Michigan Golf Journal June 2020

Michigan Golf Journal Cover Story, Hunters Ridge repair; we have maybe two bridges to go. “What really attracted us was the layout of the course. The design of it was really nice. The course had a lot of potential, it was just a little bit overgrown (shrubs and trees) and needed a little loving care. This course was affordable to purchase, and we knew we’d have to put some money into it, so this was a good situation for us.” The next few years will include reclaiming many of the bunkers that have shrunk due to grass creeping inward around the edges. Other bunkers will turn to all grass while some new bunkers will be installed to make up for golf’s distance changes the past quarter century. “It’s great to see the new owners embracing the original design of more a prairie style,” Albanese said. “They want help bringing back some of the original design features.” Albanese added that the routing remains solid as a rock – with one exception. Plans call for moving the equipment barn behind the 7 th green and turning the par three into a drivable par four. “A lot of us architects these days are designing what we call par 3 and a half,” Albanese said. “You can’t always tell if it’s a long par 3 that you can’t reach, or a short par 4 that once in a while you can reach. I think par 3 and a half’s are some of the most exciting holes in golf.” The clubhouse received a face lift outdoors, and serious renovations are almost completed inside – including a new bar that will be finished after the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. The owners were able to secure a liquor license for which the locals said was the first one obtained in that township since Prohibition. Major enhancements in food 18 th green, taken in early spring