ross designs while at the same time keeping their integrity, was something we took on with great passion. We are so pleased with the finished product, and we know our resort guests will be too.”

To that end, the accolades keep coming. BOYNE Golf was honored as the Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in 2025 – an affirmation from the world’s golf-travel experts. And internally, Michigan PGA awarded Josh Richter 2025 Golf Executive of the Year – a nod to the leadership that keeps BOYNE’s standard alive across all 11 courses he oversees. Josh also sits on the America’s Summer Golf Capital Board and is a prominent figure in the annual Harbor Cup event that has raised more than $1 million for local charities since its inception in 1997.

Ken Griffin, Director of Sales and Marketing, reflects on what an incredible run it has been for BOYNE Golf. “It is both humbling and an honor to be recognized by USA Today 10Best, IAGTO, and others, as one of the best golf destinations in North America. We’re incredibly fortunate to have diverse terrain, extended daylight, favorable weather, and breathtaking views that Northern Michigan offers. Combined with easy drive access from most of the Midwest and direct flights from 20 U.S. cities, it’s no surprise that golfers from across the country, and internationally, are discovering and enjoying our BOYNE Golf courses and resorts.

If all this talk leaves you itching to tee off, BOYNE’s Magnificent 10 Stay and Play Package is your green light. Designed for locals and travelers alike, it delivers ten rounds across their celebrated “Michigan’s Magnificent 11” – spanning Bay Harbor Golf Club, The Highlands (now with Doon Brae plus The Heather, Arthur Hills course, The Moor, and the Ross Memorial), Boyne Mountain (The Alpine and The Monument), and Crooked Tree.

BOYNE Golf doesn’t just set a standard – they raise it. From receiving USA Today honors, plus multiple global tourism awards, to the excitement surrounding Doon Brae and the Ross Memorial, every initiative embodies Mike Tomlin’s words: “The standard is the standard.” If you expect the best – Northern Michigan’s finest awaits. Visit their website at BoyneGolf.com or call 855.269.8034 to lock in your rounds. MGM’s recommendation is to reserve early, as prime season fills fast.

BoyneGolf.com |  877.269.8034

Written by Glen Turk