Golf course architect Michael Benkusky, ASGCA, a few months after starting his own firm, has secured his first solo design project at Ironhorse Golf Club in Tuscola, Ill. Ironhorse was purchased in the fall of 2004 by Gerald Forsythe. Forsythe is the owner and founder of Canyata, a project Benkusky designed as a senior project architect with Lohmann Golf Designs.
“It is a pleasure to continue my relationship with Mr. Forsythe and help improve Ironhorse,” says Benkusky. “Mr. Forsythe trusted my vision and creativity at Canyata and has asked me to bring this same creativity to Ironhorse.”
Ironhorse was designed in 1994 as a links style golf course with few trees and large fescue-covered mounds. The course plays to a par 72 at 7,131 yards.
The first task Benkusky faces is to add more trees to the site.
“The golf course is extremely wide open, which means that even on a calm day the course can seem quite windy,” Benkusky says. “By adding groves of trees, we can still keep the links feel of the golf course, yet create areas that help reduce the wind from sweeping across the golf course.”
Another task is to look at the strategy of the golf course. Even though the course is only 10 years old, technology has already eliminated much of the strategy. Many of the bunkers and hazards are now out of play for a majority of the golfers.
“Technology has done this to many golf courses that are not very old,” explains Benkusky. “Many courses don’t realize how the new golf balls and clubs have affected their golf course. Fairway landing areas have increased in distance by 30 or more yards. By moving bunkers, adding bunkers, or adjusting tees, we can restore much of the original designer’s intent. This long-range plan is aimed at helping the golf course improve in order to attract golfers from a broader market and of all different levels.”
Lake County Forest Preserve
Lake County (Ill.) Forest Preserve has selected Benkusky to assist in golf course improvements at Countryside Golf Course in Mundelein, Ill. Countryside’s Prairie Course was a Benkusky original design while he was a project architect with Lohmann Golf Designs.
“It is nice to return to one of my first designs, help them improve their facility and work with some old friends,” says Benkusky.
The Prairie Course was opened for play in 1991 and has been a cornerstone for public golf in the Mundelein area.
“The area boasts some exceptional golf courses and Countryside has been able to stay competitive by providing an excellent facility at a good price,” says Benkusky. “It is a testament to both the architect for providing a quality design and the Forest Preserve for keeping the costs affordable for the general public.”
During the original design process, Benkusky also oversaw a master plan for the Traditional Course.
The project includes improvements to the clubhouse area circulation and plans for the construction of a new putting green and chipping complex this fall.
For more information, call 815-474-8385 or e-mail Benkusky at mbenkusky@mjbgolfdesign.com.
Benkusky lands first solo project
A few months after starting his own firm, Michael Benkusky has secured his first solo design project at Ironhorse Golf Club in Tuscola, Ill.
