Arthur Hills at The Highlands (Boyne)

I shouldn't be surprised that, when Boyne guests are surveyed, the Hills always gets mentioned as a fan favorite. There's so much to like. The course is a rare par 73, finishing with three par 5s on the back nine.

A round feels like a back-country adventure. When you're on the famous elevated 13th tee, you can't see anything man-made thing on the horizon. No roads. No. houses. No telephone poles or cell towers. It's just you and Mother Earth.

There are a few water hazards throughout the round, but mostly, architect Arthur Hills guides golfers through the forest with a series of waste bunkers and sometimes mounding. The 17th hole sports an interesting feature, a set of tees on either side of a pond. The par-4 hole can change daily, giving members a different look at the split fairway. It's a nice touch on a unique resort course.

I've had the good fortune to play a number of Arthur Hills-designed golf courses, such as this one. I have become a fan based on the variety of his designs.

The Hills course at Boyne Highlands is a terrific track.

There are a fair number of tracks with fairly large greens, some of which have false fronts or run offs. These quick, large greens require a lot of concentration and good strokes to avoid three putts. Large waste areas are present on many holes (some blind) which reinforces the necessity of accurate drives. Water and marsh areas also make frequent appearances on this solid test of golf.

This course has got it all and will challenge all levels of golfers. There are plenty of tee stations, so pick one that makes the game the most fun for you and have at it.

I'm surprised this track doesn't get more attention. Beautiful Arthur Hills design that sits in the shadows of the likes of Bay Harbor and HawksHead. This course should be a top 10 play in the state. Very strategic layout with great elevation changes. Also the most scenic course in the resort.

The Hills is likely the most visually appealing of the Highlands. The highlight comes on the back nine with hole #13 having quite the view from the tee box. The course is in very good shape and seems, along with the Ross Memorial course, to be in slightly better condition than the other two located at Boyne Highlands (Moors, Heathers).

My only complaint would be regarding pace of play. It's not horrible, just very inconsistent. The front nine was moving right along, but the back was a log-jam due to a couple of groups of newbies who could've used some assistance from a ranger regarding pace-of-play etiquette, had one been present.

Regardless, the layout, condition and surroundings all outweigh what was likely an exception for such an esteemed resort. The service was excellent and the resort located in a beautiful area. I'd definitely return given the opportunity...

Arthur Hills is just a great course. Start easy with shortest par 4 but you must decide how much to chew off with waste area to the right. The course starts off in the valley and then goes up the "Mountain". Must stop at the top of hole 13 and get a picture with your group. The 13th has forced carry so make sure you pick your tees correct at the start or you will be dropping a ball on this hole. The finishing hole is one of the greater risk reward holes. You can take the long way and take your par or drive down to the water and take the short cut for potential eagle. But you must hit a good next shot. The 10th hole is one that is toughest par 4 if you lack precision. Shortest par 4 to elevated green. Anything to the right of the green has potential to roll off. If you miss your second shot just plan on bogey and go on to next hole. My final thought is keep in mind where the mountain is as putting is challenge with this and the undulation on the green.

Great course. Starts out with pretty easy par 4 as long as you don't take off more than you can chew of the sand trap or go right into the woods. The course conditions have improved as it has matured. Best hole is the Par 5 13th. Make sure you stop at the top and hit a drive. You might make the edge of the fairway. Great Par 5 finishing hole truly risk/reward hole. Hit it down the left side go for the green. Greens run nice and true. The only downside hole for me is the 10th with elephant hump green. Doesn't work for me not alot of landing area for short par 4 but plenty of sand to get you in trouble. Front 9 is starts easy and gets harder. Must play if your in upper Michigan. I recommend staying the resort and get stay and play packages as there are 3 more course to play at the Highlands.