Ray Hearn creates new layout for Saint John’s Resort in Detroit

The Cardinal, a new course designed by Raymond Hearn, will open this spring at Saint John’s Resort in the Plymouth suburb of Detroit, Michigan.

The multimillion-dollar project was commissioned by the Pulte Family Foundation, which acquired the resort in 2021. The course has been built on the site of the resort’s previous 27 holes, of which almost nothing remains other than some playing corridors. Hearn also designed a seven-hole par-three layout and a two-acre Himalayas-style putting course.

“Saint John’s landscape is incredible,” said Hearn. “It has a variety of natural features such as prairie, woodlands, ridges, valleys and water. Add to those a collection of 100-year-old trees and you have a special setting.”

Hearn says the par-five fifth is one highlight. “At 535 yards from the back tees, it is relatively short by today’s standards, but an interesting journey.”. The tee shot requires a carry over a pond, with the more forward tees cutting off the distance to the fairway. A creek, wetlands and a large tree pinch the fairway at the landing zone, challenging longer hitters. “Better players may go for it in two, using the back-left bunker as a target,” said Hearn. “That, however, brings into play a second pond, wetlands and slopes around the green. The reward is a chance at eagle but bogey or worse is a possibility if you unsuccessfully negotiate the natural hazards.”

Hearn has included a church pew bunker complex on the ninth hole, a subtle reference to the resort’s chapel.

Bunkers on the course feature Pro/Angle sand and liner from Better Billy Bunker.

This article first appeared in the April 2024 issue of Golf Course Architecture. For a printed subscription or free digital edition, please visit our subscriptions page.     

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