In addition to rebuilding all 18 greens, the project will include work on some bunkers, repairing drainage problems in a few fairways and expanding the practice range.
The major renovation planned for Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Ky., is designed to catch up with 25 years of change in the game and to prepare the course for “the next 25 years,” course designer Jack Nicklaus told The Courier-Journal.
Nicklaus and PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka announced detailed plans for the changes to the media and then met with club members.
Steranka said that in addition to rebuilding all 18 greens, the project will include work on some bunkers, repairing drainage problems in a few fairways and expanding the practice range. Nicklaus and son Jack II will oversee the construction.
“It’s not a complete makeover,” said Nicklaus. “But we are looking toward the next 25 years. When we’re done with this, the next time the (professionals) play here, this course will be moved up in the rankings.”
Valhalla hosted the 1996 and 2000 PGA Championships, the 2008 Ryder Cup and the 2004 and 2011 Senior PGA Championships. The course in eastern Jefferson County will host the PGA Championship again in 2014.
Work will begin immediately.
In a letter to Valhalla members obtained by The Courier-Journal, Steranka said the plans are to reopen nine holes by late spring or early summer and the entire 18 holes by the end of the summer.
The course has been renovated two other times, including a complete shutdown before the Ryder Cup when Nicklaus’ company reworked some holes.
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