The project will be the first major renovation since 1993 of the Coral Gables, Fla. course, which was originally designed by Donald Ross.
Beginning April 13, Riviera Country Club will embark on its most ambitious golf course renovation to date, the Coral Gables, Fla. property has announced. The $8 million, eight-month modernization will deliver one of the most modern and unique golf course designs in South Florida, the club says, featuring dramatic elevation changes and the addition of nearly three acres of lakes, among other updates.
“This project will be the first major renovation to the course since 1993,” said Eric von Hofen, Riviera’s Director of Agronomy and Clubhouse. “As an original Donald Ross golf course, it will keep the spirit of the original layout imagined by one of the fathers of golf course design. The modernization of the course will keep the Donald Ross characteristics while making the adjustments that players want.”
In addition to the installation of new Celebration Bermudagrass in fairways and roughs and a state-of-the-art irrigation system that will be conserve water and energy, the project will also create 15- to 18-foot tee boxes, elevations not normally seen in South Florida, the club noted.
Other areas of improvement will include:
- A two-acre lake will be added along with another half-acre lake.
- Greens will be rebuilt to USGA specifications and enlarged for a variety of pin locations.
- Fairways will be re-contoured to enhance playability in the landing areas.
- Non-native foliage will be replaced with native plants.
The club’s golf course will remain playable until mid-April, Riviera announced, and then construction will run through the end of September. Following a grow-in period for the new grass, the golf course will reopen at the end of December.
“The improvements that we are making to the golf course will take the golfing experience to a new level,” said Ed Williamson, Riviera CC’s President. “Since 1945, the tradition of the Club has been to provide an unparalleled experience to our members and to be a valued neighbor to all. We are committed to honoring our place in the community and the legacy of leadership that our members have always insisted upon.”
Riviera CC will work with Kipp Schulties Golf Design, QGS Development and Buzz Jaskela Landscape Architects on the project, the club announced.
“We are looking to create something very special at Riviera Country Club,” said Kipp Schulties. “Many clubs don’t have the ability to do what we plan to because of space. The finished course will have plenty of modern touches, adding character, contour and elevation and giving members a truly unique golfing experience in South Florida.”
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.