Text: Brenna Buckwald

In Benton Harbor, Michigan, Harbor Shores Resort invites golfers to experience its Jack Nicklaus Signature Course on Lake Michigan and stay in their waterfront lodging in nearby St. Joseph at The Inn at Harbor Shores or The Champions Villa.

Guests looking to spend multiple days playing at Harbor Shores Resort can book lodging at The Inn at Harbor Shores, which offers a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and multiple onsite dining options—Plank’s Tavern on the Water; Plank’s Dockside Bar; Torch & Tapas, which features fireside dining on the waterfront; and Rise & Vine, a coffee shop and wine tasting bar. 

In the past year, Harbor Shores Resort has also added an additional option for staying at their resort: The Champions Villa, which is the first of its kind on the property. The Champions Villa, located adjacent the first tee and clubhouse, is roughly 2,000 square-feet and can accommodate larger parties with its four bedrooms—and separate bathrooms—full kitchen, and outdoor patio. The villa can house up to eight guests, and each golfer staying at the villa receives a special gift from Harbor Shores. 

For golfers interested in an all-inclusive stay in the Champions Villa, the Champions Package features two nights in the villa, unlimited golf, and unlimited food and beverage for up to four guests, for the duration of their stay. 

The resort also offers a daily golf package: Score at the Shore includes unlimited golf, as well as unlimited food and beverages at the dining options on the golf course, such as Jack’s Place and The Grille.

“The client we cater to is one who wants to come in for a few days and really have an enjoyable experience and so far, this year, we’ve seen that our reservations before the season even starts is probably up twofold since last year,” said Joshua Doxtator, PGA, general manager at Harbor Shores Resort. 

“We’re in a really good position in that respect. We are also seeing our reach get out there a little bit further; we’re seeing a lot more people come out of neighboring states such as Ohio, and Indiana, and Wisconsin, and Illinois,” Doxtator added. 

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Harbor Shores opened for the summer on April 15, 2021. Bringing golfers through four diverse terrains from the starting hole to the 18th hole, people playing the course experience golfing on inland terrain, dunes terrain, woodlands with rolling hills, and river terrain. The course also displays various views of bodies of water—approximately halfway through the course golfers play alongside Lake Michigan and finish the course next to the Paw Paw River and Ox Creek. 

“I think that our attention to detail and dedication to service is far better than most, and I would put us up against anybody in that respect. Our goal every day is to make sure that every guest who steps foot on the property feels like they’re the only one on property,” Doxtator said.

“Golf in Michigan is definitely thriving; rounds are up across the board in all states. Being here in Michigan, we have had a great spring so far, and I hope that weather continues. If it does, I think we will have a record year,” Doxtator added.

Photos By Gary Kellner