Saint John’s Resort officially opened its new Ray Hearn-designed 18-hole championship golf course, The Cardinal, the short par 3, Little Cardinal, the Putting Course, plus Doyles Irish Pub last month. The project is the region’s first high-end public golf development in more than 20 years and part of a $50 million resort transformation that began in 2021 under the property’s ownership group, the non-profit Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. Stan Witko, Executive Director of Golf for Saint John’s Resort told us, “This new championship golf course, combined with the short course and putting course, creates the perfect golf entertainment venue for golfers of all abilities, golf groups, and families to enjoy together. The facility serves as a foundation for building a passion for the game and offers a welcoming entry point into the world of golf. Plus, 100% of the profits from the resort, including golf, goes to charity.” The Cardinal presents an original experience with no two holes that look, or play alike. Hearn’s routing factors in elevation, wind, terrain, and scenic beauty for optimal shot values. The course also takes full advantage of the 100-year-old trees that were saved and now frame many fairways to provide a classic design aesthetic from the golden age of golf course architecture. “The land was a perfect setting for me to draw on my inspiration from previous Donald Ross, Tom Bendelow, and Willie Park Jr. projects and one of my favorite courses, The Old Course at Sunningdale by Willie Park Jr, which I St John’s Resort Officially Opens The Cardinal By Steve Pike Michigan Golf Journal
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