Josh Richter of BOYNE Golf has been celebrated as the 2025 Michigan PGA Golf Executive of the Year, a prestigious accolade bestowed by the Michigan PGA Section. Recognized for his outstanding contributions and leadership in golf, Richter embodies what it means to serve the sport, whether through the management of multi-facility courses, efficient operations, or dynamic leadership. Such recognition highlights his commitment not just to BOYNE Golf, where he is Senior Vice President of Golf Operations, but also to the broader golfing community.
Richter embarked on his journey with Boyne Resorts back in 1999 as an intern while pursuing his degree in PGM Golf Management at Ferris State University. Fast forward to today, he steers the operations of BOYNE Golf’s impressive array of 14 courses across the nation. This includes courses at notable clubs such as Bay Harbor Golf Club, Crooked Tree Golf Club, and various others at The Highlands. His responsibilities also reach as far afield as the Sunday River Golf Club and Sugarloaf Golf Club in Maine, plus Big Sky Golf Course in Montana. Adding to his extensive portfolio, he oversees several major golf events annually, including the Michigan Section’s Tournament of Champions and the Adidas State Pro-Am. Richter also holds the title of president of club operations for both the Country Club of Boyne and Bay Harbor Golf Club.
Richter’s influence extends beyond BOYNE Golf, leaving a lasting impact through his mentorship initiatives. He has guided teams of aspiring golf professionals, providing internships to over 40 PGM students at BOYNE Golf, many of whom have carved successful careers as general managers and business leaders in the golf industry. His commitment to fostering talent and creating a thriving team environment gained recognition in a “Best Practices” piece he penned for PGA Magazine’s September 2018 edition.
Reacting to the honor, Richter expressed his gratitude, saying, “Earning the title of 2025 Michigan PGA Executive of the Year is truly an honor and very humbling, especially amid so many distinguished operators in the Michigan PGA Section. This award is really for the outstanding staff we have in the golf division. They are the reason for this recognition, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to them and the PGA Special Awards Committee for this honor.”
Besides his role at BOYNE Golf, Richter is deeply involved with First Tee – Northern Michigan, where he has been serving as Board President since January 2024. He is also a member of America’s Summer Golf Capital Board and an influential figure in the Harbor Cup event, which has successfully raised more than $1 million for local charities since it began in 1997. Additionally, he is on the Michigan PGA Employment Committee, contributing to the professional growth of PGA members throughout Michigan.
BOYNE Golf itself shines as a beacon of golfing excellence, with properties like the Inn at Bay Harbor and Bay Harbor Golf Club consistently acclaimed among North America’s “Premier Resorts” by GOLF Magazine. Situated along a captivating five-mile stretch of Lake Michigan, these venues feature 45 holes crafted by the acclaimed designer Arthur Hills and are accompanied by the picturesque Crooked Tree Golf Club. This destination is not just recognized for its golf courses but also for its stunning hotel, regarded as one of the most iconic in the United States.
