CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Zinkand Golf Design – led by golf course architect David Zinkand and his more than 25 years of experience designing, managing and shaping projects in the field – has completed construction of a short course and practice facility at Chicago’s Saddle & Cycle Club.
The course’s reversible routing maximizes the golfing potential of a very compact and urban site located just north of Lincoln Park, along Lake Shore Drive and slightly inland from Lake Michigan’s Foster Avenue Beach. Eight engaging par-3 holes can be played in two opposing directions, with a four-hole routing in play at any given time.
The design ingeniously preserves space in the unused direction for members to simultaneously practice their short games and putting.
Work entailed the demolition of the parcel’s rudimentary existing golf features, followed by the construction of four new greens and a putting course totaling 30,000 square feet. Installation of seven Capillary Flow-lined bunkers, an artificial tee line and more than 15,000 square feet of new teeing ground were other project highlights. The golf course is expected to open in Summer 2026.
“The decision to implement a reversible routing was driven by a desire to maximize variety and interest within the site’s limited footprint,” said Zinkand, who completed a multi-year golf course restoration earlier this year at the venerable Old Elm Club in nearby Highland Park, Illinois.
“Saddle & Cycle’s gently contoured terrain gave us latitude to flex our creative muscles with the routing. Additionally, the greens have been designed with ample size to support consistent play, multiple pin placements and adequate recovery time for turf health. It’s a really cool project and the type of brief we think golf will see much more of in the coming years.”
“The club’s excited to soon offer our members a quick and enjoyable loop of par-three holes, along with generous putting and pitching areas for both practice and casual recreation,” said Susannah Miller, General Manager and COO, Saddle & Cycle Club. “While we previously offered a golf amenity, Dave and team’s creativity is going to take it to a level we had not anticipated and set the standard for city clubs.”
Located a short par-4 from Lake Michigan, Saddle & Cycle was founded as a bicycle club in 1895. Now celebrating its 130th year, it has long been an oasis in the city and committed to being the finest private club in the Chicago area.
For more information about ZGD, visit zinkandgolfdesign.com