BENTON HARBOR, MI — Harbors Shores Resort, home to one of three Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses in the state, is about to open a new attraction on Lake Michigan.
A new “Wee Course,” which is a short pitch-and-putt course where youth programming will be prioritized, will open Labor Day Weekend. An 18-hole putting course is also opening up on the property.
The five-acre Wee Course was designed by Hall of Famer Colin Montgomerie, who won both the 2014 and 2015 KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion at Harbor Shores.
The nine holes measure 20 to 80 yards and feature greens designed after the most iconic nine holes of the Nicklaus course already on site.
Among them is the 7th hole, which features a miniature version of Nicklaus’s famous 10th green, the site of one of the wildest putts ever made by him.
Designed with tomorrow’s players in mind, kids can play free. Serious golfers can also use the course to practice their short game.
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“I’m thrilled to be part of this special project with Harbor Shores, a place and community I hold close to my heart,” Montgomerie said. “The Wee Course is more than just a golf amenity — it’s a gathering place for every generation.
“Having seen how short courses bring people together around the world, especially in Scotland, I know this course will create the same sense of community here.”
The course can be played in well under an hour, he said, allowing resort guests, families and youth an affordable (or free) way to spend time outdoors.
The Wee Course will also present an opportunity to teach youth the values and etiquette that make golf special, Montgomerie said.
“It’s an investment in both the game and the community that will pay dividends for generations,” he said.
About the course
The course’s total yardage ranges from just 275 yards to 500 yards, depending where one tees off.
The longer tees (blue) feature more angles and challenging pitch shots, while the forward tees (white) have shorter pitch shots, perfect for kids and beginners.
Golfers can also use a putter from the forward tees on every hole, creating some exciting shots over slopes and hills on their way to the flag. Playing a combination of both sets of tees can also offer a fun golfing option.
Joshua Doxtator, PGA GM for Harbor Shores, called the course an exciting new chapter for the resort and part of its continued commitment to the community.
“Growing the game is at the heart of what we do and making the game affordable and accessible for all is the real vision behind the Wee Course,” Doxtator said. “The excitement and anticipation in the community has been electric.
“From novice to skilled players, the Wee Course provides entertainment value never seen before in (Southwest) Michigan. Colin has been exceptional to work with, and his understanding of community impact has been designed into the entire project.”
New 18-hole putting course
Complementing the Wee Course will be another new addition — an 18-hole putting course inspired by similar attractions at St. Andrews and Pinehurst.
The putting course will be replete with lighting, fire pits, music, food and beverages to make it a great gathering space for the community, the course announced.
Wee Course pricing will start at $30 for nine holes, $40 for 18 holes and $50 for all-day access, which will include the new 18-hole putting course.
Kids under 12 with an adult will be complimentary, and juniors ages 13-17 are $20 with an adult. Season passes will also be available.
“The opening of the Wee Course is another milestone in our mission to make Harbor Shores a true catalyst for community growth,” said Jeff Fettig, former chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, who was the visionary behind the expansion.
“This project is about more than golf — it’s about inspiring the next generation,“ he said. ”The design, with multiple tee options and lighting for evening play, ensures this course will be a gathering place for families, friends, resort guests and the entire community. We couldn’t be more excited about the impact it will have, both today and in seeding the future.”
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