Sawgrass Country Club partnered with golf course architect, Robert Walker to spearhead and oversee the restoration project.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA. – Sawgrass Country Club has announced the second phase of a three-year Master Golf Course restoration plan has been completed with the re-opening of the East Nine on October 30, 2014. The three-year project began in May, 2013 with renovations to the West Nine course.
The East Nine renovation marks the completion and re-opening of famed East-West rotation which formerly hosted The Tournament Players Championship from 1977 to 1981, prior to moving to TPC Sawgrass. – Pro golfer and NBC Golf Analyst, Johnny Miller, has described the par 4, # 5 East as one of the toughest, most challenging holes in all of golf when the wind is up. The final phase of restoration will be the South Nine, commencing in May, 2015, with a planned re-opening in the fall.
The Sawgrass Country Club golf course renovation is part of the Club’s Master Golf Course Plan. All the tees and fairways have been replaced with Celebration Bermuda grass and the bunkers now contain G angle sand. Other areas of improvement on the golf course include the bridges, drainage, cart paths, bulkheads and the irrigation system. Renovation of the green complexes is planned for the future. Sawgrass Country Club Golf Course Superintendent, Matt Durkee and Assistant Superintendent, Bill Schmidt are credited with keeping the renovation on time and on budget while maintaining focus on the unique original design details which made the course famous.
Sawgrass Country Club partnered with golf course architect, Robert Walker to spearhead and oversee the restoration project. Walker, a protege of Ed Seay – the course’s original architect with Arnold Palmer Design Company has vast experience in course design, layout, agronomy improvements and project management. MacCurrach Golf Construction completed the construction work on both the West and East course projects.
“This commitment to our Golf Course Master Plan underscores our dedication to provide an exceptional golf experience on a course that continues to be amongst the best in Northeast Florida,” said Barry McDonald, Sawgrass Country Club General Manager. “We want Sawgrass Country Club to continue to be the first choice for those seeking the best private club experience, amenities and value in our area.”
Photo caption: Sawgrass Country Club # 9 East renovation (PRNewsFoto/Sawgrass Country Club).
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