By Design – Issue 51, Winter 2020

11 DIGEST Coral Creek Club reopens following Fazio renovation Coral Creek Club in Placida, Florida, has reopened its course following a renovation by Tom Fazio, ASGCA. The goal of the renovation was to improve the golf experience, protecting the original design – which Fazio laid out in 2000 – while also preparing it for modern golf. The project included re-grassing playing surfaces with new bermuda grasses, updating bunker positions and replacing sand, relocating tees, expanding the practice facilities, and adding new drainage. Overgrown vegetation has also been cleared from the property, with native areas restored. PGA National redesign focuses on fun factor The new layout is expected to be complete in spring 2021 and renamed in advance of opening Photo: MDCM Photography Construction work is continuing at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where Andy Staples, ASGCA, is overseeing a “reimagining” of The Squire course. “I intend to take The Squire to another level in terms of strategy, playability, and most importantly, the fun factor,” said Staples. “I’m focusing on the three most innovative trends in the industry: firstly, reducing the time it takes to play; secondly, increasing player enjoyment, and thirdly, instilling classic design principles that spur interest in the game of golf.” Staples’ plan sees the existing first and eighteenth holes converted into a nine-hole par-three course. The remaining 16 holes will be renovated, and two short holes added to create a new 18-hole layout that plays to 5,744 yards. McNeil restores Ross bunkers at Kernwood Robert McNeil, ASGCA, of Northeast Golf Company has completed a bunker restoration at Kernwood Country Club in Salem, Massachusetts. McNeil has worked at the club since 2003 on several projects to “recapture the Donald Ross character” of the original design. “Our current project has included constructing 44 new bunkers, removing a few and reshaping several into grassy catchment areas and pitch areas,” said McNeil. Photo: Courtesy of Northeast Golf Company Image: Andy Staples, ASGCA