Executive Summary and Planning Background

Executive Summary of Phase III–Golf Practice Facilities and Short Course

The Board of Governors is pleased to present a proposed plan to redesign and recreate the Club’s Short Course, Driving Range, and Practice Facilities. We are aligned in our belief that this project is in the best interest of the membership as a whole. The proposal reflects a shared understanding of carefully considered Member feedback and insights gained from the 2021 Way Forward plan. Represented here are six years of thoughtful development, design exploration, and collaborative discussion, including multiple renderings created in collaboration with Renaissance Golf, our renowned golf course architects of record. This is a focused project with a clear vision, a defined funding approach, and meaningful opportunities for Member engagement. Most importantly, it reflects a collective effort—we listened, learned, and worked together to bring this forward for your consideration.

    • Our 60-year-old Short Course

    • Existing Practice Facilities

    • Our century-old Driving Range

    • The goal is to bring these areas up to the same high standard as the Club’s Championship Course and overall amenities, while also improving safety and functionality

    • Aligns the Practice Facilities with the quality and prestige of the Championship Course

    • Enhances Member enjoyment and engagement

    • Strengthens player development and instruction opportunities

    • Improves safety concerns related to the current layout

    • Positions the Club competitively with state-of-the-art facilities

    • Support junior golfers and player development

    • Encourage new golfers of all ages and skill levels

    • Enhance the experience for both men and women

    • Provide modern, high-quality practice and learning facilities for beginners through advanced players

    • Access to this online Member portal featuring:

      • Rendering by Renaissance Golf

      • Video imagery of proposed facilities

      • Board and leadership rationale

      • Frequently asked questions

    • Member education opportunities through:

      • Small group sessions

      • A town hall meeting

  • Our target is to begin construction in July 2027 and end in May 2028 in concert with the irrigation project, allowing economies of scale and minimizing Member disruption.

    • Members may vote in person throughout the day of the Annual Meeting on October 7, 2026

    • Absentee voting will be available for two weeks prior to ensure maximum participation

    • Total project cost: Approximately $4.8 million

    • Funding structure:

      • 50% from Club treasury (saved for capital improvements)

      • 50% assessed to Members

    • Member impact:

      • Monthly assessment will be approximately $20 more than the current irrigation assessment for Members who choose the monthly payment option

      • See the table of projected costs by in the Financial section

      • Assessment duration: 26 months

  • This project represents a thoughtful, long-term investment in Country Club of Detroit, enhancing facilities, improving safety, and elevating the Member experience for generations to come.

Planning Background

Craig Cutler, CCM
General Manager and COO

The Phase I and II projects, completed in 2014 and 2016 respectively, achieved their stated goals in grand fashion. Within four short years from inception, CCD was well on its way to a full and active Membership and had attracted many young families with our new, amenity-rich campus. In the growth years of 2015 to 2019, the Club outpaced its own expectations. Cash from initiation fees was put into work improving Member-facing areas room by room, and investing in necessary and often overdue infrastructure needs. Remaining balances were saved to help offset future capital endeavors.

The Phase III projects include both key infrastructure—irrigation and Championship Course greens—as well as key Member amenities—Golf Practice Facilities and the Short Course—that have been designed to improve the Member experience and improve the Club’s relevance for the coming generations.

  • 2013

    • Complete renovation of the Ladies’ Locker Room and Powder Room

    2013

    • Enhancements to the Grille Room

    • Expansion of the Short Game Area

  • 2014–2015: Phase IIa

    • New resort-style pool complex and restaurant

    • New racquets building to support tennis and paddle players

    • Replacement of the lower campus parking lot

    2015–2016: Phase IIb

    • New Health and Fitness Center

    • New Bowling Center

    • Renovation of the wet areas in the Men’s Locker Room

    • Rebuilding of the upper parking lot

  • 2026–2027: Phase III–Irrigation

    • Replace CCD pumphouse and irrigation system for the Championship Course and grounds

    2027: Phase III–Golf Practice Facilities and Short Course*

    • Replace all Golf Practice Facilities, including the range, short game area, and practice putting green

    • Replace the Short Course with a par-3 course to serve players of all skill levels

    2029: Phase III–Greens*

    • Rebuild and regrass all 18 greens on the Championship Course to improve turf performance and playability

    *Estimated timeline