BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (WOOD) – Grand openings often come with ceremonial ribbon cuttings, speeches, and a few memorable moments. At Harbor Shores Golf Club on Monday, Colin Montgomerie delivered something that will be difficult for anyone to top.
The Scottish golf legend returned to Benton Harbor to officially open the Wee Course, a new nine-hole par-3 layout that he designed for Harbor Shores. Before the day was over, Montgomerie added an unforgettable chapter to the celebration by recording not one, but two holes-in-one during the opening festivities.
Even more remarkable, the aces came on back-to-back shots. Montgomerie holed out on the 43-yard third hole and followed it with another ace on the 60-yard fifth. For a golfer with decades of professional experience and countless tournament rounds under his belt, accomplishing that feat at the course’s official debut made the occasion even more memorable.
A Familiar Face Returns to Harbor Shores
American golf fans have long held mixed feelings about Montgomerie. Throughout his career, he became one of Europe’s biggest stars and played a major role in five Ryder Cup victories over the United States. His competitive success against American teams made him a familiar rival. In Benton Harbor, however, the reception has been very different. Montgomerie captured the Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores in 2014 and nearly added another title at the same venue on Monday, giving local golf fans plenty of reasons to welcome him back.
While the two holes-in-one quickly became the story of the day, Montgomerie emphasized that the new course itself represents something much larger than a memorable round of golf.
Building a Course for Future Golfers
The Wee Course was designed for beginners and younger golfers. Featuring nine short holes ranging from roughly 20 to 80 yards, it offers an approachable setting where players can develop their skills without facing the challenges of a championship-length course. Depending on which tees are used, the total yardage ranges from approximately 275 to 500 yards, allowing a full round to be completed in less than an hour.
Montgomerie said creating opportunities for new golfers was the driving force behind the project.
“I’ve designed courses around the world, but to see this now in working order gives opportunity to everybody, you know? And without opportunity, we don’t know the next Tiger Woods. Where is he? Is he out there somewhere? Well, without opportunity, you don’t know. And this is what this is about,” he said.
A Grand Opening to Remember
Harbor Shores already has a history of producing memorable opening-day moments. The club’s championship course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, officially opened in 2010 with an exhibition featuring Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Johnny Miller. During that event, Nicklaus thrilled spectators by sinking a dramatic 100-foot putt.
Montgomerie couldn’t resist comparing the two moments after his incredible performance.
“A putt is something, but a hole in one? Come on now, come on now,” he joked. “I think Jack would, if we call him up, he’d have to admit that the hole-in-one beats a putt.”
Whether Nicklaus would concede that point is another matter, but Montgomerie’s pair of aces instantly gave the Wee Course an unforgettable opening day.
Golfers interested in trying the new layout can play nine holes for $30, 18 holes for $40, or purchase all-day access for $50. With its short design, beginner-friendly approach, and a grand opening highlighted by two improbable holes-in-one, the Wee Course has already started building a story that visitors to Harbor Shores are unlikely to forget.
