Raymond Hearn, ASGCA, is developing a new long-range Master Plan for the historic White Lake Golf Club founded in 1916 and located in Whitehall, Michigan. The club is a pre-1920 classic in the State of Michigan. The club is located next to magnificent White Lake which borders Lake Michigan on Michigan’s “Gold Coast”. Hearn will be working closely with the Club’s Board, key staff and committee members.
Tom Bendelow designed the original nine holes in 1916. In 1926, the course was expanded to 18 holes. Club President E. E. Roberts completed most of the planning on the expansion.
“I am fortunate to be working on yet another incredible pre-1920 historic golf club. Mr. Bendelow’s features are still present on 7 of the 18 holes. The original Tom Bendelow greens, bunkers and landforms are very dramatic. They are a treat to study and analyze”, states Hearn. “In addition to researching the course’s great history, I am carefully listening to the Club’s goals and objectives. I am working closely with the Club in order to provide a ‘roadmap’ into their future that they can implement in a phased manner over time and per their discretion,” says Hearn.
We are fortunate to have found such a well-qualified golf architect, located close to home, who brings incredible enthusiasm, golf architectural skills and an appreciation of the historical value that the White Lake Golf Club possesses for our community. We look forward to the course enhancement of the Tom Bendelow stamp as we take Ray Hearn’s lead in developing a plan with which will make WLGC the finest Bendelow course in West Michigan! Frank Lundell, Jr. President: WLGC
We hired Ray for his knowledge of Bendelow architecture and his ability to bring those features back to life at White Lake Golf Club. A master plan by golf course architect Ray Hearn will give us a strategic blueprint to follow for many years. We expect the Bendelow enhancements will make White Lake Golf Club a shot makers paradise…Don Nellis, WLGC Director
“I have already been out to the Club numerous times in the early research stages studying course features, researching the history, measuring, photographing, talking to members and just taking in everything that I can to better understand what exists and how this historic course evolved. As with all my renovation and restoration projects, my ultimate goal is to increase strategy, shot value, playability and enjoyment for all levels of golfing ability. We also want to help make the course easier to maintain for the golf course superintendent. Rediscovering or embellishing historical features that have been lost over time will surely create very exciting discussions with the club. Implementing Bendelow features on the Roberts designed golf holes will also be discussed.
To be entrusted to prepare a long-term Master Plan for any historic club is a great honor and privilege. With Tom Bendelow’s early involvement and the club’s pre-1920 founding, makes this great project even more exciting for me and my company”, states Hearn.
For more information and photos contact:
Raymond Hearn, ASGCA
Raymond Hearn Golf Course Designs, Inc.
(Office) (616) 399-7686
(E-mail) ray@rhgd.com
(Web Site) www.rhgd.com
