BENTON HARBOR – Last month World Golf Hall of Fame member Colin Montgomerie took part in the official opening of the Wee Course, an innovative nine-hole short course addition to the golf facilities at Harbor Shores Resort.
He did it in dramatic fashion, too.
Montgomerie, who designed the new short course for Harbor Shores and won a KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship on the Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course at Harbor Shores in 2014, took two swings and made back-to-back holes-in-one to celebrate the opening.
He spent July 6 at Harbor Shores, playing the course, walking it with guests and media, talking about the design, and playing alongside local youngsters from the area’s PGA Junior League and First Tee Benton Harbor programs, a press release regarding the event reported.
“I am blown away by everything to do with this and the details and vision involved with Jeff Fettig and his group to put this together and to ask me to help in the design, I am very honored and humbled,” Montgomerie said in the release.
“I have designed courses around the world, and to see this now in working order, the quality of everything is the big Harbor Shores course quality. It also gives opportunity to everybody, and without opportunity we don’t know the next Tiger Woods, where are they? Are they out there somewhere? Without opportunity, you don’t know. That is what the Wee Course is all about.”
Montgomerie aced the third (43 yards) and the fifth (60 yards) holes.
“It was rather strange,” he said. “We walked the first couple of holes, and I decided to hit a few shots. I grabbed one of Mr. Fettig’s clubs – a chipper – and figured I’d give it a try from about 60 yards. Somehow it found the hole. Then, incredibly, I did it again on the very next hole we played. Two hole-in-ones on the same day. I’s just unbelievable. When I arrived, 51 aces had been recorded on this course. Now there are 53.”
Harbor Shores reports The Wee Course is open to the public and is the latest addition to Harbor Shores Resort’s growing collection of golf experiences. The five-acre, nine-hole pitch-and-putt course encourages fun and imagination for players of all levels while remaining approachable for beginners, all in a relaxed environment that can be completed in under an hour.
It has nine holes ranging from 20 to 80 yards and a total yardage between 275 and 500 yards depending on tee selection. It also blends creativity, playability, and design inspiration from some of the most memorable green complexes found on Harbor Shores’ acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course.
The resort said the course was designed to be a gathering place where families, youth, friends, resort guests, and community members can connect through shared experiences in an environment that reflects the welcoming culture found in many golf communities across Scotland.
Jeff Fettig, former chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, a leading contributor through the Fettig Family Foundation, and the visionary behind the course, said the project is already delivering on its original mission.
“The Harbor Shores vision has always been to create a positive place for all in our community to enjoy,” he said in the release. “The Wee Course is the next part of realizing that vision.”
Adjacent to the short course is Highland Greens, a 15,000-square-foot putting course inspired by legendary putting venues at St. Andrews and Pinehurst. With lighting, music, gathering spaces, and food-and-beverage service from Monty’s Place, the area has quickly become a popular destination for both golfers and non-golfers, extending activity well into the evening.
General Manager Joshua Doxtator said the response since the facility’s soft opening has exceeded expectations.
“Since the project was fully completed this spring, the Wee Course continues to gain momentum in the community,” says Doxtator. “The demand has been significant with leagues, Ladies Nights, private events, and most importantly, grandparents, parents, and kids enjoying time together.”
Affordability has also been a key consideration from the outset. Pricing begins at $30 for nine holes, $40 for 18 holes, and $50 for all-day access, including use of the putting course. Children under 12 plays free with a paying adult, while juniors ages 13-17 receive discounted rates. Season pass options are also available. Learn more at harborshoresresort.com.
Photo Courtesy of Brian Walters
