Forest Dunes appoints Hanse and Wagner to design SkyFall course

Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon, Michigan, has appointed Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner to design a new course called SkyFall, with construction potentially starting in late 2025.

The club has three layouts: the original Tom Weiskopf-designed Forest Dunes course, Tom Doak’s 18-hole reversible ‘The Loop’ and a 10-hole par-three layout designed by Riley Johns and Keith Rhebb. SkyFall will be a private club, although public guests staying at Forest Dunes will have access to limited tee times.

“The opportunity to have Gil and Jim craft their first original design in Michigan on what is the most compelling property at Forest Dunes is really exciting,” said Rich Mack, who owns Forest Dunes alongside business partner Tom Sunnarborg. “I’m also pleased that we will work with Gil and Jim a second time in our career and create something really special here in Michigan.” Mack previously hired Hanse and Wagner to create the Black course at the Streamsong Resort.

Sunnarborg added: “Gil and Jim are two of the most influential golf course architects of our era and are entrusted to advance projects of golf significance across the globe. We know they will find the best of the land to work with and turn it into something unforgettable that members and guests are going to thoroughly enjoy, hopefully many times.”

Hanse and Wagner plan sees the course routed through 300 acres of forest land adjacent to the club’s existing layouts. The site has elevation changes of up to 70 feet, and Hanse says the course will feature various elements found at Ohoopee Match Club, Castle Stuart and Les Bordes.

“This design is focused on the key landforms on the property,” he said. “When you look at some of the great old courses by Tillinghast or Ross, there tends to be a landform they go away from and return to. That’s also the case at SkyFall, and it is those features that are the key to creating a truly compelling design. Jim and I also really look forward to working with Rich and Tom again. They have high standards and expectations for this project, and so do we.”

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