The golf course at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington, Ky. has been renovated under the direction of Rees Jones, who designed the original layout in 1981. The $1 million project focused on replacing, reducing or reshaping some 80 bunkers while using the Better Billy Bunker method.
The Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington, Ky., has unveiled the newly renovated Griffin Gate Golf Course, featuring a $1 million bunker renovation project directed by Rees Jones, who designed the original layout in 1981.
The project, as described by C&RB when it began in March (http://clubandresortbusiness.com/2015/03/13/griffin-gate-gc-to-begin-1m-bunker-renovation/) was highlighted by introduction of the Better Billy Bunker Method throughout the golf course. The bunker system, also used at Valhalla GC in Louisville, Ky., Bethpage Black in New York and Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. (site of the 2016 Ryder Cup) has become popular among Marriott Golf facilities, having recently been installed at The Rookery at Marco, located at the Marco Island (Fla.) Marriott Resort.
As part of the project at Griffin Gate, approximately 80 bunkers were replaced, reduced or reshaped; overall, the course has now reduced bunker coverage from 133,000 sq. ft. to 80,000 sq. ft.
“This bunker renovation allows us to create more consistent playing conditions for our members and guests,” said Donald Hobbs, Griffin Gate GC’s Director of Golf. “As a result, we will greatly enhance a golf course already known for its competitive play, beauty and environmentally friendly appeal.”
In addition to the bunkers and greens complex initiatives, the renovation project included refining the areas around the greens, the re-defining of fairway lines, and creating chipping areas to give the course more varied challenges.
“Rees Jones has helped to define all that is great about this golf course, as his design vision appeals to golfers of all playing levels,“ said Theona Simbrat, General Manager of Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa.
“Griffin Gate finished 2014 ranked second in the Marriott Golf portfolio based on overall golf course conditions, and that’s pretty strong company,” Simbrat added. “On the heels of this Rees Jones renovation, we’re now in a position to take the next step in becoming the premier resort golf course destination in this region for years to come.”
“It has been a rewarding experience upgrading Griffin Gate,” said Jones. “[Our] team, led by Bryce Swanson, and Marriott Golf have brought the golf course into the 21st Century. The ‘refreshed,’ more diversified layout enhances every level of player’s golf experience by providing new challenges each round.”
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