Zinkand Golf Design (ZGD) – led by golf course architect David Zinkand and his more than 25 years of experience designing, managing and shaping projects in the field – is currently building a new 12-hole golf course at South Carolina’s Chechessee Creek Club.
Amid a quintessential Lowcountry setting punctuated by live oaks and colorful wetlands, ZGD is creating a fun playing experience featuring only short par 4s – the longest is just over 300 yards – and par 3s. The course begins with a five-hole loop of par 3s draped over a blanket of continuous turf that beginners and higher handicappers will find eminently playable. Despite the lack of longer grass, these varied holes will still test the short- and mid-irons of better players. The routing continues with a second, seven-hole loop that asks heightened strategic questions thanks to more pronounced bunkering, several forced carries and putting surfaces with greater contour.
ZGD’s 12-hole course design will present an alternative for members that does not require the time commitment of 18 holes. This more flexible playing experience could allow Chechessee’s significant national membership to enjoy an extra round, especially on the evening of arrival or morning of departure. The club’s 18-hole course was designed by Coore & Crenshaw and opened in 2000.
“Our new 12-hole course fulfills the club’s vision for a fun, bold playing experience that both complements and contrasts its existing 18 holes,” said Zinkand. “The first loop provides avenues to the hole for any level of play without sacrificing design character, while the second loop offers a balance of shot options for all skill levels.”
To facilitate a spirit of adventure, ZGD’s scope is simultaneously focused on creating a rugged environment that preserves and incorporates vegetation native to the Lowcountry. This will further connect the site’s natural aesthetic to the golfing experience and fulfill the firm’s prioritization of both a sense of place and adventure during a round of golf.
“Our team is also establishing extremely varied habitats outside of turf areas, focusing on native plants and ground formations that will expand the site’s ecological diversity,” added Zinkand. “These planned habitats include installing what may be a true one-of-a-kind golf course feature – a carnivorous plant bog.”
Earthwork on the golf course began earlier this year and will continue throughout the summer. All shaping should be completed this fall, with member preview play beginning during the winter or early spring and the course grand opening occurring the first half of 2026.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.