Boyne Golf Trip/Buddies Trip

[Chillidipper1]

I planned my first buddies trip to Boyne this summer, end of June. We are staying in two of the Ross Cottages. Any feedback would be great.

 

We plan on playing an arrival round Thursday at the Ross Memorial. On Friday we are playing The Heather in the morning. We are playing a fourball match each 9 with different teams. There will be a variety of ways to win money throughout the round (lowest score on 18, highest score, closest to the pin on 2 holes, longest drive, closest to the pin for their 2nd shot on the 18th) In the afternoon we are playing the Ross Memorial. The first 9 will be modified alternate shot and the second nine in 2 man scramble matches. That night we cooking out and then heading to the casino. On Saturday morning we are playing the Moor. The first 9 holes will be four-ball matches and the second 9 will be one 2 man scramble match and one 4 man scramble match (groups were chosen by captains). Winning 4 man scramble will win money and winning 2 man scramble team will win money. The final round will be played at The Hills. Both nines will be played as individual match play against a different opponent. Again a variety of ways to win money. The team winners will win money in the end too. I have all of the scoring and tee pairings printed so all they have to do is show up. 10 of the 12 guys are golf nuts like me so I'm not worried about overwhelming them with the formats.

 

On Friday night we plan on grilling out at the house and then head to the casino. On Saturday night we plan on grilling out and playing the par 3 course with a few cocktails. We are not playing on Sunday when we leave.

 

I have an e-mail in my drafts to remind them what to bring since it is most guys first golf trip (rain gear, bug spray, sunscreen, etc) and to remind them to send some flowers or something to their wives at home. I am doing the shopping for the food, took some input via survey monkey. One of the guys has made commemorative koozies and golf balls with the tournament logo on them and will be waiting for the guys upon their arrival.

 

What ways can I improve the experience for my group? Is there anything I am completely overlooking. I know not everyone is going to make it to the casino and I'm sure some guys will over indulge but that is why we are staying at the resort.

 

Thank you again for any feedback about the trip or courses.

[cwglum]

Don't worry about the reminder e-mails with what to bring, anyone who forgets anything can pick up needed items from pro shop or shops in Petoskey.

 

The par-3 course isn't much to speak of at the Highlands. You could skip that and not miss out on anything in my opinion.

 

Add Bay Harbor Links/Quarry and skip either the 2nd round at the Ross Memorial or The Moor course. Boyne throws in Bay Harbor at a steep discount for resort guests compared to Joe Public rates, worth the money, it's by far their best course in my opinion.

 

If you end up going out to eat, bring cash or plan on sitting at a bunch of different tables. Teddy Griffins restaurant near the Boyne Highlands resort always sticks our group with 1 large bill, absolutely refuse to split it up.

[Dave Saylor]

I've done a very similar tip. You guys will have a blast. I like the nine hole matches, keeps guys in it.

I go online and print off my own scorecards on some cardstock before we go. That way everything is set. If giving strokes you can highlight Stoke holes and put a note on the card for what games you are playing. If your friends are anything like mine they love playing the different games, but never remember what they are doing.

 

We always skipped the Par 3, played bags/butt instead.

 

I like the Ross a lot, but I would agree with cwglum, if it is in your budget play Bay Harbor, thur.

[Chillidipper1]

Thank you guys for the tips. I like the idea of printing out scorecards instead of handwriting them when we get up there. I tried to get some guys to pay the up-charge for Bay Harbor and couldn't get convince them that it was worth it. My brother and I are playing on Sunday before we head home (not ideal being the last day/travel day but I wanted to get out there). The bags will be thrown in the car for sure.

[PeteW]

One of the courses, I think it’s Ross, has golf boards. They were fun if you’ve never used them before.

[VNutz]

I did this a few years back, solid trip. Being the first golf trip for some I’d say don’t sweat the details and just make sure people have the basics and have fun. Don’t hold too tight to an itinerary and just have a good time. I’m glad you and your brother decided on bay harbor, it’s heads and shoulders above the rest, the only course I can really remember much of from my trip, just a stunning spot. If anything, convincing the rest to join you is all you have left to do.