Harbor Shores Resort, the renowned lakeside destination featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, has been a driving force behind Benton Harbor, Michigan’s economic revival since 2010. The resort is now set to introduce its latest community amenity, The Wee Course, an exciting new addition that will offer a unique and engaging golf experience where kids can play for free and youth programming will take center stage.

Designed by Hall of Fame golfer and former KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion Colin Montgomerie, the five-acre, nine-hole pitch-and-putt course will be located adjacent to the cottages along the first hole. Each hole, measuring 60 yards or less, will be inspired by the nine most iconic holes of the existing Jack Nicklaus layout.

Harbor Shores was initially developed nearly two decades ago by Whirlpool as a catalyst for economic growth, recreation, and tourism in Benton Harbor. With The Wee Course, the resort continues to invest in the community’s future, fostering the next generation of golfers and enhancing its commitment to accessible, family-friendly recreation.

“It’s a perfect use of the land,” says Jeff Fettig, former chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, who is the visionary behind the Harbor Shores expansion and a leading contributor through the Fettig Family Foundation. “We’ve been talking over the last several years about what other amenities we could add. We percolated the idea, focusing on families, kids, non-golfers, and golfers – wondering what we could do to make this an even more successful magnet for people in our community. This project will fit that need. It will be a fun pitch-and-putt course that anybody can play.”

The Wee Course, backed in part by donations from Corewell Health, one of Michigan’s largest nonprofit healthcare systems, will be designed to engage kids, families, and newcomers to the sport.

“We at Corewell Health are thrilled to partner with Harbor Shores, the Whirlpool Foundation, and the Fettig Foundation on this innovative project,” said Soroya Pierre-VanArtsen, President of Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan. “By improving the green space in our community and making golf more accessible to everyone, we are not only enhancing the beauty of our surroundings but also creating opportunities for individuals who may not typically have access to play. This initiative embodies our commitment to fostering a healthier, more inclusive community where everyone can enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.”

The new course will also appeal to serious golfers, offering a unique setting to refine their short game. Designed as a complementary experience to the Harbor Shores championship course, it provides a fun, affordable, and quick round that can be completed in an hour. More than just a golf attraction, it will serve as a hub for bringing kids and families together, fostering social connections, and providing entertainment. With its inviting layout, it will also be an ideal venue for hosting events.

“There will also be two different tees so that you can play 18 holes, added Fettig. “It will be lit, too, so guests can play at night. And it’s just something that we think will be attractive to the entire community, and that’s really what we’re trying to do. You can bring a wedge and a putter or just a putter to play a round with.”

Enhancing the Wee Course experience, an 18-hole putting course will also be introduced, drawing inspiration from renowned attractions at St. Andrews and Pinehurst. Featuring lighting, music, and food and beverage offerings, it will create a vibrant social hub for the community.

Joshua Doxtator, General Manager of Harbor Shores Golf Club, views this latest addition as a significant step in elevating both the golf experience and the overall value of Harbor Shores as a premier destination.

“We’re very excited to create something that will be so much fun and unique while enhancing the value and overall experience for our guests, members, and the community,” he said. “The Wee Course will provide a much more accessible and less-intimidating experience for youth and beginners to learn and play the game but will also be a popular spot for golf guests to hang out and play more into the evening.”

Construction on The Wee Links and the 18-hole putting course is set to begin in early 2025, with preview play expected by fall 2025 and a grand opening planned for spring 2026. This new addition is part of a broader wave of exciting community developments, including a scenic outdoor park along the canal on Riverview Drive and the ongoing expansion of walking and biking trails.

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