Prepares to debut new nine-hole Clover Course in Spring 2025
TALAHASSEE, Florida — Members and residents of the renowned Killearn Club in Tallahassee are enjoying the reimagined 18-hole Camellia course, which opened in late fall 2024, with the new 9-hole Clover course set to debut this spring.
The club has also introduced new and upgraded practice areas including a Trackman Range, a 2-acre short game complex, a 23,000 square foot putting green, and a Turn Shack for self-service food and beverages.
Tallahassee native and entrepreneur David Cummings acquired Killearn for over $2.6 million in 2022 with the aim of revitalizing the city’s iconic golf and social destination. After the purchase, Cummings immediately enlisted architect Chris Wilczynski, owner of C.W. Golf Architecture, to create the golf course master plans and oversee the extensive improvements which were completed in early fall 2024.
“We’re excited for members, residents, and their families to experience the enhanced golf courses at Killearn which were thoughtfully redesigned, blending modern improvements with the club’s rich history and Celtic heritage,” Cummings stated. “We knew Chris was the perfect fit to enhance the golf experience and bring a fresh perspective to the project while staying true to the club’s character. His expertise in golf course design and his collaborative approach with the broader team were key in guiding us through this 2-year transformation.”
Enhancements to both courses were a key element of the wider revitalization effort inspired by Cummings that will include a brand-new clubhouse, restaurant, pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and other upscale amenities.
Established in 1967, The Killearn Club, originally known as The Killearn Country Club & Inn, served as the centerpiece of Killearn Estates, a suburban development in Tallahassee. The club has a rich history of hosting several PGA and LPGA golf tournaments such as the Tallahassee Open (1969-1989), a PGA Tour event.
“We began from the ground up to unlock the full potential of these historic grounds and create two unique courses that will bring members and residents together and give them completely different golfing experiences,” Wilczynski said. “Extensive improvements were made to both course layouts to enhance the beauty, interest and golfing challenge for all skill levels and make it a fun experience for members and families that will encourage more time spent at the club.”
When asked about some of the standout characteristics of the courses, Wilczynski shared, “We wanted to think out of the box in our design approach for both courses. For example, one of my favorite holes on the Camellia course is #1 – it’s called ‘Lucky Horseshoe.’ It’s a strong par 4 that requires a tee shot up the right side of the fairway, near a large horseshoe-shaped bunker shared with hole #9 which makes it unique.
“The approach to the green is open from the right, with bunkers along the left. The green has a flatter, lower right side and a slightly higher, more undulating left side, adding complexity to the hole.”
He went on to describe the 9-hole Clover as “A fun course featuring short par 3 and 4 holes that will definitely challenge the player’s shot-making skills.”
MacCurrach Golf Construction was responsible for the construction of the golf facilities while Aqua Turf International handled the irrigation.
“This project is personally meaningful to me, as it provided the chance to work with an incredible team, all working together to contribute something significant to the club and this great community,” Wilczynski said.
Killearn has also streamlined its golf membership plan, offering a 3-tiered structure that allows members to select the level that best fits their lifestyle and preferences.
For more information about the Killearn Club, visit www.killearnclub.com
