Full Breakdown
Harbor Shores Unveils New Nine-Hole Wee Course in Benton Harbor
7/7/2026, 3:11:31 PM
Opening Ceremony and First Play
Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor held a ribbon-cutting on Monday to launch its new five-acre, nine-hole Wee Course. Designer Colin Montgomerie played his first round, making hole-in-ones on the third and fifth holes and raising the ace total from 51 to 53.
Background and Development
Retired Whirlpool CEO Jeff Fettig, inspired by European beginner courses, proposed a local version and recruited Montgomerie to design it. Montgomerie first won at Harbor Shores 12 years ago on the Jack Nicklaus-designed main course.
Key Figures and Groups
Key participants are Montgomerie (designer and former Senior PGA champion), Jeff Fettig (project initiator), Chris Cook (Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Managing Director), Pam Klyn (Whirlpool Foundation President), Harbor Shores management, and local youth programs including the PGA Junior League and First Tee Benton Harbor.
Course Details and Statistics
The nine-hole, five-acre course follows the main Harbor Shores specifications, scaled for pitch-and-putt, and can be played in under an hour. At opening, 51 aces were recorded; Montgomerie’s two hole-in-ones raised the total to 53.
Official Statements and Responses
Montgomerie said the Wee Course gives beginners a chance to learn golf while reflecting the main course’s quality. Cook noted families and multigenerational players enjoying the venue. Klyn stressed the course is open day and night for community use. Harbor Shores officials called the addition a fun, imaginative expansion of the resort’s golf offerings.
Criticism and Opposition
No critical or opposing viewpoints were reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Who knows where the next Tiger Woods is from? Or Rory McIlroy, or Scottie Scheffler? But without opportunity, those people aren’t found,” — Colin Montgomerie, PGA Champion and Wee Course Designer
- “What’s really fun, though, is when we see parents and children and grandparents and children and golfers of all ages out here enjoying it,” — Chris Cook, Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Managing Director
- “It’s open during the day, it’s open in the evening. Come relax by the fire pits, let your kids putt, go out and play on the short course. It’s a ton of fun for everyone.” — Pam Klyn, Whirlpool Foundation President
- “We walked the first couple of holes and decided to hit a few shots. I grabbed one of Mr. Fettig’s clubs –a chipper — and figured I’d give it a try from about 60 yards. Somehow it found the hole. Then, incredibly, I did it again on the very next hole we played. Two hole-in-ones in the same day. It’s just unbelievable. When I arrived, there had been 51 aces recorded on this course. Now there are 53.” — Colin Montgomerie
What's Next
The Wee Course remains open day and night, with fire pits and relaxed amenities. Harbor Shores plans ongoing junior league and First Tee events to introduce new players to golf and support community recreation.
