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By Design
M
ohegan Sun is a casino resort
in Baltic, Conn., created
in 1996 as a destination
for gaming, shopping, dining and
entertainment. In 2007, the resort’s
owners, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming
Authority, purchased Pautipaug CC
in Baltic, with the aim of bringing a
high-quality golf experience under the
Mohegan Sun umbrella.
Following the purchase, the
owners decided to embark on
a comprehensive golf course
enhancement plan, driven by the
imminent expiry of a water allocation
permit and need to develop a
self-sustaining water resource
management program.
At the same time, they felt the
course was in need of updating to
accommodate a rise in play that
was expected from existing and
new members, and resort guests.
Improvements to tees, greens and
irrigation were all required.
Mohegan Sun turned to Robert
McNeil, ASGCA to oversee
enhancements to what would become
Mohegan Sun CC, and provided him
with the flexibility to work to a single
overall budget to achieve the best
possible results.
Partnering with irrigation and
construction specialists, McNeil and
his team developed a self-sustaining
system of lakes which were integrated
into the design and strategy of several
new holes. All drainage and rainfall is
captured within the lakes, which have
also eliminated historical flooding of
adjacent roadways.
New tee complexes were built on all
holes providing enlarged surfaces and
more options for length and angle of
play. 65 new bunkers were constructed
in a consistent style that is unique
to Mohegan Sun and work was also
completed on greens and cart paths.
The improvements have had an
immediate effect, with existing
members retained and many new
members engaged. The design goals
were achieved and the course now
avoids closure following rain.
“Credit should be given to the
late Geoffrey Cornish, ASGCA, the
course’s original designer,” says
McNeil. “Part of the reason for the
purchase was the overall soundness of
the golf course’s lay on the land.”
Location:
Baltic, Connecticut
Architect:
Robert McNeil, ASGCA
The Northeast Golf Company
Project summary:
A comprehensive golf course
renovation to accommodate a
forecasted increase in play and the
need to develop a self-sustaining water
resource management program. The
project also resulted in a reduction in
maintained areas and a new character
and strategy for the course.
Partners:
NMP Golf Construction, GCBAA
J. Sarkisian Associates, ASIC
Jacklin Golf
Winding Brook Turf Farms
DAF Services – Water Management
MacFarland Johnson – Project Engineer
MOHEGAN SUN CC
A large bunker bisects the fairway on the par-four seventh hole
The project involved lake excavation
(top) and the development of a new
bunker style (mid-construction, below)
Photos: Larry Lambrecht
