DeVries Designs has been contracted to design a new 18-hole private golf club in Hoa Binh, Vietnam. The site borders a large lake that serves as a reservoir for drinking water for Hanoi, which will be 45 minutes away when the country’s first expressway is completed in 2009. The front nine of the course will circumnavigate a large hill that dominates the property. At the first landing area, golfers will be treated to a magnificent view of Ba Vi, the sacred “father mountain” in northern Vietnam. More views of Ba Vi and a traditional rice farming valley will dominate the front side’s views, while the back nine will overlook the lake and a five-star resort on the lake. The course will be par 72, approximately 7400 yards from the back tees.
Boyne USA, the ski and golf resort company based in northern Michigan, has hired DeVries Designs to do Long Range Golf Course Improvement Plans for two of their courses: the Big Sky Golf Course at the Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana, and the Moor Course at Boyne Highlands Resort in Petoskey, Michigan. Both courses are 30-35 years old and have been affected by encroaching residential development and changing technology. A full analysis of the golf courses will look at the rejuvenation and renovation of features, equipment, and holes to best serve the needs of the resorts and their golf patrons.
The Kingsley Club was ranked 18th Best Modern Course (post 1960) by Golfweek (March 8, 2008) magazine. Since joining the list in 2002 at 98th, Kingsley has steadily climbed the charts in the past five years. 2006's tree clearing and bunkers between the 10th and 18th holes has improved the flow from front to back on the course and helped with the growing conditions for the fescue on those fairways. A new back tee on the 10th stretches that hole to 430 yards and presents a real challenge for the bigger hitters. These new amendments to the course have realized the original intentions of open, fast turf and have been universally acclaimed as improvements to the already appreciated design.
Greywalls is named 3rd best public course in Michigan by Golfweek (March 8, 2008). Although not enough raters have reviewed the course to qualify for national recognition, reports are consistent that Greywalls merits serious consideration for inclusion in their Top 100 Modern Course list. Hopefully, enough raters will make the journey to Marquette, Michigan to experience the unique Greywalls!
Mines Golf Course was named to Golf Digest’s Best New Affordable List (Public play under $75) in the January, 2007 issue. At $40 for eighteen holes, the Mines was one of only two courses on the list that was less than $55 – it really is affordable! Come to Grand Rapids and play it!
Mike DeVries’ sketches and ideas for improvements to Augusta National Golf Club were included in the Masters Preview of the April, 2007 LINKS magazine.
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