29 Drew Rogers focuses on width and bolder features at Pine Lake Pine Lake Country Club in Michigan, Detroit, is set to reopen for play in 2024 following a renovation by JDR Golf Design. Formerly known as the Automobile Club of Detroit, the original nine was laid out in 1916 by Willie Park Jr before nine more holes were added in 1921. Since then, the course has been worked on by Robert von Hagge, Jerry and Bruce Matthews, and Craig Schreiner. Drew Rogers, who was hired in 2014 to develop a renovation plan, has aimed to create an “old meets new” course with “subtle hints of Willie Park Jr sprinkled into a very classic architectural presentation”. This has involved building new greens, bunkers and tees, as well as work relating to fairway turf, paths, irrigation and drainage. “The site is not blessed with interesting topography, so we had to rely more on maximising space and width and build bolder features to emphasise traditional, risk/reward playing angles,” said Rogers. “All of this is more in keeping with what might have been envisioned when the course was originally produced.” Work is being directed by the club’s superintendent Terry Poley, who is collaborating with LaBar Golf Renovations, Thielen Irrigation, and consultants Michael Kuhn of MKA Irrigation and Dr John Rogers, professor of turfgrass management in the department of plant, soil and microbial sciences at Michigan State University. “When we’re done, the course will offer a pure and enhanced golf experience,” said Rogers. “It will look and feel as though it has been there for 100 years. Members will not only be greeted with a new ‘old course’, but also with enhanced shot values and playing options that were missing previously. It should be a really enjoyable round.” Photo: JDR Golf Design Recent renderings show greens surrounded by woodland and large rock outcroppings as well as long sightlines towards Mount Revelstoke National Park and across the Columbia River. Cabot is planning to open the course for preview play in 2025. Image: Harris Kalinka
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