
What is a renovation on a golf course?
Apr 05, 2022 · How long a course shuts down for these projects varies, as well. In the Southeast, especially Florida, renovation work can take place year-round. According to Weed, a cool season renovation takes 18 months and a warm season renovation takes 12 months, give or take two to three months depending on the scope of work.
When was the best time to design a golf course?
Most renovation construction work at private clubs is done in the late summer after the major tournaments have been held. The best time to start a golf course master plan program is about one year prior to the start of construction.
When is the best time to start a golf course Master Plan?
Jun 23, 2021 · If your golf course is no longer challenging or includes a hole where golfers are often backed up, you may need to renovate the field to enhance or improve the customer experience. This type of renovation can help you attract more serious golfers and retain your membership by providing a better experience. Aesthetic Imperfections
Can a classic golf course be restored?
Jan 18, 2021 · Even golf courses. The early 20th century has been dubbed by many to be the golden age of course design in the United States, as 94 of the top 100 layouts on Golfweek’s Best Classic Courses list were built in the four decades through the 1930s as cars proliferated and airplanes took off. The 1990s and early 2000s also were boom times, but ...

Why is it important to renovate golf courses?
Golf course remodeling can improve the playability and overall strategy of your course. It can address environmental issues and revitalize your aging assets. Above all, it can reinvigorate your current membership and help you add new members.
How long does it take for a golf course to grow in?
A course seeded/sprigged by Sept. 15 or so will grow until November 1 or so, or about six weeks, and usually needs another four to six next year, starting in April or May, unless all goes perfectly. And, things can go wroing. Thus, the 8-12 weeks becomes 8-12 months!Feb 16, 2022
How often do golf courses get cut?
On average, greens are mowed at least five days per week, and in most cases six or seven days per week. Courses that choose to mow five or six days per week will take advantage of a closed Monday or Tuesday to skip mowing and focus more on agronomic programs like topdressing or aeration.
Is it hard to maintain a golf course?
As you can imagine, it takes a lot of work to maintain all the different components. Surprisingly, much of that work occurs before golfers even arrive at the first tee. Golf course maintenance teams start their day at the crack of dawn so they have time to prepare their course for golfers with little disruption.Sep 21, 2018
How long does it take to build a 18 hole golf course?
The actual construction time for a golf course from ground -breaking to opening can be from one to two years, depending on the weather and amount of equipment used. But today it often takes an additional one to two years to obtain all of the permits and required approvals before construction can begin.
How long does it take to grow a golf green?
Factors such as turfgrass species, planting date, weather conditions and unforeseen construction delays all impact opening date. Often, it takes 60 to 120 days to complete the construction process for 18 putting greens.Mar 2, 2018
How often should you mow fairways?
two to four times per weekMowing when the grass is dry in the afternoon yields a cleaner surface and better quality of cut. If courses are mowing fairways two to four times per week and mowing rough once or twice per week, you are very likely to see fairway or rough mowers in operation if you are playing Monday through Friday.Aug 25, 2020
How do golf courses keep their grass so green?
Deep roots help the grass stay strong, lush and green. Golf course turf receives adequate nutrients from regular fertilizing. Fertilizers typically contain a balance of potassium and nitrogen, which helps the grass stay strong, even when it's subjected to extreme temperature and heavy traffic.May 18, 2016
How fast does golf course grass grow back?
Greens typically need to be mown at least once every three days. Without that regular tending, they become overgrown. Getting them back up to speed is tough. Sometimes it's impossible, and the entire putting surface has to be reseeded, and you're looking at least two months before they're ready for play again.Apr 10, 2020
What are 3 types of course maintenance expectations in golf?
Prioritize “The Big Three” For this reason, golf superintendents must prioritize maintenance routines for “The Big Three.” According to USGA, the recipe for putting green perception includes three factors: Firm, Slope, and Speed. Firm putting greens ensure balls move far from where they land.
How often do golf courses fertilize?
four to six times a yearFertilize four to six times a year, ideally in early spring, late spring, late summer and the fall, before it snows — and use a spreader to make sure it's evenly distributed.Apr 15, 2021
How do you mow fairways?
9:0915:52Basic Fairway and Rough Mowing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake a slow wide turn to avoid scuffing the turf then line up your second pass to slightly overlapMoreMake a slow wide turn to avoid scuffing the turf then line up your second pass to slightly overlap the first by about three inches. With gang mowers move completely on to the fairway.
Why should a golf course master plan be developed?
The reasons why a golf course master plan should be developed are varied. They can range from a desire to restore or enhance the character of a classic course to a need to establish uniform playing conditions on a daily fee facility.
What is master plan golf?
A “golf course master plan” is simply the common term for a renovation or improvement program at an existing golf course. At a private club, it is typically the culmination of a series of exchanges of information between the membership, the governing board, ...
What is a private golf club?
