Consistent with a dedication to produce fun, playable golf course designs that also can help grow the game, Zinkand Golf Design recently completed work on a short course and practice facility at the Saddle and Cycle Club in Chicago.
With more than 25 years experience as a golf course architect, Dave Zinkand, the company's founder and principal, designed a course with a reversible routing to maximize golfer options and interest. Bisected by Lakeshore Drive, the urban layout is near Lincoln Park and adjacent to Foster Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan.
The reversible layout consists of eight par-three holes that can be played in opposing directions with a four-hole routing in play at any given time.
The design maximizes use of limited space, with unused greenspace set aside for members to practice their short game and putting.
Work entailed the demolition of the parcel's existing golf features, followed by the construction of four new greens and a 30,000-square-foot putting course. Installation of seven CapillaryFlow-lined bunkers, an artificial tee line and more than 15,000 square feet of new teeing ground were other highlights of the project. The course is expected to open next summer.
"The decision to implement a reversible routing was driven by a desire to maximize variety and interest within the site’s limited footprint," Zinkand said. "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."
It is the second project Zinkand has completed this year in the Chicago area. Earlier this year he finished work on a multi-year restoration at the Old Elm Club in Highland Park.
The club was founded in 1895 as a bicycle club. 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.
"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," said Saddle & Cycle Club GM and COO Susannah Miller.
Zinkand's design experience includes studying his craft in Great Britain and Ireland and 14 years working for Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Some of his recent clients include Old Elm Club, Monterey Peninsula C.C. in Pebble Beach, California, Sharon (Ohio) Golf Club (OH) and Chechessee Creek Club in South Carolina.