Harbor Shores unveils new Wee Course for youth golf development
Harbor Shores, the Lake Michigan shoreline golf destination with its Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, is opening its next golf attraction, the Wee Course. This new short pitch-and-putt course, designed by Colin Montgomerie, Hall of Fame golfer and 2014 and 2015 KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion, opened for limited preview play Labor Day weekend. Kids played for free and youth programming was be a priority.
“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.”
Montgomerie designed the five-acre, nine-hole Wee Course to emphasize fun. The yardage ranges from just 275 yards to 500 yards. It will have short yardage holes from 20 yards up to 80 yards or less with green complexes modeled after the nine most iconic holes of the current Jack Nicklaus layout. This includes the 7th hole featuring a miniature version of Nicklaus’s famous 10th green, the site of one of the most iconic putts ever made by him.
The Wee Course is featuring a combination of two sets of tee markers, giving the option to play 18 holes. The longer tees (blue) feature more angles and challenging pitch shots, and the forward tees (white) include shorter pitch shots. Golfers can also use a putter from the forward tees on every hole, making 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.
This is a new chapter for Harbor Shores and its continued commitment to the community, according to Joshua Doxtator, PGA general manager for Harbor Shores.
“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,” said Doxtator. “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.”
The Wee Course is accompanied by the new 18-hole Highlands Greens Putting Course. Modeled after similar facilities at St. Andrews and Pinehurst, the 15,000-square-foot putting course and the Wee Course feature lighting, music and food and beverage service through Monty’s Place, which includes fire pits and seating for up to 60 people.
The Wee Course pricing will start at $30 for nine holes, $40 for 18 holes and $50 for all-day access, including 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.
Jeff Fettig, former chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation and a leading contributor through the Fettig Family Foundation and the visionary behind this Harbor Shores expansion, sees this amenity having an impact on the youth in the community.
“The opening of the Wee Course is another milestone in our mission to make Harbor Shores a true catalyst for community growth,” said Fettig. “This project is about more than golf — it’s about inspiring the next generation. With support for programs like First Tee Benton Harbor and the Boys and Girls Clubs, First Robotics, as well as our three local public-school foundations, we’re creating a place where area youth can learn, grow and experience the game in a fun and accessible way. 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.”
This new amenity at Harbor Shores received support from multiple corporate sponsors, including the Whirlpool Foundation, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Plant Foundation and United Federal Credit Union, as well as a number of individual donors. The Wee Course emphasizes youth programming and builds on the success of the annual Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event. This event provides more than $3 million in funding annually to community youth. Over its 22-year history, this event has raised more than $37 million and impacts more than 10,000 local youth positively each year.
“Our ability to continue to grow the game has expanded tenfold. Through innovative programming and special events like putting leagues, junior leagues, mixed and late-night leagues, the Wee Course will have something to offer everyone,” said Doxtator.
This new golf amenity is one of many developments in the community, including an outdoor park along the canal on Riverview Drive and the continued expansion of walking and bike trails.
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