ANN ARBOR, MI – The Board of Directors at Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor, MI has retained Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, of C.W. Golf Architecture to develop a golf course master plan to improve and help reposition the private, member-owned club as one of the best courses in Michigan.
Established in 1977, the 18-hole par-72 golf course sits on 220 acres and was originally designed by golf architect Bill Newcomb. The club has played host to the LPGA Volvik Championship, and several tournaments including the EPSON Tour, the Michigan Amateur Championship, the US Mid-Amateur Qualifying, and numerous US Open and US Senior Open qualifiers.
“With Travis Pointe’s 50th Anniversary quickly approaching, we have the perfect opportunity to enhance the sustainability, playability and enjoyment of our #1 asset, the golf course, for every level of golfer,” said Chris Fairman, TPCC Board Member. “Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and we are all eager to work together to make this club the best it can be for the foreseeable future,” he added.
Wilczynski, a landscape architect by education, has been practicing golf course architecture for 30+ years. His firm is currently involved with several golf course master planning and renovation projects throughout the Midwest and Florida as well as new golf course residential communities in Florida and Georgia.
Goals for the development of the Master Plan:
- Modernize the course for sustainability.
- Reduce maintenance costs including labor, chemicals, water, equipment etc.
- Increase playability and “fun-factor” for every category of member and playing ability from kids to seniors.
- Develop internal angles within each hole to create risk/reward shot values.
- Create a short drivable par 4 (300 yards +/-).
- Develop new bunker design and aesthetic.
- Simplify and reorganize the tee complexes.
- Improve the complete member/guest experience with efficiency and “flow” to and from the golf course for pre and post round activities.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with the Travis Pointe Master Plan Committee and Board of Directors to develop the improvement plans for the golf course,” Wilczynski stated. “I have also been a member at TPCC since 2016 and have played the course countless times with my family and friends so I know the course intimately and have visualized many times how I would improve and enhance the architecture.
The master plan will be completed at the end of summer (2024) and presented to the membership. Further discussions will follow to determine the timing and implementation of the plan.
About Travis Pointe Country Club
Before Travis Pointe Country Club was built, this beautiful area was known as Omega Farms. Landowners Connie and Cliff Simmons envisioned developing one of the premier country clubs in Michigan, and in June of 1976, construction began. Built in 1977 with seven sets of tees, the course is suitable for golfers of all skill levels and can play anywhere from 5,264 yards to a difficult 7,326 yards. The Club has played host to the LPGA Volvik Championship, and numerous tournaments, including the EPSON Tour, the Michigan Amateur Championship, the US Mid-Amateur Qualifying, and numerous US Open and US Senior Open qualifiers. In 2023 the member owned club transitioned the administration of its daily operations to Bobby Jones Links, an Atlanta-based club management and advisory services company to help enhance its financial position and elevate the member experience.
About Christopher Wilczynski
Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA is the owner of C.W. Golf Architecture, a boutique firm which he formed in 2010, following 20 award-winning years with Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest & Associates. Chris is a graduate of Michigan State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and is an active member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the Michigan Golf Course Superintendent’s Association (MiGCSA) and the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF). His firm specializes in a wide range of services including the master planning and renovation of existing private and public golf courses and the design and development of new golf courses and practice facilities. Chris is dedicated to creating unique and sustainable design solutions that captivate golfers, enhance playability, and provide enjoyment and social benefits to communities throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.cwgolfarch.com or contact Chris Wilczynski at (734) 395-7941.