By Design - Winter 2014

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Photos: M istwood Golf Club was
suffering from stagnant
rounds and revenues caused
by outdated course features, course
flooding, a poor practice range and
excessive primary rough.
The course features were no
longer strategically relevant due to
advances in club and ball technology,
and aesthetically featured little to
differentiate it from any other course
in their market.
An adjacent housing development was
built after Mistwood GC opened, and
during the spring months and when
heavy rains struck, rapid storm water
runoff led to flooding of the course.
“The primary rough was extensive and
required significant irrigation, mowing,
fertilizers and pesticides to maintain,”
explains architect Ray Hearn, ASGCA,
who was hired to help revitalize the
course. “The driving range was also not
particularly appealing to existing golfers
and didn’t attract new golfers.”
Hearn remodeled the course to help
enhance strategy while also improving
the aesthetics. Pond storage capacity
was increased, while the amount
of high-maintenance rough was
decreased, which combined to help
attract golfers and boost fees.
“The renovation has made the course
more strategic, with added shot value
and visual appeal for all golfers,” says
Hearn. “We added unique course
features such as Lannon Stone walls,
revetted sod wall bunkers and fescue
rough, giving Mistwood a unique look
compared to other courses in the region.”
The driving range was also completely
renovated and made more attractive
and appealing to golfers, and the
targets on the range now look like
actual golf holes.
Hearn, whose renovation has attracted
multiple accolades and design awards,
also said, “We reduced the surface area
of the primary rough, thus providing
the owner a savings in irrigation,
fertilizer, mowing and pesticide use
while providing a dramatic new look.
Golfers love the look.”
“We reduced the
surface area of the
primary rough, thus
providing the owner a
savings in irrigation,
fertilizer, mowing and
pesticide use, while
providing a dramatic
new look”
MISTWOOD GC
Location:
Romeoville, Illinois
Architect:
Ray Hearn, ASGCA
Raymond Hearn Golf Course Designs
Project summary:
The award-winning renovation of
Mistwood GC has brought enhanced
strategy and improved aesthetics
to the course as every hole was
improved. The project – led by Ray
Hearn, ASGCA – also saw removal
of primary rough and the renovation
of the practice facilities.
Partners:
Ryan Central
Rain Bird