Harbor Shores is poised to open its next golf attraction, the Wee Course. This new short pitch-and-putt course, designed by Hall of Fame golfer and 2014 and 2015 KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion, Colin Montgomerie, will open for limited preview play Labor Day weekend. Kids will play for free, and youth programming will be a priority for the new development.
Jeff Fettig, former chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation and a leading contributor through the Fettig Family Foundation, is the visionary behind this Harbor Shores expansion. Fettig sees the Wee Course having a major 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 family-focused 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 several individual donors.
Fettig said he’s especially proud of how the project was paid for:
“All private donations! You know, we have a great community very supportive of doing things to develop the community– companies, individuals, foundations. We’ve been able to raise 100% of the money locally… We believe in this community, and we believe in golf as a vehicle to help kids and families,”
The Wee Course emphasizes youth programming and builds on the success of the annual Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event, which provides $3M+ in funding annually to community youth. Over its 22-year history, the Whirlpool Charity event has raised over $37 million and positively impacts more than 10,000 local youth each year.
Course designer Colin Montgomerie delighted in his role in the development:
“I’m thrilled to be part of this special project with Harbor Shores, a place and community I hold close to my heart. 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 with fun in mind. The total yardage ranges from just 275 yards to 500 yards. It will consist of 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 Harbor Shores layout. This includes the 7th hole that features a miniature version of Nicklaus’s famous 10th green, the site of one of the wildest putts ever made by him.
The Wee Course features a combination of two sets of tee markers, allowing the option to play 18 holes. The longer tees (blue) feature more angles and challenging pitch shots– or choose the forward tees (white) for shorter pitch shots, perfect for kids and beginners. Golfers can also use a putter from the forward tees on every hole, creating 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 an exciting 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 SW 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 also complemented by the new 18-hole Highlands Greens Putting Course. Inspired by similar attractions at St. Andrews and Pinehurst, this fun 15,000 square foot putting attraction will have lighting, music, and food and beverage with Monty’s Place, where fire pits, and casual seating for up to 60 make it a great community gathering space.
The grand opening of the Wee Course at Harbor Shores shines a spotlight on the next generation of golfers and the wide range of people who will enjoy this unique new golf experience. Kicking off the Monday afternoon celebration, area youth from the local First Tee of Benton Harbor and the PGA Junior League programs took center stage, playing in a series of fun, spirited team events. Their energy and excitement set the tone for the day, highlighting how the Wee Course was designed to introduce young players and golfers of all abilities to the game in a welcoming and accessible way.
Following the juniors, five additional teams showcased the many different groups who make the Wee Course their own—from families and couples to women’s and men’s groups, as well as PGA professionals representing Harbor Shores Resort and Point O’ Woods. Together, they illustrated how the course offers something for everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or background.
The Wee Course pricing will start at $30 for nine holes, $40 for 18 holes and $50 for all-day access, which will include 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.
The Wee Course will be open starting Thursday for limited play Labor Day weekend, from 12:00 – 8:00 PM. Limited play will then resume later in September when Monty’s Place is complete.
Doxtator said he has seen firsthand the incredible support from the community and is excited to share the Wee Course with both golf enthusiasts and non-players. “Our ability to continue to grow the game has expanded tenfold.”
Jeff Fettig looked out over the shimmering new greens of the Wee Course layout and summed it up:
“The Wee Course is for non-golfers, for kids, for families, for groups of friends, or even for excellent golfers who just want to come out and practice pitches and putts. So it really is something for everyone. You can play golf for half an hour or you can play all day on the Wee Course.”
