Pros Inc has hired golf course architect Lester George to lead a course-wide renovation effort at Independence Golf Club in Virginia, US.

Originally designed by Tom Fazio, the daily-fee golf course at Independence was purchased by sports marketing firm Pros Inc at the end of 2013. It will be upgraded as part of the new owner’s plans to expand the facility into a multi-purpose recreation and entertainment venue.

Alongside Marvin ‘Vinny’ Giles, a Virginia amateur golfing legend who will lend his input to the project, George’s firm, George Golf Design, will create a Long Range Master Plan of Renovations for the club. This will incorporate design changes to the golf course, practice facilities, short course and driving range. Maintenance, turf quality and operational efficiencies will also be addressed in the plan.

“Lester George is one of the finest architects in the world – and a good friend,” said Giff Breed, principal at Pros Inc. “One of his great skills is developing a strategy for the golf course and then developing and executing a plan that is in the best interest of the project. Our feeling is that golf courses need to be more than just golf courses. With the help of partners, we are very excited and look forward to developing Independence into a centre for golf and other cultural activities.”

The project will be conducted in phases. The first phase will involve redesigning all of the bunkers, re-grassing all 18 fairways and converting the greens to Champion bermudagrass.

“I have known Giff Breed for many years and look forward to helping him realise his vision for this property,” said Lester George. “Of course I am also looking forward to working again with Vinny Giles, Virginia’s greatest amateur player.”