Golf Course Projects Rising

Golf course architects are reporting more consistent planning and remodeling work throughout North America. Financial institutions appear to be relaxing lending restrictions, making it easier for clubs and municipalities to invest in golf course improvements, including a renovation at the Mira Vista course in El Cerrito, Calif. (pictured).

The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) reports that golf course projects related to planning, remodeling, design-related maintenance and playability issues have become "less anecdotal and more consistent" among the group's membership.

Members of the Brookfield, Wis.-based organization reported a decline in work with clubs and municipalities through the recession and sluggish recovery, but some financial institutions are now showing greater flexibility in golf lending, prompting a pickup in improvement projects.

The ASGCA website (asgca.org) has reported multiple projects with ongoing or recently completed renovation work, including:

• A fall renovation of the Newport News (Va.) Golf Club that will include green-grass reduction, decreased water usage and lower-maintenance bunkers.

• A two-year project at Cape Breton, Canada's Highland Links Course in Nova Scotia, that restored many of Stanley Thompson's original design elements and included rebuilding most of Thompson's original bunkers, in addition to tree clearing and green space recapture.

• Master Plan or renovation projects at three properties, all recipients of ASGCA's initial Design Excellence Recognition Program:

- Mira Vista Golf & Country Club, El Cerrito, Calif.

- Phillips Park Golf Course, Aurora, Ill.

- The Eagle Course, Twin Eagles, Naples, Fla.

h/t: Club & Resort Business