Golf Courses > Golf Courses in MI > Golf Courses in Benton Harbor

Golf Club At Harbor Shores

Course Details

Golf Club At Harbor Shores

Harbor

400 Klock Rd
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-3638

(269) 369-8982

Regulation

Daily Fee Facility

Real Estate Development

18

2010

Ryan Straight

Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA

$150 weekend
$125 weekday
$115 twilight

74.7

6961

71

Not Available

Not Available

Get a Handicap
CLUB NAME ACTIONS
USGA Handicap Index
Reviews
  Clubhouse / Facilities Avg. Rating:
  Quality of Course Avg. Rating:
  Value for the Money Avg. Rating:
  Overall Rating Avg. Rating:
Overall Rating 4 out of 5 based on 162 user reviews
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/05/22
for that amount of money I would expect the greens to be pretty well kept
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/24/22
Awesome course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/16/22
Good
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/16/22
Beautiful course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/16/22
Top course in the country. Amazing experience playing here despite getting my butt kicked by the course!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/04/22
Great course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/28/22
Nice
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/18/22
Great golf course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/12/22
Outstanding golf course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/10/22
Challenging course. A lot of fun
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/09/22
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/05/22
Cool
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/10/21
Great!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/26/21
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a country club or a municipal golf course, whether it’s open to the public or a private country club, every golf course has a story. Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor Michigan is no different.

Benton Harbor was once a thriving manufacturing area with such notable companies as Whirlpool having its world headquarters here. However, with the economic downturn in the mid-1980s, jobs were lost, buildings were abandoned and the soil became contaminated. The area became a dumping ground for garbage, oil sludge, and just about anything else you could think of. With the nearby town of St. Joseph thriving with tourism, something had to be done to ensure the growth of the area’s economy.

Several community groups got together including Cornerstone Alliance, and the Consortium for Community Development, and plans were put on the table for a 530-acre mixed-use development with residential homes, hotels, a lakefront park, and a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. Mr. Nicklaus visited the property and after serious deliberation, accepted the challenge.

To get the site ready to build a golf course, over 100,000 cubic feet of solid waste, contaminated soil, and trash were removed. Once that project was complete, the golf course could move forward and according to Jack, very few changes were made to the original routing plans.

Harbor Shores Golf Club plays 6,734 yards from the Black Tees with a course rating of 73.6 and a slope of 146. Unless you’re out to prove something, move up to the Gold Tees (6,159/70.2/139) and you’ll still be challenged yet able to leave with a certain amount of dignity.

A quick look at the scorecard and you will notice that the course is split into four unique areas. Holes 1 – 6 are designated the “Inland” holes because of their inland terrain. Holes 7 – 9 feature great views of Lake Michigan and are referred to as the “Dunes” holes. The “Woodland” holes (10-13) wind through rolling hills, ravines, and a hardwood forest, while the finishing holes (14-18) border the Paw Paw River and are hence known as the “River” holes. At Harbor Shores, you can experience several facets of Michigan golf all in the same round.

The 3rd hole (Sunflower) is a great risk/reward opportunity. It plays 305 yards from the Gold Tees and the Paw Paw River on the left side can be an ominous obstacle. Should you opt for a driver off the tee, the bunkers on the left side require a carry of about 215 yards. Clear them and you’ll have a short pitch shot in. Choose a longer approach shot and you’ll have to deal with the river guarding the left side and two bunkers on the right. The green has three distinct levels, so distance control is important. Low numbers can be had here.

Number 6 (Cattail) is a challenging par 4 that is Harbor Shores' #1 handicapped hole. From the Gold Tees the hole plays 389 yards and requires a semi-blind tee shot to a fairway that ends about 230 yards; hit it any further and you’re in trouble. A drive down the right side will leave a slightly shorter approach shot. A good drive will leave an approach shot of about 140 yards, over water into the green. Should you not feel up to the challenge, there’s a large bailout area to the left.

Hole #7 (Arrow Arum) is the course’s signature hole. Not only does it feature a significant uphill elevation change, but once you get up to the green the views of Jean Klock Park and Lake Michigan are incredible. Seven is a dogleg right that requires a long drive from an island tee box, over wetlands, a lake on the right, and bunkers. Your approach shot is to an elevated green – that’s an understatement – that sits 25 yards above the fairway on the top of a dune. The green is surrounded by long, wavy dune grass. Hit it over the green and you could very well find the beach – literally! Come up short on your approach shot and you can easily roll back down the hill or worse yet, find the deep bunker about halfway down. Forget your score and look around…all is good!

If you’re a Jack Nicklaus fan, Number 10 (Red Oak) may well be your favorite hole or at least green! It’s where Jack Nicklaus showed Johnny Miller how to hole a 102-foot putt during the club’s grand opening exhibition match. Number 10 is a 475-yard par 5 with woods on the right. Left is best off the tee, and helps to avoid all kinds of hazards. Continue with your layup shot down the left side to have the best angle into a notorious 4-tiered green. Being on the correct tier is everything here if you want to avoid a potential 3-putt – or worse. At over 10,000 sq. ft., this green is recognized as one of Jack’s most famous.

