Set amid an urban landscape, the four-hole reversible route enhances the golf experience at the Historic Social Club
Zinkand Golf Design (ZGD) – led by golf course architect David Zinkand and his more than 25 years of experience designing, managing and shaping field projects – has completed construction of a short course and practice facility at the Saddle & Cycle Club in Chicago.
The course’s reversible route maximizes the golf potential of a very compact and urban location just north of Lincoln Park, along Lake Shore Drive and slightly inland from Foster Avenue Beach in Lake Michigan. Eight fascinating par-three holes can be played in two opposite directions, with a four-hole routing at any time. The design ingeniously preserves space in the unused direction so members can practice their short games and putting at the same time.
The work will involve the demolition of the site’s rudimentary existing golf facilities, followed by the construction of four new greens and a putting course totaling 30,000 square metres. The installation of seven Capillary Flow lined bunkers, an artificial tee line and more than 15,000 square meters of new teeing ground were other highlights of the project. The golf course is expected to open in the summer of 2026.
“The decision to implement a reversible route was driven by a desire to maximize variety and interest within the limited footprint of the venue,” says Zinkand, who earlier this year completed a multi-year golf course restoration at the venerable Old Elm Club in nearby Highland Park, Illinois. “Saddle & Cycle’s gently contoured terrain gave us room to flex our creative muscles with the routing. Additionally, the greens are designed spacious enough to support consistent play, multiple pin placement, and adequate recovery time for the health of the surface. It’s a really cool project and the kind of job we think golf will see a lot more of in the years to come.”“The club is excited to soon offer our members a fast and enjoyable loop of par-three holes, along with generous putting and pitching areas for both practice and casual recreation,” said Susannah Miller, General Manager and COO of Saddle & Cycle Club. “Although we previously offered a golf facility, the creativity of Dave and the team will take this to a level we didn’t expect and set the standard for city clubs.”
Saddle & Cycle, located on a short par-4 from Lake Michigan, was founded in 1895 as a cycling club. Now celebrating its 130th year, it has long been an oasis in the city and strives to be the best private club in the Chicago area.
For more information about ZGD, visit zinandgolfdesign.com or @zinkandgolfdesign (Instagram).
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