Harbor Shores Golf Club’s new general manager hopes to revitalize Benton Harbor

 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.—Harbor Shores Golf Club has a new general manager.

“Very rarely do you see anything like this. And you don’t expect it on the shore of Lake Michigan,” said Josh Doxtator, who now oversees all facets of golf and guest operations at the famed golf club in Benton Harbor.

“You know it’s a very unique property. Built to help revitalize Benton Harbor, really help grow and provide stability to the region,” Doxtator said.

Doxtator was tapped by PGA of America to come to Benton Harbor following his climb through the PGA ranks. He was selected not only to grow the game, but to help put a national spotlight on a city that has seen its share of struggles.

“All I can do from Harbor Shores perspective is to stick to what we were committed to in the first place, which was to create jobs in the city of Benton Harbor. We are committed to that for the First Tee Program. If people don’t have the means to play in Junior League or First Tee Program, we will cover the cost and we will stand by that,” Doxtator said. “We are here for one reason and one reason only and that’s to better the area and we are going to continue to do that.”

While the senior PGA championship hits the course every two years, through 2024, it’s Doxtator’s goal to help make Benton Harbor a destination region.

“It’s in everybody’s best interest if there’s a spotlight on us. So working with everyone in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph and the tourism side of things. How do we make them feel welcome and that’s a whole city thing. The more we can lead by example the better off we are going to be,” Doxtator said.

Doxtator hopes that five years down the road, he can leave his mark on the area.

“I want everyone who comes to Harbor Shores to say they would pay three times the amount to do it again. You can look at accolades and awards and things like that. We are pushing destination. We want this to be a top 100 resort and destination, so in five years, you should start to see that come about,” Doxtator said.