In addition to greens renovations, Colony West and Innisbrook Resort have completed work on other areas of their courses, as well as guest accommodations.
A pair of Florida golf courses – Colony West GC in Tamarac and Innisbrook Resort’s Osprey South GC in Palm Harbor – reopen following a switch to TifEagle Bermuda Grass and an effort to restore green sizes to original design.
Colony West, a 36-hole facility, reopened its Championship Course after renovating all 18 greens. The four-month project returned the greens to their original size. In addition, the irrigation system was updated and sand was added to the greenside bunkers. There were also enhancements to the cart paths.
“We are thrilled to unveil the Championship Course’s new and improved putting surfaces,” says Dan Zimmer, Billy Casper Golf’s VP of Operations, who manages the club. “This was the first greens renovation since the course was built in 1971 and the increase in size will allow for new and exciting pin placements.”
The greens renovation was the first project in a renovation program which includes the addition of a 107-room Fairfield Inn, new clubhouse and new cart barn, which are scheduled to be completed by early 2020.
Innisbrook, a 72-hole resort, reopened its Osprey South Course after a six-month renovation of all 18 greens. The renovation honored the original design of course architect Larry Packard and began in early summer.
“We couldn’t be more excited to stand here today, knowing we now offer four courses with the same top-tier putting experience that is preferred by the amazing players we watch all season long on the PGA TOUR,” said Innisbrook’s Managing Director Mike Williams. “Last year we completed this same renovation on the Osprey North Course with great success. Now, with the completion of the Osprey South Course greens, golfers will enjoy a consistent putting surface on all 72 holes of golf at the resort. These improvements further underscore the investment and commitment to excellence we have from owner Sheila Johnson and Salamander Hotels & Resorts.”
The renovation project also included conditioning of the bunkers, general maintenance, clearing of all storm canals, and trimming and pruning to reduce shading. Sizes of some greens were also expanded where shrinkage had occurred over the years, now allowing for additional pin placements.
Innisbrook Resort is also in the process of completing an extensive room remodeling project that includes all guest rooms and suites, which is expected to finish in early 2019.