Zinkand Golf Design has created a four-hole short course at Saddle & Cycle Club in Chicago, USA, which is scheduled to open in summer 2026. 

The project, led by architect David Zinkand, involved the demolition of rudimentary existing golf features, followed by the construction of four new greens and a putting course, totalling 30,000 square feet. 

“The decision to implement a reversible routing was driven by a desire to maximise variety and interest within the site’s limited footprint,” said Zinkand. “Saddle & Cycle’s gently contoured terrain gave us latitude to flex our creative muscles with the routing. Additionally, the greens have been designed with ample size to support consistent play, multiple pin placements and adequate recovery time for turf health. It’s a really cool project and the type of brief we think golf will see much more of in the coming years.”  

The course’s reversible routing maximises the golfing potential of a compact and urban site situated inland from Lake Michigan’s Foster Avenue Beach (Image: Zinkand Golf Design)

The reversible short course has holes ranging in length from 40 to 100 yards. Players will have to negotiate seven bunkers (each featuring liner from CapillaryFlow). 

“The club’s excited to soon offer our members a quick and enjoyable loop of par-three holes, along with generous putting and pitching areas for both practice and casual recreation,” said Susannah Miller, general manager and chief operating officer at Saddle & Cycle Club. “While we previously offered a golf amenity, Dave and team’s creativity is going to take it to a level we had not anticipated and set the standard for city clubs.”