Number 15 (Primrose) is another risk/reward hole. This 487-yard par 5 has several options for longball hitters if you can avoid the fairway bunkers 275 yards off the tee. Mere mortals will layup short of the trap, play their layup shot left and short of the Paw Paw River that crosses in front of the green. It also gives you the best angle to approach the two-tiered green which is very wide and not real deep. A large, deep bunker sits between the river and the green.

Number 16 (Black-Eyed Susan) is another good test of golf. From the Gold Tees, it plays 380 yards and requires an accurate drive off the tee that avoids the lake on the left. Push your tee shot right or hit it too long and you’ll have trees and branches to deal with. A good drive will leave a short iron approach shot into the kidney-shaped green which is protected by water on the left and sand on the right.

Harbor Shores Resort is centrally located between three large, metropolitan cities: 90 minutes east of Chicago, 3 hours west of Detroit and 3 hours north of Indianapolis and is a popular weekend getaway destination for couples, weddings, team-building events, and just about any other reason you can think of that might involve a golf course. The restaurant is a popular waterside spot for boaters from all over the area.

The majority of guests seem to be here for the golf: after all, it’s a highly sought-after destination for golfers all over the Midwest. Harbor Shores will be hosting The Kitchenaid Senior PGA Championship in 2022 and 2024. This is the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course on Lake Michigan and the first beach, golf, and residential community in Southwest Michigan.

The Grille inside the clubhouse has one of the most diverse menus I’ve seen at a golf course. Not only do they take the staples such as wings, burgers, and fries to a new level, but they have such non-traditional plates as PEI mussels, fried chicken, baked mac & cheese, and a pimento cheese dip that is not to be missed.

The Inn offers guests king, queen, and family accommodations, which have three queen size beds in one suite with a view of either the golf course or one of Michigan’s oldest deep-water harbors. All are equipped with safes, coffeemakers, refrigerators, and balconies where you can enjoy the cool evening breezes. Planks Tavern on the Water and is the premier waterfront dining spot in St. Joseph Planks offers some great food for both big and small appetites. They open at 9 in the morning – 8 on Friday and the weekend – and also offer some unique dishes. My favorite breakfast entrée is the Banana Bread French toast with chocolate chunks, whip cream, porter caramel sauce, and white chocolate sauce. For lunch or dinner, I highly recommend the Fjord Sea Trout. It’s pan-seared and served with mushroom rice pilaf, sauteed spinach, and pearl onions, and accompanied with tarragon honey butter.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/13/21
Fun course to play. Greens are very undulating. Scenic holes on the dunes. Bring your A game
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/05/21
Great! I
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/04/21
Beautiful course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/26/21
Too difficulty
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/26/21
Greagt
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/15/21
Hi
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/06/21
Nice
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/01/21
Beautiful course but too hard for me
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/03/21
Got a good deal with spring rate crazy windy though
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/02/21
.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/28/20
N/a
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/26/20
Grest
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/30/20
Good
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/23/20
USG outing
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/13/20
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/13/20
N
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/12/20
Great course would play again
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/25/20
Staff was really nice. We had group of 16 guys playing this course for the first time This was by far the best course I have ever played. Had some beautiful holes. The greens are really fast, and extremely difficult. Number 10 has an upper shelf and a lower shelf. Each hole presents Its own unique challenge.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/22/20
Great
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/31/20
Great course!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/11/20
Challenging par 71
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/03/20
Hey got
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/17/20
Great course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/15/20
Very challenging but impeccable
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/14/19
Very very very hard and greens are unputtable
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/11/19
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/27/19
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/25/19
Great
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/24/19
Gimmicky
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/24/19
Greens suck.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/21/19
Awesome course!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/14/19
Y
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/08/19
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/28/19
One of the best courses I’ve played
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/27/19
Thanks
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/27/19
This course is Tiddies! Y’all should come play it.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/08/19
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/07/19
Awesome
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/06/19
Unbelievable course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/20/18
Very soft
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/19/18
$105 too much for any golf course without forecaddies.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/26/18
Awesome
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/21/18
Awesome
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/19/18
Green were slightly beat up...fairways, bunkers and amenities were very nice!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/18/18
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/18/18
Really enjoyed this course.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/01/18
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/31/18
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/24/18
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/23/18
Lot of geese droppings
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/11/18
Awesome course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/05/18
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/05/18
Cc
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/29/18
Great course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/08/18
Exceptionally good course. Very fast greens but playable
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/04/18
Great track
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/25/18
Course and crew are fantastic- our group of 14 had a blast
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/22/18
Course was challenging but fun.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/21/18
I
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/21/18
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/08/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/08/17
It is a nice course, but a bit too expensive for what it is. For the same challenges there are a couple of comparable courses for a lot less money in South Haven.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/29/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/28/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/27/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/24/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/12/17
Great story behind this course and one of my favorite Jack Nicklaus designs. We played in a steady 22 mph wind off Lake Michigan all day which made you think and gave it a true Irish links feel. If you are in the area it is a must play! Also hosted/hosting 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 Sr. PGA Championships.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/05/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/04/17
Great layout. Not necessarily long but the greens were very tough due to all the undulations. Fairways were generous and in excellent condition. Course winds through very scenic terrain i.e., rivers/streams, sand dunes, woods with a peek of Lake Michigan. Overall a fun course. Would love to play again.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/03/17
Great course on the lake!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/30/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/24/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/24/17
Awesome
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/20/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/11/17
Be prepared to lose some balls on this beautiful course, I rated #18 in my 148 courses. I've played this course twice, once before and after the new clubhouse was built.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/09/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/08/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/08/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/27/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/26/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/04/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/18/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/10/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/07/17
.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/30/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/23/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/15/17
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/20/16
Played in the fall for $61! Amazing course. Tight, but super memorable and challenging. Thank god the greens weren't lightning.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/11/16
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/22/16
great course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/10/16
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/04/16
u
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/16/16
*
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/15/16
Good
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/10/16
Awesome
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/10/16
Sr. PGA Championship was played here Fira reason! Spectacular layout
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/06/16
Nice
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/02/16
Awesome track
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/17/16
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/09/16
Awesome my favorite in Southwest MI. Well worth the money
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/05/16
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/05/16
very wonderful place. enjoyed it.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/05/16
Nice course, very tough
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/02/16
Beautiful course, hardest greens I've ever played
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/04/16
Review Date Member Overall Rating
11/05/15
Kkkkk
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/21/15
!!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/21/15
Great course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/18/15
A must play course in the Midwest.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/29/15
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/14/15
Tough as hell
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/09/15
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/06/15
Great!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/06/15
good
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/15/15

