Egypt Valley Country Club Embarks on Major Golf Course Renovation

C.W. Golf Architecture leads comprehensive bunker and course enhancements across the club’s 36-hole Ridge and Valley course

ADA, Mich. — Egypt Valley Country Club (EVCC) has begun a significant renovation of its 36-hole golf facility, marking the first major update to the Ridge and Valley courses since they opened in 1990-91.

Led by golf course architect Christopher Wilczynski, principal and lead designer of C.W. Golf Architecture (CWGA), the project includes a comprehensive bunker renovation and targeted grading and shaping improvements throughout both courses. Construction began in August 2026 and is scheduled for completion by mid-November, with the club targeting a spring 2027 reopening.

The renovation includes the addition, rebuilding and removal of bunkers, with an emphasis on improving their visibility and strategic relationship to the golf holes. Many of EVCC’s existing bunkers feature relatively flat sand floors and grass faces, with surrounding landforms obscuring the sand from view. New flashed sand faces and reshaped bunker perimeters will create a stronger visual connection from tee to green.

The project will also soften some of the bolder shaping around several greens. Additional grading improvements are planned for Ridge No. 2 and Valley Nos. 14 and 16 to improve sightlines, maintenance and playability.

“Bunkers have an enormous influence on how golfers see and interpret a hole,” said Wilczynski. “By making the sand more visible, we can give players a clearer sense of the strategy in front of them and create a more engaging experience from tee to green. The work is intended to bring renewed character to the courses without losing the qualities that make Egypt Valley distinctive.”

EVCC is also undertaking a complete rebuild of its golf course irrigation system as part of the project.

“This is a project our membership has been looking forward to for a long time, and it’s exciting to see years of planning become a reality,” said Kyle Lundy, general manager of Egypt Valley Country Club. “Beyond the physical improvements, this is about ensuring that Egypt Valley continues to provide an exceptional golf experience for the next generation of members and their families.”

CWGA’s relationship with Egypt Valley dates to 2016, when the firm was retained to develop a comprehensive architectural master plan for the Ridge and Valley courses. Approved in 2017, the plan has since guided improvements including strategic tree removal and a renovation of the club’s practice driving range completed in late 2023.

Wilczynski also brings a connection to the courses’ original architect, having worked for and alongside Arthur Hills for nearly 20 years. Although he was not involved in the original design of Egypt Valley, his firsthand experience with Hills provides a deep understanding of the design principles and architectural approach that shaped the Ridge and Valley courses.

Golf course construction is being completed by Aspen Golf Construction of West Virginia. Michael Kuhn and Associates is responsible for irrigation design, with Thielen Turf Irrigation handling irrigation installation. Representing EVCC during construction is Jeff Holmes, the club’s longtime golf course superintendent, who retired from that role in late 2025 and is serving as construction manager for the renovation. Golf Course Superintendent Joel Larsen is helping execute the project while overseeing day-to-day management of the courses.

Egypt Valley traces its history to 1921, when it was founded as the Masonic Country Club. It became Green Ridge Country Club in 1931. More than half a century later, members voted to sell the original property and build a new club and golf facility on a rolling 357-acre site east of Grand Rapids. The Ridge and Valley courses officially opened in 1990-91.

About C.W. Golf Architecture

C.W. Golf Architecture, located in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, was formed in 2010 by Christopher Wilczynski, golf course architect and member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). The boutique firm specializes in a wide range of services including the master planning and renovation of existing private and public golf courses and the design and development of new golf courses and practice facilities. The mission of C.W. Golf Architecture is to passionately craft beautiful and interesting design work that enhances the golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

For more information about C.W. Golf Architecture, please visit www.cwgolfarch.com or contact Christopher Wilczynski at (734) 395-7941.