It’s shaping up to be an exciting year for Raymond Hearn Golf Course Design, with a flurry of projects lined up across the United States. While Hearn’s expertise will touch states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Maine, the spotlight shines brightest on Michigan—their home turf.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Hearn mentioned, “I’m thrilled about the array of unique projects we’re tackling across the country, but my heart swells with pride for our endeavors in Michigan. The golf industry here is a multibillion-dollar powerhouse vital to the state’s economy. Being in demand in such a vibrant golfing community is a true honor.”
A Detroit native and a celebrated architect based in Holland, Hearn’s Michigan projects will spread across Holland, Fremont, Harbor Springs, Ypsilanti, Iron River, Whitehall, and Plymouth, with many initiatives featuring new golf holes. As firm president and founder, Hearn marks 29 years of expertise in master planning and course artistry.
Among the notable endeavors is the ongoing collaboration with BOYNE Golf at The Highlands in Harbor Springs. Hearn is bringing fresh ideas to the table with master planning efforts at the Donald Ross Memorial Course and the Heather Course. Moreover, his contributions extend to The Monument Course at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls.
BOYNE Golf is also abuzz with the upcoming summer debut of Doon Brae, a new par-3 course, and the Back Yaird, a putting course inspired by the Saint Andrews Himalayan style—each a testament to Hearn’s vision. Situated behind the Highlands Main Lodge, these offerings enhance BOYNE Golf’s lineup, promoting “Michigan’s Magnificent 11.”
The golf scene in Michigan will also see Hearn’s handiwork take center stage this summer during the LIV Golf team championship at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, scheduled from August 22-24. The course, a Hearn masterpiece, is gearing up for global stars like Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka. This prestigious venue has earned a special mention in Golf Digest’s Best New Public Course category.
Hearn’s influence extends beyond this high-profile event. At Holland’s Three Fires Golf Course, an exciting new No. 6 is in the works—a bold, uphill par 4 that promises thrill seekers a challenge, with an enticing risk/reward setup. Meanwhile, in Fremont, a captivating new hole 10 at Waters Edge Golf Course adds dramatic shot angles as it traces the lake’s edge.
In Ypsilanti, the Washtenaw Golf Club celebrates its historic charm with Hearn’s touch. Utilizing a vintage 1930 aerial, Hearn plans to refine hole 11 alongside enhancing grassing lines in the “Golden Age of Design” style. Further north, the Youngs Recreation’s Golf Course in Iron River considers expanding fescue grass areas, following Hearn’s vision for the future.
At White Lake Golf Club in Whitehall, ongoing renovations showcase Hearn’s dedication. This year’s plans include overhauling hole No. 7 and introducing sprawling new sand and fescue areas to this classic Tom Bendelow course.
Visit rhgd.com for a deeper dive into Raymond Hearn Golf Course Design’s innovative work. The lasting impact of Hearn’s creations continues to enrich the golfing landscapes of Michigan and beyond.
