Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, Conn., managed by Billy Casper Golf and home to two celebrated 18-hole golf courses, will invest more than $2 million in course-related enhancements to its storied Robert Trent Jones, Sr. course.

The Jones course closed in November for the renovation and is slated for a spring 2009 reopening. Lyman Orchards’ other 18-hole course, designed by PGA TOUR legend Gary Player, will remain open.

The course-enhancement plan calls for replacing the irrigation system, renovating all existing bunkers, adding new bunkers, improving drainage, and creating even more aesthetically pleasing sight-lines for golfers. Another focus is maintaining the trees bordering the fairways and framing greens to amplify course vision and ensure top-drawer turf and exciting playability. The extensive pruning and underbrush removal will be the last major work to take place before re-opening.

The scope of work—including installing a multi-row irrigation system with a more efficient pump station to reduce water usage—will align Lyman Orchards with the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary program. Following Audubon-approved steps for an environmentally friendly golf course decreases pollution and protects wildlife habitat, and Lyman will experience reduced use of energy, water, pesticides and fertilizer.