The new Wee Course at Harbor Shores Resort in Southwest Michigan officially opened full-time this month, introducing a dynamic, highly accessible golf experience that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. As the latest addition to the Lake Michigan shoreline destination, the short course represents both an evolution of the resort’s golf offerings and a continued investment in growing the game within the local community.
Designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Colin Montgomerie, the five-acre, nine-hole pitch-and-putt course blends creativity, playability, and purpose. With total yardage ranging from 275 to 500 yards, the Wee Course features holes measuring 20 to 80 yards, encouraging a relaxed, engaging format that can be played in under an hour. Its design draws inspiration from some of the most iconic green complexes from the Harbor Shores championship layout.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this special project with Harbor Shores, a place and community I hold close to my heart,” said Montgomerie. “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. With nine holes that can be played in under an hour, resort guests, families, and youth will find it a fun, affordable way to spend time outdoors, away from screens, while learning the values and etiquette that make golf so special. It’s an investment in both the game and the community that will pay dividends for generations.”
The Wee Course is designed with flexibility in mind. Two sets of tee markers allow players to choose their experience—longer tees introduce more angles and shot-making challenges, while forward tees cater to beginners, juniors, and those looking for a more casual round. Players can even opt to use a putter from the forward tees on every hole, adding a creative twist that enhances the course’s fun, social atmosphere.
Beyond the course itself, the Wee Course is part of a broader, entertainment-driven golf environment. It is complemented by the Highland Greens putting course, a 15,000-square-foot attraction inspired by iconic putting venues at St. Andrews and Pinehurst. With lighting, music, and food and beverage service at Monty’s Place, the space is designed to extend play into the evening and serve as a central gathering point for guests and the community alike.
“The project reflects a deeper mission to make golf more inclusive and engaging,” said Joshua Doxtator, PGA, General Manager of Harbor Shores Golf Club. “Growing the game is at the heart of what we do. Making the game affordable and accessible for all is the real vision behind the Wee Course. 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 SW Michigan.”
Affordability and accessibility are central to that vision. Pricing is structured to encourage participation, with options for nine holes, 18 holes, or all-day play, and complimentary access for younger children playing with an adult. Youth programming is expected to play a significant role, reinforcing the course’s purpose as both a recreational amenity and a developmental platform for the next generation of golfers.
The Wee Course pricing will start at $30 for nine holes, $40 for 18 holes and $50 for all-day access, which will include the 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 Wee Course builds on Harbor Shores’ longstanding commitment to community impact. Programs supported by the resort, including First Tee Benton Harbor and other local youth initiatives, have already demonstrated the power of golf as a tool for education, mentorship, and opportunity. This new addition further strengthens that foundation, offering a welcoming entry point into the game for those who may not otherwise have access.
While the Wee Course represents a fresh and modern addition, it is rooted in the broader story and evolution of Harbor Shores. The resort itself stands as one of the most compelling examples of golf-driven community revitalization in the United States. Built on land that once faced environmental challenges, the development has been transformed through more than $900 million in strategic investment into a vibrant destination centered on recreation, tourism, and economic growth.
At the heart of that transformation is the Harbor Shores Golf Club, a championship layout designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course winds through four distinct terrains—ranging from inland landscapes to dramatic dunes along Lake Michigan, dense woodlands, and riverfront wetlands—creating one of the most visually striking and strategically diverse public golf experiences in the Midwest. It has hosted the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship six times and remains a cornerstone of the resort’s identity.
With the opening of the Wee Course this season, Harbor Shores continues to expand that vision—creating a place where the game’s traditions meet a more inclusive, community-driven future. Visit www.harborshoresresort.com.
