THE NORTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE championship contested at Rich Harvest Farms goes to the Marquette University Golden Eagles. The host school, the Huskies of Northern Illinois University finished in 6th place. Callaway Golf has made 2017 an Epic year for golf with the launch of the Epic Driver. Learn more and visit Callawaygolf.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Editor and Director Content Rory Spears, is an extension of Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Follow Rory to Bay Harbor Golf Club part of Boyne Golf in Northern Michigan. Rory’s shirt is designed by Antigua apparel, a leader in the golf wear industry.

It’s not uncommon to hear the term Pure Michigan Golf, especially when one looks at golf in the great lakes area.

While there are plenty of places to play in Michigan, the Boyne Resort chain that is comprised of three properties, is also home to ten golf courses.

All of the the three properties are within 1 hour of each other. They include Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Highlands Resort, and the Bay Harbor and Inn at Bay Harbor.

Bay Harbor the Arthur Hills designed course that partially sits right on the water, is considered by many to be the flagship Boyne golf property.

The Par 3, 4th hole on the Bay Harbor Links course.

Bay Harbor golf course is made up of 27 holes, the Preserve, the Links and the Quarry. While most golfers consider the Links-Quarry rotation the premier routing, the Preserve 9 is one that golfers will enjoy.

The Preserve nine is cut through the trees, and has some good elevation change on it. The final hole is par 3, that has the bay running down the left side of it. Get the camera’s out here.

The Links nine starts out with a dogleg right par 4, then moves inland before coming back out along the water. The course moves in and out before finishing inland on hole nine. The Quarry nine works through the woods, until it opens up in the third fairway with views of the quarry holes and the water. The 27 holes of Bay Harbor create great routing no mater which 18 you play, or make a case for a 27 hole day, all the better.

The Par 4 16th hole at Crooked Tree Golf Club.

Across the street from Bay Harbor is Crooked Tree golf club, that had some renovation work done a couple of years ago.

The course now is in great shape and poses a great variety of challenges for golfers to overcome. The course will test your game while remaining fun for players of all skill levels.

Crooked Tree is home to a full range and practice area, along with villas along holes 9 and 18 for those looking to spend a few nights. The grill has a great menu for before, during, or after your round.

The opening hole at Boyne Mountain’s Monument Course, a dogleg right Par 5, commands a solid approach shot.

At Boyne Mountain there are two courses and 36 holes to play. The Monument course and the Alpine course.

The Monument is a monument to some of the games greatest players. There are plaques on each hole by the tee boxes. Peggy-Kirk Bell, Bobby Jones and Sam Snead to name a few.

The first hole is one of the best on the golf course, a great downhill off the tee, that doglegs right, and drops down again near the green protected by a large sand valley type bunker in front. The railroad ties give the hole a Pete Dye style look, even though Dye did not design the golf course.

The Alpine course has it’s share of rolling terrain through a valley, where navigating some strategically placed trees is the key. From the second green to the third tee box is a small covered bridge to use, if your walking.

The Par 5, 13th hole at the Arthur Hills Course at Boyne Highlands Resort.

Boyne’s third property is the Highlands, which is the furthest north of the three properties. It is home to four courses, including the Heather, the Hills course, and the Donald Ross course that’s a nice tribute to the famed architect. The 18 holes on the Ross course are inspired by some of the great Ross holes from some of his well known courses.

For more information on Boyne Golf, please visit Boynegolf.com. There are plenty of great golf options at all of the properties, places to stay and food and beverage are of great quality and quantity. Golf season is not quite over in northern Michigan, but if you want to go this year, make your plans now. There is barely 30 days left before the courses close.