our story
founders
Ed Walker and Art Preston, old friends and business associates, had been doing oil and gas projects together for over twenty-five years before they envisioned what is now the Kingsley Club. It all began with a mutual desire to create a golf club in the states that emulated the great Old World traditional courses they had experienced. The realization of their initial vision then fell upon the shoulders of Ed Walker. Ed, after considerable effort found the land the club occupies, organized and supervised the construction of the course and facilities, established the membership guidelines, articulated the basic philosophy, and has served as managing member and chairman of the Kingsley Club, LLC since its inception in 1998.
Ed and Karen recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary and live in Traverse City. Ed has business interests throughout the country and continues to work tirelessly to ensure that the Kingsley Club provides a unique unparalleled experience for its members and their guests. Art, who has recently passed, had primarily split his time between homes in Houston and Lexington, Kentucky while managing his varied business interests.
Michael DeVries, the course designer, was selected for his expertise in working with such a setting. Mike has a deep understanding of the value of nature, which guides his minimalist architectural philosophy. By being on-site consistently throughout the construction process, DeVries also enables himself to continually study the land, reacting to newly revealed opportunities and improving upon his original design concepts. This evolutionary process inevitably results in a unique golf course of enduring quality. Visit Mike's website at devriesdesigns.com
Fred Muller served as a consultant on the project and brought with him twenty three years of experience at Crystal Downs Country Club. Fred is very knowledgable in Alister MacKenzie's traditional golf course architectural philosophy and was instrumental in bringing Mike DeVries to the table.
the property
The Kingsley Club covers 400 acres of varied terrain, more than enough to build a golf course, of varying terrain, contour, and vegetation. The soils of the property are glacial deposits which drain freely, are resistant to erosion, and support a diverse plant community. The majority of the land is upland with dramatic elevation changes in many places and contour that ranges from smooth-flowing valleys and hills to erratic ridges and bowls which rise and fall sharply. There is a wetland in the center of the property that has been left undisturbed and away from the golf course and facilities.
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Much of the property was clear-cut in the 1980's and was left with little mature vegetation. Much of that area has been incorporated into the golf course, particularly on the front nine, where the course is virtually treeless in the center but bordered by mature northern hardwood forest. The openness of these holes, combined with the high elevation of the property in regard to the surrounding landscape, exposes the golfer to the elements and constantly challenges his resolve to not only beat his opponent but also nature.
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The area of the back nine also had some clear-cut areas, but also has many fine maple, oak, beech, and pine trees which highlight the holes. The eighteenth re-emerges into the open landscape, completing the transition back to the grassland of the front nine.
Cottages
The Kingsley Club cottages are a great place to call your home away from home. The cottages are available to members and their guests for daily rental year round. The club provides reservation, cleaning, and food and beverage services for up to eight individuals per cottage.
The onsite cottages are located on the bluff overlooking the par five 17th hole. Each cottage features a dramatic great room and four bedrooms, each with two queen beds and private baths, closets and private indoor and outdoor access. Other features include wet bar, screened porch, Satellite television, WIFI, and two horseshoe pits to settle all bets!
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The cottages are a great starting point for any getaway, whether you intend on playing golf sun up to sun down or have a family getaway to Northern Michigan in mind, the cottages will suit your needs. The cottages well thought out location provide easy access to the golf course, clubhouse, and hiking trails. Traverse City’s fabulous dining, shopping and beaches are only a mere 20 minute drive away. If staying in is to your taste, many guests use only a golf cart as their mode of transportation during their stay, because of the great activities and food/beverage services that exist onsite.
The Kingsley Club Cottages are a true example of how great life can be at the Kingsley Club. Let us reserve a true getaway for you that may include, Charter Fishing, a Guided Fly Fishing experience, or any one of hundreds of activities that exist in the Northern Michigan Region. Whether your looking to stay for one or multiple nights the cottages will provide a level of comfort not easily found away from home.
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Staff
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Justin Mack, General Manager, PGA
Justin was born and raised in Traverse City before leaving for Grand Valley State University. While at GVSU he received a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Human Resources Management. Before joining the Kingsley Club staff, Justin served as an Assistant at LochenHeath Golf Club, Grand Traverse Resort and Egypt Valley Country Club. Justin joined the Kingsley Club staff in 2004 and served as Head Golf Professional from 2010-2014. Justin, his wife Lindsey, and two daughters are happy to call Traverse City home.
David Plassman, Director of Golf and Membership
David Plassman was born in Grand Rapids and raised in the small town of Archbold, Ohio. Before arriving at the Kingsley Club in 2003, David spent time as an Assistant Golf Professional at various clubs around the U.S. including such venues as Muirfield Village GC, Ventana Canyon, Medinah Country Club, Pinehurst Resort, and Bel-Air CC.
David’s vast experience and expertise has been instrumental in forming the Kingsley Club to what it is today. When Dave is away from the club, he spends time with his wife, Jen, two daughters, Jessica and Casey and his labs, Corkie and Coz.
Jim Raymond, Head Golf Professional, PGA
Jim is from Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Management. Jim has served as an Assistant Golf Professional at Beverly Country Club and the Teaching Professional at Glenwoodie Golf Club, where he worked closely with the First Tee of Greater Chicago.
During the off-season, he has worked at several golf facilities in the Tampa area. Each April, he makes the trip down to Augusta to work in Berckman’s Place during the Masters. Jim spends his time away from the club by hiking, camping, fishing, and most of all, spending time with his wife, Jenny and their daughter Evelyn.
Cody Kuhn, Superintendent, cgcs
Cody is in his first year as Superintendent of the Kingsley Club. Cody's accomplished career began at the Kingsley Club while working through high school and college. Over the course of those seasons. he attended Michigan State University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Crop and Soil Sciences. An internship led him to Teton Valley, Idaho and Huntsman's Springs Golf Club. Upon completion of his internship, Cody returned the following season as an Assistant Superintendent. While at Huntsman's Springs, he was promoted to Golf Course Superintendent. After 6 great years, Cody returned to Michigan where he became Superintendent at the South Course at Arcadia Bluffs.
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We are excited to have added Cody, his wife Norah, daughter Ellie(6) and son Wesley(2) to the Kingsley Club family. When not working, Cody enjoys hunting, golfing, playing guitar and spending time with family.