a
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/23/15
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/16/15
great value. kinda bland
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/28/15
Incredible!!
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/18/15
Great course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/19/14
Beautiful but very tough Nicklaus design.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/25/14
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/05/14
great course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/05/14
Great course. Very challenging.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/03/14
Awesome
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/08/14
hey
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/08/14
Ok
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/14/14
Great course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/23/14
Awesome
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/19/13
Truly stunning course
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/13/13
Practice facility is top notch. Course is extremely demanding, some green complexes border on unfair.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/11/13
Beautiful
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/03/13
Great course. Top amenities and conditions at an affordable value. No two holes have a similar feel. Toughest greens on the planet. Dare you to find any that are more challenging.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
07/22/13
Tough
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/22/13
AWSOME
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/29/13
Pricy but very nice
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/13/13
Awesome
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/09/13
If u r near sw Michigan it's a course u need to play.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
05/08/13
Unreal course and experience.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
04/30/13
.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/23/12
Pricey, but excellent quality
Review Date Member Overall Rating
10/17/12
Fall rates are great
Review Date Member Overall Rating
09/21/12
Great Nicklaus layout. Three different courses in one
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/13/12
Fantastic layout and the front is so different from the back. Links and beach on the front nine and woods on the back. Lots of water and good shot making is a must.
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/08/12
Xxx
Review Date Member Overall Rating
08/03/12
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/30/12
Absolutely thrilling course. Shot makers course and wicked greens. Worth the trip
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/30/12
Great
Review Date Member Overall Rating
06/09/12
Awesome
Recent Scores
MEMBER SCORE RT/SL PLAYED
mjchisox 89 70.9/139 07/30/22
dabrell40 92 72/143 07/30/22
mjchisox 92 70.9/139 07/29/22
bankshot858 89 70/135 07/28/22
Lizbet 109 70.9/139 07/26/22
gkalpakjian 94 70/135 07/26/22
B1GSlim 97 70.9/139 07/24/22
tmuss4 93 72.2/142 07/17/22
JMuss444 95 72.2/142 07/17/22
parkermuss 85 72.2/142 07/17/22
ahanson 100 70.9/139 07/16/22
cjtosino21 107 71/139 07/16/22
Saeger 88 70.9/139 07/16/22
mrbuzz 102 69.6/135 07/10/22
mjchisox 92 70.9/139 07/04/22
BCIII 82 70.9/139 07/03/22
genoyuan 101 70.9/139 06/28/22
gkalpakjian 91 70/135 06/23/22
mjchisox 88 70.9/139 06/18/22
Alinbarzu 120 72/128 06/18/22
TroyRudloff 97 72.2/142 06/18/22
mizilic 99 72.2/142 06/11/22
gkalpakjian 88 70/135 06/06/22
CarnGahlph 92 70.9/139 06/05/22
Razzle 100 68.8/132 06/03/22
Scorecard
There are no Scorecards at this time.
Map
Course Photos
  • Golf Club At Harbor Shores
  • Golf Club At Harbor Shores
Photo Gallery | Upload Course Photos
Weather
More Details
USGA Copyright Information
Back to the top of Golf Club At Harbor Shores