Zinkand Golf Design completed the major bunker and Greens restoration project at the 112-year-old course at the Old Elm Club in Highland Park just north of Chicago.
Thanks to the respected unique Illinois design pedigree routed by Harry Colt in 1913 and later built by Donald Ross, this engagement is unique to ZGD and its leading designer David Zinkand. It represents an opportunity. 2024-25 US Top 100 Courses represent the only project Colt and Ross crossed the road.
Colt’s original routing and Ross’ inspiration, the greens remained very unharmed, but by the early 21st century, Colt’s original bunker layout was lost due to consecutive course renovations. Golf course architect Drew Rogers began his first restoration effort, regaining width with tree clearing and fairway expansion, placing a green boundary. Later, inspired by Colt’s elaborate sketches and notes, ZGD brought the original bunker back to life as a designer of the club’s records and old Elm principal Curtis James.
“They’re working as a design associate for Bill Quaare and Ben Crenshaw,” said Zinkand, who has been working as a design associate for over a decade. “Currently, the course has bold bunker forms with dramatic ‘torn’ edges that complement the site’s beautifully lying terrain. ”
The bunker restoration work occurred in parallel with re-sculptures of the golf course, including the famous loss-spatting surface. ZGD touches six greens, including the famous Redan in Hall 17, and incorporates subtle contour changes, with the old Elm continuing to provide Ross’ unning intentions. Bunker and Green’s work, combined with the expansion and expansion of fairway re-grass grass, received passionate reviews from members and guests in line with Colt’s vision for course presentations that support businesses and quick play conditions. Masu.
“It’s an incredible honour to tackle Old Elm’s unparalleled Cortoross hybrid and play a role in introducing the two Titan’s design ambitions into the future,” Zinkand said. “We are proud to have won the trust of former general manager Kevin Marion and the rest of the general managers of the Old Elm team, as our focus is on providing a unique playing experience.”
