Golf Course Architecture: Issue 57 - July 2019

37 Bill Bergin is overseeing the construction of new forward tees and all new bunkers at High Meadows Golf & Country Club in Roaring Gap, in the mountains of North Carolina at an elevation of almost 3,000 feet above sea level. “I was contacted by the golf course superintendent Nathan Biggs in the summer of 2018 following severe and damaging rain events,” said Bergin. “Their 1962 George Cobb golf course had been pretty beat up with constant rain events on bunkers ill-designed to handle the conditions. In fact, the bunkers were well past their prime and it was time for a major redo. “As we were reviewing the current conditions of the course, the club also indicated a desire to resurface all of their tees as well. I explained our work with the Longleaf Tee System, and it was well received, leading to an overall analysis of tees and positioning.” Construction began in late March and includes the addition, rebuilding or resurfacing of 85 tee boxes. “The tees are generally rectangular in shape and offer the membership six distinct distance options.” All bunkers were rebuilt, with many relocated. Also, six new bunkers have been added to take the total to 25. “We have chosen a traditional design style of grass-faced bunkers with sand in the base and have focused strongly on water diversion around the new bunkers,” said Bergin. Sandtrapper II has been used to line the bunkers. “Shaping is nearly complete, and we have finished work on the front nine,” said Bergin. “We expect the project to wrap up in early July.” Bergin has also recently completed a major renovation at McLemore Club in Rising Fawn, Georgia, working alongside Rees Jones. The course reopened in June. High Meadows work prompted by storms Photos: Bill Bergin