Nearly 30 years ago, Harbor Point PGA golf professional Shaun Bezilla was new to the area and wanted to do something for the community. He reached out to BOYNE Golf's Bernie Friedrich, and Harbor Cup was born. 

Inspired by the Ryder Cup, the annual tournament pits BOYNE Golf professionals against other area golf professionals in a two-day competition. Team Boyne and Team Harbor compete for bragging rights on the course, but their shared commitment to raising charitable funds for the community is what makes this event special.  

In 2007, the Harbor Cup Charitable Fund was established at the Community Foundation to facilitate the group’s charitable giving and grantmaking, thanks to the generosity of donor Webb Martin. As of fall 2026, Harbor Cup has raised more than $1.35 million for our community.  

Over the years, Harbor Cup has helped Manna Food Project provide food assistance to neighbors in need, supported youth development through First Tee – Northern Michigan, and invested in local school golf programs. Other grants have supported local health care, the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, and organizations serving vulnerable community members. The teams have also directed support toward some of our region's larger challenges and opportunities, such as the Lofts at Lumber Square workforce housing project and support for the Child Care Initiative at North Central Michigan College.  

Harbor Cup demonstrates how the Community Foundation partners with local people who have an idea for making a difference. Through the Harbor Cup charitable funds, the teams have a way to organize their collective giving and support the causes they care about. 

Images: Team Harbor 2025 grants to Manna Food Project, Nehemiah Project, and North Central Michigan College's Child Care Initiative; First-Tee Northern Michigan; Harbor Point PGA Golf Pro Shaun Bezilla shares some golf tips with the Community Foundation Team