A year-long renovation of the Heron Course at The Oaks Club in Osprey, Florida, has been completed.

Work has been led by Jason Straka of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, with the aim of improving the course’s playability and maintenance conditions.

The renovation incorporated subtle changes to the course layout, including the removal of certain bunkers, more forgiving fairways, larger tee areas and shorter carries over hazards. 

A new irrigation system and drainage system have been introduced as part of the project, while new turfgrasses have also been put in place.

“The revitalised course will have new surface contours, better constructed and strategically placed sand bunkers, interesting greens complexes, and a new teeing system that will accommodate players of all skill levels,” said Straka.

Straka described the project as ‘a total team effort’, and the architect worked closely with the club’s director of green and grounds, Nick Kearns.

“Depending on how the course will be set up with pin and tee locations, you could literally feel as though you’re playing a totally different course on different days,” said Kearns. “The 10th hole will really make you consider your club selection, since using a driver off the tee or an iron could mean the difference between an easy birdie or a tough par four.”

The Heron course has now reopened for play.