People: Steve Kircher
WONDERFUL WORLD OF BOYNE
Few resorts can compare to Boyne USA Resorts, a golf and ski complex that stretches from Big Sky, MT, Utah, and Northern Michigan, to Naples, FL. The largest family-owned ski operation in the country--and one of the largest golf operations with 11 golf courses--was founded 50 years ago by visionary Ev Kircher, 81, who pioneered snow-making techniques and invented the triple and quad chair lifts. Today his empire is being improved upon by son Steve Kircher, '86, general manager of Boyne's Michigan operations the past six years.
A former MSU varsity golfer, Kircher, about a one-handicapper, co-designed three of Michigan's top golf courses--the Donald Ross Memorial, The Monument, and the new Bay Harbor Golf Club, a magnificent 27-hole property he built with fellow Spartan (and ATO member) Arthur Hills (see cover story, Summer 1993). 'Bay Harbor is our five-star resort property,' says Steve. 'Our goal is to make the Top 50. If we make Top 20, that would be huge.' as a director of the Don Ross Society, Steve also takes special pride in the unique Ross Memorial, a compilation of great Ross holes. 'We opened in 1990, and are constantly tweaking it,' he notes. 'In my mind, it's possibly the best pure golf course here. You can't match Bay Harbor's views, but the integrity of the golf holes stands on its own. Every hole comes from a Top 100 golf course.'
Steve has also recently expanded the ski terrain for Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands in Northwest lower Michigan. With the Inn at Bay Harbor nearing completion, Boyne will boast three price-point resort properties close to one another.
Worldwide exposure is expected to follow. In August, 'Shell's Wonderful World of Golf' will televise a match between Phil Mickelson and Nick Price in Bay Harbor. Even if you don't attend, you can play the course virtually with the release of a new Microsoft Golf '98 video game.
