Kingsley Club in Michigan gains national attention as a modern golf throwback
Released on = July 18, 2007, 1:57 pm
Press Release Author = GolfPublisher Syndications
Industry = Media
Press Release Summary = Links-style course in Michigan attracts nationwide membership. Course reviews at MichiganGolf.com
Press Release Body = By Brandon Tucker, Staff Writer, Golf Publisher Syndications
KINGSLEY, Mich. - Leave the black tie and ballroom gown at home. The new private Kingsley Club, south of golf-happy Traverse City, is getting back to the game\'s understated traditions - proving luxury doesn\'t always mean flashy accessories.
This is luxury in the form of pure and authentic grassroots golf.
Traverse City golf packages Upscale northern Michigan golf courses A look at designer Mike Devries Try Northern Michigan\'s underdog golf courses
The founders of the Kingsley Club wanted to create something of the same pedigree found in Ireland and Scotland\'s traditional golf clubs.
\"They wanted to create something special, something that was a throwback to the traditions of the game,\" said David Plassman, director of golf. \"They wanted a walking course, a golf club only. It\'s something that will stand the test of time. It already looks like it\'s been here 50-60 years.\"
The Kingsley Club isn\'t out to wow you with elegance. In fact, good luck even finding this place. It\'s well off the beaten path - you steer through poorly marked dirt roads just to find it. Even though it\'s just a 20-minute drive from northern Michigan\'s biggest golf hub, it feels like you\'re light years from the 21st century.
The course is minimalist and links-style all the way. The bulldozer didn\'t see much action during construction. Most of the land wasn\'t moved at all, except for some on the first hole\'s fairway. The club also planted fescue fairways to promote a fast ground game. But there are holes that play to greens either elevated or guarded in front by bunkers as well. A full range of shots is required here.
\"Our membership consists of guys from all around the country,\" Plassman said. \"The majority are really good players and enjoy the variety of shots, whether it\'s the pitch, chip, bump-and-run ... You\'ll never go bored here.\"
This is Michigan architect Mike Devries\' biggest attempt at the national golf scene. Once an intern of Tom Doak and a student of Alister Mackenzie\'s Crystal Downs just down the road in Frankfort, Devries has designed a golf course that is an understated links throwback.
Golf Digest put it in its Top 50 Golf Retreats. Golfweek named it 19th among modern U.S. golf courses.
For more details visit - http://www.michigangolf.com/departments/coursereviews/kingsley-club-golf-course-modern-throwback-5701.htm
July 18, 2007 Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.
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