After a chemical used for broadleaf weed control led to the loss of over 2,000 trees, a long-overdue course renovation was begun that will include new bunkers and tees along with a new irrigation system and widening of fairways.
A damaging situation has turned into an opportunity for the Stevens Point (Wis.) Country Club to make some big and exciting changes, the Stevens Point Journal reported.
About three years ago, a chemical used for broadleaf weed control killed over 2,000 trees at the golf course, leading to the removal of the trees in a project that was completed last fall, the Journal reported.
The loss of the trees prompted the club to look at making some changes at the course, which is now undergoing a $3 million renovation. According to Craig Haltom, the architect for the project, the changes will include new bunkers, widening of fairways, new tees, a new irrigation system and some minor adjustment of greens. The project is expected to be completed this fall, the Journal reported.
“The amount of trees that had to be cut down was a loss, but it started a conversation that is leading to what we think will be some exciting changes,” said Haltom. “It’s not a small project and very ambitious, but the membership has been very supportive.”
The renovation is the first major work on the course in decades, Haltom told the Journal.
After receiving its state charter in 1925, a nine-hole course was completed at the club in 1927, followed by the expansion to an 18-hole course in 1965.
JT Thompson, the club’s General Manager, told the Journal that portions of the course will remain open throughout the renovation. The changes on the course are now the start of a larger facelift for the club, Thompson added, as plans are being considered for the clubhouse and pool house.
“There is a real buzz within the membership right now,” he said.
Oliphant Golf Construction is doing course renovation and is part of The Oliphant Companies along with Oliphant Haltom Golf Management, the Journal reported. The management company oversees Stevens Point CC along with a number of regional golf courses, including Bull’s Eye Country Club in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. and Lake Arrowhead Golf Course in Nekoosa, Wis. Oliphant Companies is also working on the first course for the Sand Valley Golf Resort in Rome, Wis. that is being developed by Bandon Dunes owner Mike Keiser.
Stevens Point Country Club has around 320 total members, the Journal reported.
C&RB reported on the club’s “reinvention” efforts in 2014 (http://clubandresortbusiness.com/2014/03/27/stevens-point-wis-cc-works-toward-reinvention/).
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