At a private club, it is typically the culmination of a series of exchanges of information between the membership, the governing board, a long-range planning committee or green committee, and the golf course architect. At a public facility, the process is usually less formal and is developed in response to the owner’s goals.
What is the importance of the improvement committee in a private club?
During the planning process at a private club, it is vital that the improvement committee and the board of directors keep the membership well informed relative to key aspects of the program. An understanding of the timing, costs and basis for improvements by all users will foster widespread acceptance of the plan.
Will bunkering be refurbished?
Existing bunkering will be refurbished and the green complexes will be studied to make sure that the putting surfaces haven’t atrophied over the years. A skilled architect can even take a mediocre hole on a classic course and turn it into something that is truly memorable.
Do seniors need separate tees?
Perhaps a separate set of tees for seniors is needed. Whatever the reason, a golf course master plan program can be a very useful and effective method of achieving the goals for the golf course. In most cases, the golf course architect will begin with a complete course analysis.
Can trees be added to a golf course?
Trees may be added for framing, backdrop, separation or screening purposes. There is no set schedule for a golf course master plan for improvements. However, it is always best to consider the need for a master plan before replacing a major component (such as the irrigation system, the greens or the cart path) of the golf course.
Why renovate golf courses?
The fact that golf courses involve living and growing components as well as things that simply wear out over time means that every course will need to plan for this eventuality. Such items as irrigation system components, drainage pipes, pump stations, cart paths, ...
Why is renovation important?
Overall conditions of maintenance can be better if the superintendent does not have to spend so much time fixing broken parts.
Why renovate a golf course?
Another reason to renovate is if your grounds crew’s routine maintenance isn’t enough to fix problems on the course, such as improper drainage, flooding, worn or cracked cart paths, and landscape erosion. These projects can be expensive and require renovation investment instead of a quick and cheap temporary fix.
What do you need to know before renovating a golf course?
What You Need To Know Before Renovating Your Golf Course. Just like homes can become dated and in need of an update, golf courses, and clubhouses require renovation, too. Being stuck in the past or looking rundown could be hurting your bottom line. New golfers prefer fresher facilities, and current members might be tempted to check out ...
What is feasibility study?
Once a survey is complete and you have an idea of what you need, you’ll need to do a feasibility study, which considers all factors that are relevant to the project, including economics, legalities, scheduling, and operations.
What is phasing in renovation?
Known as “phasing,” this form of renovation will take longer and can be more costly, but it allows you to continue serving customers and generating revenue during the process.
Do golf courses need landscaping?
Sometimes all you need is a little sprucing up. It’s not uncommon for golf courses to have landscaping that wasn’t properly planned and has become overgrown or for previous repairs to require additional work. Fixing the aesthetics can make your grounds look and feel fresh and new.
Where does Stephanie Vozza live?
She lives with her husband and two sons on a golf course in Rochester, Michigan, ...
When did the Squire Course open?
One of five 18-hole layouts owned by the resort, PGA National's Squire Course opened in 1983 , originally designed by George Fazio with son Tom assisting.
What is the second hole on the Match Course?
The second hole is a classic Short hole, requiring a full carry to a green with a "thumbprint" contour in the front-middle and elevated wings.
What is the second hole in golf?
The second hole is a classic Short hole, requiring a full carry to a green with a "thumbprint" contour in the front-middle and elevated wings. Tim Gavrich/GolfPass. At the 11th, Staples fashioned his version of a Redan par 3, with a green that tilts from front-right down to the back-left. Tim Gavrich/GolfPass.
Where is Baltusrol Golf Club?
Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course) - Springfield, N.J. This historic club, with four U.S. Opens and two PGAs to its credit, also hired Hanse to restore its famed Lower Course, originally by A.W. Tillinghast.
Who designed the par 4 12th at PGA National?
Architect Andy Staples laid out the drivable par-4 12th at PGA National's rechristened Match Course with mischief and excitement in mind. Tim Gavrich/GolfPass. As host of the PGA Tour's annual Honda Classic, the Champion Course at PGA National Resort & Spa is one of the most rigid tests in golf. Water comes into play on all ...
Where is San Vicente Golf Resort?
San Vicente Golf Resort - San Ramona, Calif. Located 40 miles northeast of San Diego, San Vicente is a quiet resort where Andy Staples spent much of 2020 breathing new life into its golf course, originally designed by Ted Robinson and opened in the 1970s.
Who is Brian Schneider?
Longtime Tom Doak associate Brian Schneider has made a passion project of Llanerch, the Main Line club that hosted the 1958 PGA Championship. In addition to expanding greens to recapture lost hole locations, Schneider and his team have invested the course with a distinctly Victorian aesthetic and set of features.
Who restored the ninth hole at Winged Foot Golf Club?
The ninth hole at Winged Foot Golf Club’s West Course in New York, which was restored by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner before the 2020 U.S. Open (Copyright USGA/Russell Kirk)
When will the US Open return?
