By Design - Special Edition

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10 | By Design
Severe design features were
making life difficult at
Independence Golf Club in
Midlothian, Virginia. They required
a high level of maintenance, and
meant the course was too difficult
for the majority of golfers. Each
round was averaging over five hours
to play, which limited the number of
golfers that could be accommodated
each day and left the club in a loss-
making position.
At the same time, families wanted
additional recreation options beyond
golf, but few were being offered.
To address these problems, the club
enlisted Lester George, ASGCA, and
a new master plan was created. This
would see the removal of more than 700
trees and bushes that were cluttering
the course and obstructing views, and
the removal and redesign of dozens
of bunkers. The fairway area was
increased and rough areas were lowered
or converted to mulch. Protective and
saving bunkers were added, and cart
and walking paths were re-routed to
improve the flow of golfers around the
course. In addition, new wells were
drilled to avoid the reliance on public
potable drinking water, increasing water
efficiency and sustainability.
The changes combined to make
the course much more playable, and
reduced round times by an average of
55 minutes, yielding a revenue increase
of $3,000 per day.
The new design also made way for
new facilities at the club, including a
golf teaching academy and a clubhouse
addition for corporate and private
events. The bunkers on the driving
range were filled so the area to be used
for concerts, fireworks, soccer—even
frisbee golf. There is a new lawn area
that doubles as a croquet course
and adds space for weddings, social
events, and other outdoor activities.
The facility also includes the only par-
three course in the country offering
regulation golf cups, 8-inch beginner
cups and FootGolf on every hole.
The changes have transformed
Independence Golf Club into a
popular, playable and profitable
facility. “One of the conundrums
owners and managers of golf courses
often find is that they don’t see how
they can make alterations to their
courses that improve strategy for more
experienced players while catering to
beginners who are just learning the
game,” says George. “The paramount
goal of the renovation at Independence
was to create a golf course that golfers
of all skill levels would enjoy.”
Location: Midlothian, Virginia
Golf course architect: Lester George,
ASGCA, George Golf Design, Inc.
Project summary: Independence Golf
Club was faced with three problems—
pace of play, playability and
sustainability—all of which affected the
bottom line. A new golf course design
has addressed each of these issues.
Partners: Giff Breed, Owner/Operator;
Dan Taylor, Golf Course Superintendent;
Landscapes Unlimited (construction);
B. K. Katherman (building construction);
Balzer & Associates (building architect);
Smith Turf & Irrigation (irrigation);
George Frye, TransGolf (grassing)
Independence GC
Delivering results
Design overhaul transforms appeal of Virginia club
New bunkering has improved playability,
for example at the 11th hole, shown
before and (main pic) after renovation