By Design – Issue 52, Spring 2021

22 Blending the old and new ASGCA DESIGN EXCELLENCE BLYTHEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB T he golf course at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan, was designed in 1929 by William Langford and Theodore Moreau, and has hosted the Meijer LPGA Classic on the LPGA Tour since 2014. Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, was hired in 2017 to develop a long- term master plan that would both respect the course’s history and prepare it for the modern game. “Our work has been to renew the course to what Langford and Moreau designed, with a modern approach,” said Wilczynski. “That includes bolder bunkers that are positioned at strategic angles to the intended line of play and wider playing corridors to provide options for golfers of all abilities.” MacCurrach Golf Construction began work in July 2020, and completed the project in November. All bunkers have been rebuilt and lined with Better Billy Bunker. Greens have been expanded to their original shapes and sizes, and every green has had a new internal drainage system installed. Fairways have been widened and realigned, and new tees have been added to every hole to shorten and lengthen the total course yardage. Several trees have also been removed, which has, according to Wilczynski, “opened the site panoramas, restored a cleaner look and created the width for each hole that Langford and Moreau intended.” “Improving the bunkers and greens drainage will make for an improved experience for our members and better conditions and quality of play for the LPGA tournament,” said general manager Bob Crissman. “We needed this plan so that we can remain one of the premier golf courses in the Midwest.” A new two-acre short game practice facility has also been built as well as a new 12,000-square-foot putting green and putting course. • Renovation of Langford and Moreau course combines traditional styling with modern play. “ We have opened the site panoramas and created the width for each hole that Langford and Moreau intended”