And with the U.S. Golf Association now slated to establish a second headquarters at Pinehurst, the U.S. Open will return with No. 2 as an anchor site in 2024, 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047.
What was Hanse's work at Winged Foot's West?
Hanse pointed to his and Wagner’s work at Winged Foot’s West course in New York as a restoration , with the duo trying to reclaim the characteristics instilled by the original designer, Tillinghast. Greens edges had crept in since the course opened in 1923, leaving fewer hole locations. Some bunkers had become irrelevant.
Who renovated Pinehurst No 4?
The second hole at Pinehurst No. 4, which was renovated by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner (Courtesy of Pinehurst Resort)
When did the US Opens open at No. 2?
No. 2 hosted U.S. Opens in 1999 and 2005, and even between those Opens the course changed, with fairways growing more narrow between ever-expanding fields of rough. After that 2005 Open, the resort’s operators wanted to make drastic changes.
Where is Oakmont Country Club?
Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, host to nine Opens, for example famously removed thousands of trees in the 1990s and 2000s to restore playing corridors as intended by original designer Henry Fownes. That certainly would be one of the most visually impactful restorations for any television viewer.
Does the Mona Lisa live outside?
But Mona Lisa doesn’t live outside in a field, subject to weather and all kinds of dynamic forces. Golf courses do, and they need work to retain their artistry. Enter the modern golf architect, many ...
Noteworthy private golf club renovations
Rumford, R.I. This compact, par-69 Donald Ross gem is in the midst of a restoration by architect Andrew Green, whose work at other big-time Ross courses like Oak Hill East in New York and Inverness in Ohio has won him acclaim as one of the best architects in the business. YouTube
These resort and destination courses will be freshening up in 2022
Less than 30 minutes from Pinehurst, the resurrection of Woodlake Country Club by architect Kris Spence seeks to put a long-neglected Sandhills hidden gem back on the map. Kris Spence
The 'Munaissance' continues at these publicly-owned layouts
Edmond, Okla. Closed since last June, this muni is in the midst of a $17 million renovation project that includes the redesign of two holes, all-new greens, tee and bunker improvements courtesy of architect Matt Dusenberry, as well as several infrastructure upgrades.
What is golf course architect?
For many golf course architects, renovation, redesign and/or restoration projects at existing golf courses form a large part of their portfolio. Elements of golf courses have a limited lifecycle, and trends change, making this type of work essential for clubs that want to continue to attract golfers and remain competitive in their local markets.
What bunker is Harley Kruse using?
Hong Kong’s Clearwater Bay set for major bunker renovation. Harley Kruse will use systems from Capillary Bunkers and EcoBunker after success on previous project. Mark Thawley.
FIFTH PLACE: OLD MEMORIAL GOLF CLUB, TAMPA
In 2020, Smyers did his best impression of Pete Dye and returned to one of his original design for a comprehensive overhaul.
SECOND PLACE: HILLCREST COUNTRY CLUB, LOS ANGELES
Designed by William Watson in 1920, Hillcrest is one of Los Angeles’s most historic clubs. The setting bears similarities to Los Angeles Country Club less than a mile to the north, pinched into a slight 140 acres next to Century City with high and low sections and crystalized views of surrounding L.A. and the Hollywood Hills.
How long does it take for grass to grow in a golf course?
In cooler climes, it takes up to 14 days for grass seeds to germinate, and another 7 to 8 weeks for the grass to get established. Ed. note: Welcome to Super Secrets, a new GOLF.com series in which we’re picking the brains of the game’s leading superintendents.
What is the best time of year to plant grass?
The best time of year to plant grass in warmer climes. This may come as a shock, but warm-season grasses do best when planted in (drum roll, please!) warm conditions, with soil temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees, and daytime temperatures of above 80. These grasses also love sunshine, so the longer the days, the better, according to Craig Ellis, ...
What weeds are in the grass in warm weather?
What’s more, that warm weather also brings out weeds like crabgrass and goose grass . “So as your grass comes in, it will be competing with those weeds,” Curtin says. And it won’t have much hope. “Those weeds will essentially starve your turf to death.”.
How long does it take for grass to grow?
It takes roughly 7 to 14 days for the seeds to germinate, and another 7 to 8 weeks for the grass to get established. By that time, air temperatures have started to get autumnal, cool but not too frosty, just the kind of conditions cool-season grasses love.
What is the best temperature to plant rye?
The sweet spot, he notes, is when soil temperatures are between 45 and 68 degrees, an optimal range that allows for both robust root development and healthy leaf growth.
When is the best time to plant Bermuda?
For those reasons, Ellis says, late April is prime time to plant a warm-season varietal like, say, Bermuda. The days are long and warm, but the temperatures have yet to reach the searing peak of summer, and there’s less competition from crabgrass and other weeds.
Does spring bring weeds out of grass?
But by then, the weather has also gotten warmer, which isn’t great for the grass itself. What’s more, that warm weather also brings out weeds like crabgrass and goose grass.
