Rogers gears up for more work at Plum Hollow

Drew Rogers is preparing for another phase of renovation work on the 1921 Hugh Alison-designed layout at Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield, Michigan. 

In 2023, Rogers will conduct studies of the practice facilities and green surfaces, and continue landscape work that he says “will present the course with heightened colours, textures and long, dramatic views”. 

This work builds on projects already completed, beginning with floodplain remediation in winter 2019 and renovations associated with the impacted holes in spring 2021. Rogers also completed a tee and bunker renovation project in 2021. 

“Tees were enlarged and rearranged with more varied playing angles,” said Rogers. “The bunker character is quite bold, with features of great scale and depth, more in the character that Hugh Alison likely built. Trees were also removed to open up the playing corridors so that dramatic vistas would be restored throughout the property and fairways could be properly aligned to their intended widths and angles. 

“Our goal for the overall project was to re-establish playing strategies, improve course conditions and aesthetics and to provide greater balance. Speed of play and overall enjoyment are part of that equation as well.” 

Work has been well received by the membership. “It has been really pleasing to have members remark about all the playing options that are now in effect that were previously unrealised,” said Zachary Savas, president of Plum Hollow. “Drew has been able to create more variety, especially around the greens with more runoff and bailout areas. The members exude nothing but pride now. New member interest has also seen an uptick, along with our ability to raise the initiation fees.” 

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