By Toby Ingleton |
A new short course, ‘The Eleven’, designed by Andrew Green is now open at Kalamazoo Country Club in Michigan, USA. The architect is also creating a new 18-hole course, which is currently in construction, as part of a massive transformation of the 1909 club.
The Eleven features 11 par-three holes ranging from 50 to 185 yards for a total of 1,295 yards. Each hole has been designed to have distinct character and bold green complexes, and to provide creative shot opportunities. The course has multiple teeing areas and a flexible routing for varied repeat play.
The Eleven is a par-three course with holes ranging from 50 to 185 yards (Image: Kalamazoo CC)
“One of the goals of The Eleven was to create a place where every golfer feels like they belong,” said Green. “Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or you’re a scratch player, every hole asks different questions and encourages creativity. You can hit nearly every club in your bag, experience the full range of shots the game offers, and enjoy golf in a way that feels refreshing, purposeful and incredibly fun.”
Green believes thoughtfully designed short courses represent an important part of golf’s future. “Instead of needing four or five hours, golfers can come out, experience every type of shot the game offers, and do it in a way that’s lighter, more accessible, and full of soul,” he said. “Ultimately, we wanted to build a course that people simply want to play again and again.”
The course has multiple teeing areas and a flexible routing for varied repeat play (Image: Kalamazoo CC)
The Eleven is the first opportunity for members to experience Green’s work ahead of the opening of his 18-hole design at the club, currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2027.
“Our vision has always been bigger than building new facilities,” said Tim Rayman, CEO of Greenleaf Hospitality Group. “We set out to create a place where people can experience golf in new ways, improve their game, spend time with family and friends, and build lasting relationships. From The Eleven and our new clubhouse to our Golf Performance Center and championship course, every investment has been made with the future of our membership and the future of the game in mind.”
The Eleven is open for play now, and the club’s new 18-hole course, also designed by Green, will open in 2027 (Image: Kalamazoo CC)
“It wasn’t long ago this was simply a field,” said Green, about the new short course. “To stand here today and see what John Fulling, Blaine Burch, and the entire grounds team have accomplished is remarkable. Their dedication transformed this property into a truly special place for the game of golf, and we’re just getting started.”