The Jimmy Clay Golf Course in Austin, Texas has reopened for play following a major renovation project.

Work got underway earlier this year and has been led by in-house golf division staff. 

Much of the project focused on the greens, as the course had suffered flood damage in recent years, which led to nematode damage. The greens have now been replanted with tifdwarf bermudagrass.

“Overall the project was a success,” said Kevin Gomillion, PGA Division manager, City of Austin Golf Division. “We had record rain fall in May and June that caused some real challenges with the project and pushed back the planting date. Fortunately, we did not have extensive washout with the heavy rains, but it did delay the finishing stages. The project fell about 30 days behind and we are still going to be making some minor drainage improvements over the next couple of weeks.”

Minor changes have also been made to green surrounds and irrigation on four holes, while teeing areas have been replanted.

“The four reshaped holes turned out great and will play much more friendly for the player,” said Gomillion. “I anticipate our seniors golfers will appreciate some of the improvements that allow more bump and run shots than mandatory carries. The tifdwarf bermuda greens, which have proven to be very resilient at our other courses, came in very strong and will continue to improve with faster green speeds in the coming weeks.”

The course was originally designed by architect Joe Finger, and is one of two 18-hole courses at a golf complex to the southeast of the city of Austin.

“We also added to the scope of the project a complete renovation of the driving range,” Gomillion added. “We reshaped target areas, elevated the tee, replaced the irrigation, as well as added significant drainage to capture runoff back to the irrigation pond. The driving range should re-open sometime in mid to late September.”