At the rate of $1,000 per day and 12 to 18 hours work daily, Mr. Dykema began to build what was at that time called "the most ambitious and extensive golf course project ever undertaken by one man." Most people, who are successful in the golf business, have a passion for the game. This passion is different from a passion for playing. The golf business person loves the game so much that he or she wants to share it with others. Windyke is and always has been the evidence that Mr. Dykema had this passion.
One of Mr. Dykema’s desires for Windyke was for the courses to be true tests of golf.
We have held every major Junior, Ladies, Amateur, and Professional tournament in the state at one of these two courses. At the same time, the courses are playable for average golfers in each of these same divisions.
Mr. Dykema also wanted a place of unsurpassed beauty.
He planted hundreds of trees that are now full, mature, and majestic monuments on the course. The tees, greens and fairways today are as full and beautiful as they have ever been.
Mr. Dykema had the intention of building a country club that families (affordable and inclusive, not expensive and exclusive), could enjoy. This is exactly what Windyke Country Club has become today. There are over 1,000 families who enjoy this club as regular, executive, or tennis members. In fact, Mr. Dykema's own words were, "I think we will develop some fine young golfers out here." To this day we strive to be a family friendly place
and have the tool in our par three course to accomplish this goal. Nearly every pro, architect, superintendent or golf commentator says, "We need to promote junior golf," but they are unwilling to invest their dollars in it. Mr. Dykema was way ahead of his time by building a course for junior to play.