Courtesy of Zinkand Golf Design
Zinkand Golf Design has finished The Reversible, a unique, new golf course at Medina Country Club outside Cleveland.
As its name implies, The Reversible features two 9-hole loops that can be played in opposite directions — one clockwise (Purple) and the other counterclockwise (Green) — and occupies the footprint of the club’s former 9-hole course. Each par-31 routing begins with a downhill par-3 to one of two large double greens. They are followed by a compelling collection of par 3s and 4s draped across gently rolling terrain before returning back to par 3s with double greens for the finish.
The Reversible challenges skilled players with strategic bunkering and multiple routes to hole locations, demanding careful decisions both off the tee and approaching the green. At the same time, its ample width provides plenty of room for less experienced golfers to steer clear of trouble. Other course features include generous green surrounds and rugged bunkering with attractive fescue brows.
Pure Eclipse bentgrass greens and fairways, combined with an emphasis on maximizing course set-up flexibility throughout the design/build process, will set the baseline for exceptional conditioning and thought-provoking play. The work of golf course architect David Zinkand also emphasized the golf course looking and feeling like its bucolic setting. This principle of “genius loci,” or sense of place, is a key pillar of his design philosophy.
“The land has just enough movement to make it ideal for reversible golf,” said Zinkand, a long-time associate for Coore & Crenshaw before beginning his own design business. “It allowed us to be bold and offer plenty of challenges for players who’re eager to embrace risk in pursuit of a big reward, while also possessing a subtlety that invites beginners to identify more conservative avenues to the hole.”
Work on The Reversible began in Summer 2024, with most of the earthwork completed by autumn. It is part of a Zinkand-led, multi-phase master plan at Medina Country Club, located about 35 miles south of downtown Cleveland. The opening of The Reversible follows a complete overhaul of the club’s practice facilities, including the addition of a state-of-the-art indoor / outdoor teaching academy. Construction of a new clubhouse is underway; once completed, attention will turn to a project that will transform Medina’s existing 18-hole course.
“Working with Dave is a pleasure, and he’s such a genius at what he does,” said Bill Cosgrove, who has owned Medina Country Club since 2022. “His vision for The Reversible grabbed me right from the start and our members can’t be any more excited about the golf course. Dave’s an incredible partner and we feel very fortunate to have him leading the multi-year transformation of the Medina golf experience.”
