Construction work has begun at Jacksonville Golf & Country Club in Florida, with golf course architect Clyde Johnston overseeing the reconstruction of greens and bunkers.

The work will see the removal of the original greensmix and gravel down to the subgrade.

Jacksonville G&CC opened in 1989 and was one of Johnston’s first projects after establishing his design firm two years earlier. “The putting surface of the greens has shrunk over the last 29 years due to encroachment from the fairway grass, so we are expanding them back to their original sizes,” said Johnston.

“During this process we will reduce the slopes on the putting surface since we are changing from Tif-Dwarf bermuda to Tif-Eagle bermuda. The greens will also get a new irrigation system loop with in-and-out sprinklers.

“The members will notice larger greens and more pinnable areas. They will also notice slightly faster green speeds.

“We are rebuilding all of the course’s sand bunkers, adding a few, and eliminating a few as well,” continued Johnston. “Bunkers are always more noticeable with whiter sand and better playing conditions.”

Four tee complexes will also be rebuilt.

Construction began in mid-April and is scheduled to be complete by July, with the course reopening in autumn following grow-in. “As of last week, I have reviewed and approved four of the greens subgrades and will look at four more this Friday,” said Johnston.

MacCurrach Golf Construction is the contractor for the project. Johnston plans to visit the construction every week until completion.