Course of the Week: Escalante Golf launches a $40 million expansion at Northern Michigan’s Kingsley Club

Escalante Golf, owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states, embarked on a multi-phase expansion at Kingsley Club, highlighted by a new golf course designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and new clubhouse. Construction is underway with tree clearing beginning earlier this year; limited preview play begins in late 2028, and a full opening is scheduled for the 2029 season. 

Kingsley Club opened in 2001. Since acquiring it from co-founders Ed Walker and Art Preston in 2022, Escalante has focused on enhancing the property while maintaining the “Spirit of the Game” mantra that has defined it since its founding

The expansion represents an investment of approximately $40 million and reinforces Escalante Golf’s commitment to preserving the club’s minimalist spirit while enhancing the overall member experience. Kingsley Club is located in the town of Kingsley, about 15 minutes south of Traverse City, Mich. 

At the center of the project is construction of the club’s second 18-hole golf course. It will be located on a newly acquired 520-acre parcel southeast of the existing property and feature fescue playing surfaces, native grasses and minimal land disturbance in keeping with the philosophy that defines the current Kingsley Club brand and Coore & Crenshaw’s design portfolio. The walkable course routing will also include a 19th “bye hole” that returns to the clubhouse after the first six holes. 

”The Escalante team has again given us an opportunity to work with a wonderfully intriguing, gifted site for golf, this time in the state of Michigan, home to some of America’s most acclaimed golf courses,” said Bill Coore, who worked with Escalante on the recently opened Pines Course at The International outside of Boston. “We are excited about the potential of this highly individualistic site, the Kingsley Club in general and being able to create a course in a state with such a rich golfing history.” 

“This is a rare opportunity to create a very special course in a region renowned for superb golf,” said David McDonald, President of Escalante Golf. “With this land and Bill and Ben’s expertise, we believe Kingsley Club will soon offer one of the game’s most fun and architecturally compelling 36-hole golf experiences.” 

Kingsley’s new course is expected to play as a par 72 and max out at approximately 7,200 yards. The new course will complement the club’s existing Mike DeVries-designed course.

“This project is about evolution, not change,” said Justin Mack, general manager of Kingsley Club. “We’re committed to honoring what has always made Kingsley unique while thoughtfully investing in its future.”