When Hurricane Helene swept through in late September 2024, Champion Hills Golf Club in Hendersonville, N.C., faced a challenge no playbook could have prepared them for. Torrential rains and fierce winds damaged Tom Fazio’s acclaimed “mountain masterpiece,” leaving the course and its community with a long road to recovery.
The first priority was ensuring the safety of members, staff, and the surrounding neighborhood. With that accomplished, the focus shifted to restoring one of America’s Top 100 residential courses. Guided by a resilient board and membership, General Manager Alan Deck and Golf Course Superintendent Alan Burnette led the charge to bring Champion Hills back, stronger than ever.
As the club heads into its spring season, remarkable progress has been made. While the front nine reopened in early October, more work was required on the home nine, but by April 1, 17 holes were back open. The finishing touch – the 18th hole – remains under careful reconstruction, with a projected reopening in early May.
“Considering the sheer destruction [across the region] and overwhelming demand for golf course crews and engineers, we’ve actually been very fortunate,” Deck said. “Securing Aspen Construction, fresh off a project at Augusta National, was a huge win for us.”
The storm caused washouts, landslides, and erosion, particularly along the course’s natural creeks. Holes 11, 15, 16, and 18 bore the brunt of the damage. Aspen Construction, collaborating with the Fazio Design team, spearheaded the creek bank restoration efforts, leveled tees, and completed extensive bunker work.
“The restoration has been phenomenal,” Deck said. “With Fazio’s input, we made thoughtful changes, like removing a bunker on 16 to enhance playability and installing capillary concrete for durability. We also used an advanced erosion control method called SOX to stabilize creek banks on 11, 15, and 16.”
Recovery was a multi-stage process. In the storm’s aftermath, the Champion Hills team faced the immediate task of clearing roads and assessing damages. Partnering with Miller Brothers Construction, Cosgrove Landscaping, and specialized masonry experts, Burnette and his team tackled the course restoration project, step by step.
Their dedication was particularly evident given the personal hardships members of the team faced. Burnette’s home was damaged by a fallen tree, yet he remained committed to leading the club’s recovery. Other staff members endured similar challenges but stayed resolute.
“The teamwork has been extraordinary,” Deck said. “Alan Burnette, Head Golf Professional Eric Fowler, and Membership Director Heather Myers all went above and beyond. Eric created innovative ways to keep our members engaged with limited holes available. Everyone stepped up when it mattered most.”
That spirit of resilience extended to Champion Hills’ membership. Understanding the importance of supporting their community, members not only remained patient but also raised six figures in financial assistance for employees impacted by the storm.
“The generosity and support of our members have been overwhelming,” Deck said. “They understood that doing things the right way was more important than rushing the process.”
As Champion Hills prepares to fully reopen, the course stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. The lessons learned and bonds forged during this experience will endure, ensuring that no storm – no matter how powerful – can shake the foundation of this top 100 private community.
Charity Auction
Through Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Golf Tourism Solutions (GTS) members are rallying to help people in the Western North Carolina golf and hospitality industries whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Apple Valley GC
Many GTS members individually provided support and raised funds in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene. To continue the effort on behalf of the entire Grand Strand golf community, the golf course and travel provider members of GTS have now donated tee times and golf packages for an online auction that is open to the public.
“Our members were eager to help our friends in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene, and they did what they could immediately after,” said Dave Genevro, General Manager of Barefoot Resort and Golf and Chairman of Golf Tourism Solutions. “The Myrtle Beach community is no stranger to hurricanes. We know that recovery can take time, long after the storm has gone. Ultimately, it’s your neighbors and your community that help you get through it. Sometimes just knowing you have not been forgotten can also have a transformational impact.”
The online auction is now open until June 1. To make a bid or donation, visit: www.playgolfmyrtlebeach.com/relief
One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to these well-established non-profit organizations:
– Carolinas GCSA Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund
– N.C. Hospitality Workers Relief Fund
– National Golf Course Owners Association
Aaron James, General Manager of the Country Club of Asheville, joined Rob Thomas on the Club + Resort Business podcast to discuss recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
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