The work on Shadow Wood’s South Course was directed by Rees Jones, who also led an extensive renovation of the Bonita Springs, Fla. property’s North Course in 2017, both to upgrade original designs by the late Bob Cupp. The Sun City project focused on enhancing the beauty and playability of the Bluffton, S.C.’s par-61 Argent Lakes executive course, including the planting of more than 130 new trees.
Shadow Wood Country Club in Bonita Springs, Fla. has reopened its South Course following a summer-long renovation project under the direction of Rees Jones, President of Rees Jones, Inc. Golf Course Design. More than 225 Shadow Wood members enjoyed a special grand opening tournament on the South Course during its soft opening October 16.
The work followed an extensive renovation of Shadow Wood’s North Course that was completed in the fall of 2017. Jones, a long-time friend of the late Bob Cupp, the original designer of both the North and South courses who passed away in August 2018, also directed that renovation.
“When we were brought in to do the work on both the North and South Courses, we understood the membership’s desire to preserve the essence of Bob’s original design,” said Jones. “As a good friend of Bob, it was an honor for me to work on two of his courses to ensure that his design philosophy remained intact, but at the same time update the courses to today’s standards.”
For the work on the South Course, Jones, along with Vice President and Senior Designer Bryce Swanson, added a new set of membership tees, increased the size of selected tees, and adjusted the location of others in order to improve options and create variety off the tee.
The greens were completely rebuilt, and the new green surfaces were recontoured to add movement and provide for interesting and challenging hole locations. All greenside bunkers were redesigned, with some being relocated.
Several bunkers were removed to provide for closely mowed chipping areas to create shot options around the greens. Rock walls adjacent to the ponds were rebuilt to increase playability and to enhance the appearance. Fairway bunkers were added, relocated or removed to comply with today’s play.
“We did a comprehensive design review of both courses and strategically enhanced each hole,” said Jones.
Swanson added, “We wanted the courses to be playable for every level of golfer, so all holes are playable for both the ground and aerial game. We evaluated each green complex and redesigned each one to accommodate member play.”
Dr. Jay Sandza, Chair of Shadow Wood’s Grounds Committee said, “The members have been anxiously anticipating the reopening of our South Course after the exceptional reviews we received from Rees Jones’ North Course renovations last year.”
Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, S.C. has completed a four-month renovation project on its Argent Lakes Golf Course. Sun City Hilton Head Director of Agronomy Rick Barnes and Troon’s Senior Vice President of Golf Course Development, Ron Despain, oversaw the project, which focused on enhancing the beauty and playability of the executive-length, par-61 golf course.
As part of the renovation, course bunkers were regraded, reshaped and rebuilt incorporating an advanced drainage and liner system featuring Capillary Concrete. The new bunkers are filled with “Tour Angle” sand from South Carolina.
In addition to bunker enhancements, more than 130 trees were planted throughout the course, including oak, pine, palm and magnolia trees.
“We’re thrilled with the way the Argent Lakes course enhancements turned out,” said Sun City’s Director of Golf, Charlie Kent. “The planting of additional trees will help better define holes and the new bunkers are gorgeous and consistent.
“The shorter Argent Lakes course has always been a favorite among our members and guests,” Kent added. “With the recent renovations now complete, we expect that trend will continue.”