Golf Course Construction Update from the Director of Agronomy

Apr 30, 2025 | The Plum Life

As we start another golf season at Plum Hollow Country Club, we’re excited to share the latest progress on our course refinement efforts, led in partnership with golf course architect Drew Rogers. Our focus in the Fall of 2024 centered on three keyholes—12, 13, and 18—as part of our ongoing plan to preserve the strategic brilliance of our Colt & Alison original design while enhancing playability for modern golfers.

A Message from Drew Rogers, Golf Course Architect

Drew Rogers, ASGCA, Golf Course Architec

“The refinements were made to Holes 12 and 18—particularly in the back slopes of the greens. The course was built in 1921 and they weren’t built for the green speeds that we’re enjoying today. These two greens were a little more severe than some of the others. Our goal was to give the club more flexibility, significantly more hole locations, and to restore some of the original intent with a modern edge.”
Drew Rogers, Golf Course Architect

Hole 12: Green Reshaping

The green on Hole 12 has undergone thoughtful remodeling. We lowered the back portion of the green to better accommodate today’s faster green speeds and create more varied and fair hole locations.

Hole 13: Drainage Upgrades

While less visible, drainage work on Hole 13 addressed long-standing water retention challenges. This behind-the-scenes improvement will enhance playability and conditioning in this area, particularly during wet stretches.

Hole 18: Green Complex Enhancement

Our iconic finishing hole received a major update to the green complex. The rear of the green was lowered and reshaped to provide additional pin placements and to ensure it remains both challenging and fair under today’s championship conditions. This improvement enhances the strategic interest of the hole while supporting tournament-level play.

A Message From David Makulski, Director of Agronomy

David Makulski, Director of Agronomy

“The Fall 2024 work reflects a careful balance of honoring our course’s original character while making thoughtful changes to support modern play and agronomic sustainability. We’re excited about the improvements and what they mean for the golf experience at Plum Hollow moving forward.”
— David Makulski, Director of Agronomy

What This Means for Members

These refinements are designed with the player in mind—improving turf quality, expanding shot options, and ensuring each round is as enjoyable and dynamic as possible. They reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and the long-term stewardship of one of Michigan’s most beloved courses.

Watch the progress in action:

Thank you to our members for your ongoing support and feedback as we continue to invest in the future of Plum Hollow.

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