BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI — Stonycroft Hills Golf Club, a long-standing, private club in the heart of Bloomfield Hills, has approved the comprehensive master plan renovation project led by golf course architect Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, of C.W. Golf Architecture. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2025, with the completion targeted for the end of October 2025.
One of the oldest golf courses in Oakland County, Stonycroft Hills Club, traces its roots back to 1928 when Theodore McManus, a local advertising executive and golf enthusiast built the private golf course on his 72-acre farm. Originally called “Stonycroft” due to its stony soil composition with “croft” being a Scottish term for small farm, the course transitioned from public to private in 1958. By 1960, members purchased and formally founded the club which has evolved through several renovations while preserving its heritage.
Wilczynski, whose design philosophy emphasizes strategic interest, beauty, and sustainability, will oversee the full-scale revitalization aimed at modernizing the course while honoring its classic roots. The approved master plan and renovation is aimed at enhancing both playability and aesthetics for members and guests of all skill levels.
Scope of the renovation includes:
- Strategic tree removal to improve sightlines and open playing corridors, along with the introduction of new specimen trees to strengthen landscape character and long-term course sustainability
- Tee renovation, including new and expanded tees, with particular focus on middle and forward tees
- Putting green expansions to enhance play options
- Short grass fairway connections between greens and adjacent tee complexes
- A new putting green and complete renovation of the Hole #9 green complex
- New and renovated bunkers featuring the state-of-the-art Better Billy Bunker liner system
- Fairway realignment to improve strategy, flow and aesthetics
To execute the work, the club has selected King Village Golf & Landscape, a respected golf course contractor known for its high-quality craftsmanship and experience with renovation projects.
“This project represents a significant step forward for Stonycroft Hills,” said Chris Wilczynski. “Our goal is to elevate the golf experience while preserving the charm and integrity that have always defined this club. The improvements will enhance strategy, improve course conditions, and provide a more enjoyable round for all.”
Stonycroft Hills General Manager, Taras Strychar, CCM added, “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Chris Wilczynski and King Village Golf & Landscape on this project. The approved plan reflects a shared vision to enhance our course’s beauty, challenge, and member enjoyment—ensuring that Stonycroft Hills remains one of the premier private clubs in Southeast Michigan.”
Wilczynski’s design expertise, paired with a hands-on approach and commitment to detail and environmental sensitivity, has made C.W. Golf Architecture a trusted name in the industry. The firm’s work at Stonycroft Hills is poised to create a refreshed, vibrant course that will serve the club and its members well for decades to come.
About C.W. Golf Architecture
Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, is the founder and principal of C.W. Golf Architecture (CWGA), a boutique design firm he established in 2010 following two decades of award-winning work with Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest & Associates. A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture, Chris is an active member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the United States Golf Association (USGA), and the Michigan Golf Course Superintendent’s Association. His firm specializes in the master planning and renovation of existing private and public golf courses and the design and development of new golf courses and practice facilities. CWGA is passionate about crafting beautiful and interesting design work that enhances the golfing experience for players of all skill levels. For more information, please visit www.cwgolfarch.com or contact Chris Wilczynski at (734) 395-7941.