TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., has completed a multimillion-dollar enhancement project that launched last fall; Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, N.C., is renovating its Championship Course as part of a 10-year master plan; Naples (Fla.) Grande Golf Club has completed an $8 million project that includes a new clubhouse; and The Naples (Fla.) Beach Hotel & Golf Club is undergoing a $9 million redesign by Jack Nicklaus.
Golf properties in Connecticut, North Carolina and Florida are in various stages of completion of golf course renovations:
- TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., has completed a multimillion-dollar enhancement project that launched last fall to improve the infrastructure and playability of the golf course. The primary focus of the project was the renovation and repositioning of the bunkers, while several greens and tee boxes were also modified. PGA TOUR players will get their first look at the finished product during the Travelers Championship the week of August 1-7.
Agronomic and architectural enhancements to TPC River Highlands include:
Rebuilding, repositioning, and restyling all bunkers and incorporating new drainage and sand for improved playability
Minor surface modifications to the green on Nos. 10, 13, 15 and 16, plus the total rebuild of the 17th green, all of which will provide an increased number of pin positions
Leveling of select tournament tee boxes, including a new tee complex at No. 15
Improved routing and repair of the cart paths
Stabilization of lake bank edges to avoid further erosion and improve aesthetics
Supplementation and enhancement of drainage throughout the golf course - Grandfather Golf and Country Club, a private member-owned club in Linville, N.C., is renovating its Ellis Maples-designed Championship Course, as part of a 10-year master plan the design company assembled and remains engaged in for its duration.
Extensive tree removal, installation of subsurface fairway drainage and construction of open rock-lined streams are some components of the renovation. The renovation work has included widening the first hole, a par 5, and refining its approach. On the par-4 16th hole, a fairway bunker was relocated and trees were removed adjacent to the headwaters of the Linville River to lessen the angle of the hole.
- Naples (Fla.) Grande Golf Club has completed an $8 million project. The grand makeover includes a brand new clubhouse, as well as a complete regrass of the golf course with celebration Bermuda grass and leveling and expanding tees. Bridging the gap between modern and traditional design, the new clubhouse offers a grill and bar area, men’s and women’s locker rooms, meeting space, retail space, as well as more functional outdoor space, sight lines, and more.
The overall design scheme can be described as coastal contemporary. Starting from the inside out, a blue/green color scheme was chosen to bring the outside indoors by enhancing the views of the lake and golf course. The light and medium colors selected for the fabrics, carpets and artwork pop against the warm neutral background and preserve the airy coastal feel.
- The Naples (Fla.) Beach Hotel & Golf Club is renovating its championship golf course, undergoing a redesign by Jack Nicklaus, who has a historical tie with the resort. This major $9 million project follows $50 million in renovations and enhancements at the resort over the last few years. The total redesign of the resort’s course began in April, and the course is slated for completion in December 2016, according Michael Watkins and Henry B. Watkins III, co-owners of the 125-acre beachfront resort.
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