New par-3 17th highlights focus on improving Golden Age course’s playability, aesthetics and strategy
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 an extensive renovation of Knollwood Country Club in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Construction began in August 2024 and followed ZGD’s proposed master plan for the golf course, short-game area and driving range. The 100-year-old course already possessed a strong routing that took advantage of the site’s varied terrain, with more dramatic, rolling hills encompassing its perimeter and gentler grading toward its center.
Therefore, ZGD focused on the improvement of numerous course features. They included the creation of a new par-3 17th hole near its original footprint, and shifting the tees and landing areas of the 9th and 10th holes to elevate their strategy and playability.
“The existing 17th hole didn’t fit the charming, Golden Age allure of Knollwood, so a new concept was devised to not only better fit the property’s character, but also provide additional separation from the practice range,” said Zinkand.
“Similarly, the ninth and 10th holes were realigned to take better advantage of a subtle valley along a small creek in the middle of the property, while improving player safety by increasing the distance between the holes.”
The project also involved significant bunker work. Many existing bunkers were repositioned and several were removed. Chronic issues of poor drainage, contaminated sand and underwhelming aesthetics were addressed via revamped shaping and the addition of CapillaryFlow liners.
“The bunkers we removed were generally greenside and eliminated in the name of improving playability and aesthetics,” continued Zinkand. “We also added several, particularly along fairways, to capitalize on and embellish the terrain. All bunkers now exhibit a classic, Golden Age character with meandering lips and low leading edges for ease of entry and expanded visibility.”
ZGD’s brief also included the expansion and recontouring of all 18 greens and their surrounds. The combination of higher modern green speeds and shrinking putting surface perimeters had resulted in too few pin placements and lost strategic interest.
Fairway expansions and low-mown green surrounds now increase decision-making complexity for skilled players while providing a greater variety of shot options for all.
Furthermore, ZGD addressed excess tree growth that had narrowed playing corridors. Limbs were trimmed to improve air circulation and turf health, and non-native tree species were removed to enhance sense of place.
Off the course, the new driving range’s expanded tee box and new strip of synthetic turf combine to reduce natural turf wear. And the short-game area, which had been showing its age, now offers a more versatile and realistic practice experience with its enlarged green surface and refreshed bunkering.
“Since opening earlier this month, Knollwood members have been raving about the incredible results that Dave and his team delivered,” said Tracy Wilson, General Manager/COO, Knollwood C.C. “ZGD’s deep knowledge of Golden Age architecture, exceptional construction skills and impressive attention to detail have created a private golf experience that now promises to rank among the best in Metro Detroit.”
For more information about ZGD, visit zinkandgolfdesign.com