Hearn Leaves Macatawa Legends to Resume Design Career

After heading up the design and management efforts at Macatawa Legends Country Club in Holland, Mich., for the two years, Ray Hearn said he was stepping down as general manager of the club to resume his career as a golf course architect.

"Macatawa Legends has been a fantastic chapter in my life and career," said Hearn. "In the last few months I've seen all the pieces for a great operation put into place and felt there probably wasn't much more that I could do. When I talked to Cal Prins about it he was completely understanding about my desire to return full-time to design."

Prins, the president and developer of Macatawa Legends, agreed with Hearn's assessment. "Ray's design here is fantastic, and he's had a huge role in helping us identify and hire our current staff. He's been part of this project from the outset, so we're saddened by his leaving, but he takes with him our best wishes."

In Hearn's absence, Prins will oversee club operation until a new general manager is named. Prins says the club remains on schedule for its opening to members on June 15. "The golf course is in great shape right now and construction of the clubhouse and some of the other amenities is right where we expect it to be. Our growing membership is excited about the launch and in just a few weeks we'll be up and running."

Cal Prins says Hearn will stay on as an operation and design consultant at Macatawa Legends for at least the next year. "Ray deserves so much credit for what we've achieved. I'm sure when the golf industry sees the course he's designed and built here it'll be a boost to his reputation and career aspirations."

For additional details about Macatawa Legends, which is slated to include a regulation-length 18 and short nine, visit www.macatawalegends.com.