Golf Course Architecture - Issue 62: October 2020

33 TEE BOX Gil Hanse is progressing with a renovation of the South course at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan, ahead of a planned reopening in July 2021. The club’s goal is to get the course closer to its original Donald Ross design, which opened in 1918. Hanse says that the club’s motivations also include making the course tougher for the best players in the world in the hopes of hosting a major tournament, while making it more playable for the members. “What we proposed to the membership was a master plan – about how this golf course could be improved,” said Hanse. “Both from an infrastructure standpoint and also looking at the evolution of the game, especially in the last 15-20 years and how technology has altered the way the highest level of golfers are playing the golf course.” Cabot Cape Breton in Inverness, Canada, has opened The Nest for preview play. The 10-hole par-three course has been designed by newly formed architecture firm Whitman, Axland & Cutten. “The Nest sits on a lofty perch – the highest point of the Cliffs property – and was an interesting combination of open meadow and light coastal forest,” said Rod Whitman. “Several deep washes define the site and our routing. In addition, the elevation affords incredible vistas of Cabot Cliffs, the ocean backdrop, and those spectacular sunsets that this area is known for.” The new course plays just over 1,300 yards with holes ranging from 95 to 232 yards, and features a double green for the fourth and ninth holes. Keith Cutten said: “The Nest features all of the hallmarks of links golf found at Cabot’s full-length courses with firm, fast conditions that invite creativity, accompanied by extraordinary ocean views.” South course at Oakland Hills to reopen next year Cabot Cape Breton previews The Nest Photo: Mike Mulholland/MLive.com Photo: Steve Rankin