Author Archives: Ron Kern

New Projects

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Ron Kern

Ground has been, and is being broken on two new projects. Bunker reconstruction has begun at Fox Prairie Golf Club in Noblesville, Indiana. Verde Sports Construction is doing a great job. Tee and bunker reconstruction are starting this week at … Continue reading →

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Honeywell Golf Club

Posted on December 28, 2021 by Ron Kern

In December 2020, my bunker project was completed at Honeywell Golf Club in Wabash, Indiana. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work on the project with Mel Thomas, Head PGA Golf Professional and General Manager. Mel and I … Continue reading →

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Too Long

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ron Kern

It has been a very long time since I have updated the website. I have been very busy working on many excellent projects. I plan on making new posts in the very near future. Thanks!

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“Par for the Course,” an article about Bill Diddel

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Ron Kern

Here is an article on golf course architect, Bill Diddel that I worked on with Paige Wassell for Indiana Landmarks magazine, Indiana Preservation:

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Photograph of Bill Diddel

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Ron Kern

Here is a photograph of Bill Diddel at age 95 that was given to me by my friend, Dwight Ladd.  Bill was still playing golf at this age.  He would stripe tee shots down the middle of the fairway, and … Continue reading →

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Golf Course Architecture Magazine Article (and more)

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Ron Kern

On January 30, 2019, Golf Course Architecture Magazine, an international publication, published an excellent article, penned by Richard Humphreys, on my 27 hole remodel of Old Oakland Golf Club in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Click on the link above or the photo … Continue reading →

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My Father, Gary Kern, Passes Away

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Ron Kern

On Friday, November 30, 2018, Golf Course Architect, Gary Lee Kern, passed away at the age of 80 in Chesterfield, Missouri. Born on December 27, 1937, Gary grew up in the small town of Kendallville, Indiana. He was the only … Continue reading →

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The Art of the Matter, WFYI, Indianapolis

Posted on January 13, 2018 by Ron Kern

Online listening now available – Click here. Saturday January 13, 2018 morning at 7 am EST my interview about the art of golf course design with Pete Brown was broadcast on WFYI’s promgram, The Art of the Matter.  It will … Continue reading →

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Renovation at Old Oakland Golf Club – Ahead, Full Steam!

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Ron Kern

The renovation of the South Course at Old Oakland Golf Club in Indianapolis, Indiana is in full swing.  This is phase two of the renovation plan.  Phase one was completed last year (2016) when the East Course was renovated.  Thanks … Continue reading →

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My Dad, Gary

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Ron Kern

This is my dad, Gary, and me. He is one of the great architects of the contemporary era of the greatest game, golf. While his work might not have made the glossy magazines and been a point of contention in … Continue reading →

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Opening Day – East Nine, Old Oakland G.C.

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Ron Kern

Saturday, May 8, 2017 saw sunny skies, light winds and warm temperatures for the grand opening of the remodeled East Nine at Old Oakland Golf Club.  It was a perfect day.  150 members showed up ready to play their new … Continue reading →

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Boxing Day, 2016, Highland Golf and Country Club

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Ron Kern

This morning I was at Highland Golf and Country Club in Indianapolis for a meeting.  A warm front had enveloped the area and the temperature was a balmy 64 degrees Fahrenheit.  So, I took a quick walk in the mist … Continue reading →

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Photo Gallery – Old Oakland GC Remodel

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Ron Kern

Here are some photographs of the new golf course feature work at Old Oakland Golf Club in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I will be posting more information about the project soon, but here is a list of who was involved: Steve Sterrett, … Continue reading →

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New Statue of Purgatory Logo

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Ron Kern

From the article at TheGolfBiz.com: NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — Purgatory Golf Club — named the 2016 “Indiana Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association — will unveil an 11-foot tall, signature statue on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016. “We … Continue reading →

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Pebble Brook Golf Club Update

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Ron Kern

The bunker project at Pebble Brook is essentially complete.  Brad Mays and Phil Ephlin and his crew have worked very hard to bring the bunkers to life.  Here are the finished bunkers on golf hole number fifteen green. It is … Continue reading →

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Old Oakland Golf Club

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Ron Kern

I have been retained to design a three year improvement plan for Old Oakland Golf Club in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I look forward to working with Steve Sterrett, the owner, Doc O’Neal, Golf Club Manager and Chase Walden, Golf Course Superintendent. … Continue reading →

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Purgatory Golf Club’s Bunkers

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Ron Kern

I have been going through some Purgatory Golf Club design plans and correspondence and came across this, which is the highest compliment I could have been given regarding the design of the bunkers: Purgatory GC, Noblesville, Ind. A big, brassy … Continue reading →

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Aerial of Highland Golf and Country Club, 2015

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Ron Kern

Below is an interesting aerial showing the first phase bunker work on Highland Golf and Country Club’s golf course.  The golf course is a classic strategic design and is a shot maker’s golf course.  As Mike Bailey of the Golf … Continue reading →

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Update: Bunker Remodeling, Pebble Brook Golf Club, North Course

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Ron Kern

The bunker remodeling at Pebble Brook’s North Course is progressing.  We’ve been blessed with some fine weather in which to work.  Shaping is complete, thanks to excellent work by Derek Dirksen, golf course shaper. I thought it would be interesting … Continue reading →

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Bunker Remodeling, Pebble Brook Golf Club, North Course

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Ron Kern

Plans are underway to remodel the bunkers on the North Course at Pebble Brook Golf Club, Noblesville, Indiana. My history with Pebble Brook Golf Club goes back to the 1970’s.  As a young man, I worked in the pro shop … Continue reading →

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