HOLLAND, Michigan- ASGCA Member, Raymond Hearn, President of Raymond Hearn Golf Course Designs, Inc., will be overseeing the remodeling work at the Midlothian Country Club on the restoration and renovation of the historic golf course. The project entails significant bunker restoration and renovation, some new tee development, fairway adjustments, and new green runoff areas.
Hearn started master planning work with the club in 2015 and finished construction drawings in 2021. Construction is set to begin in early September of 2021.
“What and exciting project! The history of this club is incredible. Hebert Tweedie did an outstanding job with the course routing in 1898. Many of the original holes are still intact. The research took a long time to complete as it should on a course this old. Legends such as Walter Hagen, Chick Evans, Francis Ouimet, John McDermott, Tom Vardon all graced these hollowed grounds. In 1914 Walter Hagen won the US Open Golf Championship and Donald Ross consulted with the Club on course improvements prior to,” states Hearn.
“As with all my work, it is all about restoring and / or creating great angles and options. Shot value, strategy and playability are always at the top of my list. The project’s duration will be fall of 2021 through the spring of 2022. The before and after images of each hole in our planning has been very well received. In 2020, we completed a test run of some sample bunker shapes and forms on hole #2 and the membership loved what they saw,” says Hearn.
Hearn will be working closely with Leibold Contractors, General Manager Tom Ahern and Golf Course Superintendent Cory Von Tungein. Hearn gives special thanks to Current President Matt Barry, Former President & Club Historian Mark Wheeler, various Board and committee members for all their help.
“Ray has a great eye for classical restoration and renovation detail at historic clubs. He respects our great history. We enjoy working with him,” says Wheeler.
Contact Raymond Hearn at ray@rhgd.com or 616-399-7686 for more information, graphics and photos. Information on his company and other projects can be found at www.rhgd.com
