(Traverse City, Michigan)—It’s a list of destinations that makes golfers everywhere salivate: the new index of "America’s 50 Greatest Golf Retreats" just published by Golf Digest INDEX magazine, a new lifestyle magazine mailed to 300,000 select Golf Digest subscribers. And it includes just one Michigan address, The Kingsley Club, located just outside Traverse City. In the debut Golf Digest INDEX issue, The Kingsley Club was ranked 37th in a group that includes Augusta National, Pine Valley, The National Golf Links, Muirfield Village and a small number of other top American courses. "These are private escapes where groups of members and guests can gather for the ultimate golf experience," the Digest story said. "The centerpiece is always a grand course worthy of national competition." The Kingsley Club has the additional appeal to its members and guests offered by its Kingsley Club River Camp located in conjunction with the club on one of the fabled trout rivers in the land. Club members can also enjoy excellent upland bird hunting and deer hunting on associated lands.
"It is an honor when you’re being mentioned in the same sentence as such legendary places," said Edward Walker, the co-founder of The Kingsley Club. "The courses and clubs on the Golf Digest list are all known for the kind of accommodations, amenities, service and golf experience Kingsley Club members and guests are accustomed to." The Kingsley Club takes pride in reflecting the "Old World" golf experience as still enjoyed in Ireland and Scotland.
Designed by Michigan architect Mike DeVries, The Kingsley Club is lauded by Golf Digest for bringing to mind Crystal Downs, the fabled Alister Mackenzie/Perry Maxwell-designed course near Frankfort, Michigan. DeVries played many rounds at Crystal Downs while growing up, and his design at The Kingsley Club invites comparison to Mackenzie’s greatest works. "Mike’s work at our club never goes unnoticed by the people who play here," says Walker. "And it’s worth noting that with each passing year The Kingsley Club garners more national acclaim, as demonstrated by the fact Golfweek rates The Kingsley Club 19th in its top 100 modern golf clubs.
Although a private club, non-member golfers are presently encouraged to contact the club and arrange to visit and sample the Kingsley Club traditional golf experience. Such visits are limited so individuals are encouraged to make contact early. Not only do visitors and members experience one of the truly great links courses in the country, the Kingsley Club staff prides itself on its commitment to old world atmosphere, service and hospitality. The club features an extensive practice area, including a practice range and separate areas for short-game and putting. In the tradition of links courses, the club encourages walking, which is supported by its caddie program. The grounds include picturesque cottages for use by club members and visiting guests.
To learn more about The Kingsley Club, or to arrange a visit, call (231) 263-3000 or visit www.kingsleyclub.com.
Contact:
Terry Moore, All About Golf
(616) 247-1931
E-mail: terry_moore@comcast.net
Jack Berry, All About Golf
(248) 535-2660
E-mail: jtb100731@aol.com
