Mirasol’s renovated Sunset course to reopen in October

A renovation of the Sunset course at Mirasol Golf and Country Club is nearly complete
Drew Rogers returned to the layout to update ageing infrastructure and improve playability
The work also included bunker reconstruction and a change in fairway turf
The par threes have been redesigned to be more distinctive and offer more playing options
The course is expected to reopen for member play in October 2018

By Richard Humphreys

Fri 24 Aug, 2018

The Sunset course at Mirasol Golf and Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is to reopen in October 2018 following a renovation by golf course architect Drew Rogers.

The primary purpose of the project has been to improve the ageing infrastructure of the course, which opened in 2001 and hosted the PGA Tour’s 2003 Honda Classic. The club returned to Rogers, who led the original design of the Florida layout while working for Arthur Hills’ firm.

“The project scope initially entailed bunker and tee reconstruction, along with fairway turf conversion from TifSport to Celebration bermudagrass,” said Rogers. “Over time, studies on course playability resulted in teeing area refinements, reduction and repositioning of bunkers, some light-to-moderate earthworks, drainage and path replacements.”

The architect has maintained a good relationship with the club since the opening of Sunset. He advised Mirasol to regularly monitor the layout as the course and membership continued to evolve, which Michael Thomas, director of golf maintenance, has carefully executed. Rogers completed some minor adjustments to the course as well as a project in 2015 to improve the practice facilities.

“The intent of the original design certainly remains intact, although it has been refined in favour of enhanced member enjoyment and inspired playing options that did not exist before,” said Rogers.

“Course management details were also a major consideration as the refinements were developed and implemented to save time and better streamline the maintenance operations. The four par-three holes have received attention to make them individually more distinctive, affording more playing options – with added tees, refined bunkering, and the development of optional bailout areas – and enhanced aesthetics – including more visible bunkering and features, shoring up slopes with stacked cap stone walls, and landscaping.”

Planning for the project started in early 2014, and construction commenced in May 2018. Rogers has worked closely with Thomas and course superintendent Ben Hyduk, as well as the contractor, South Florida Golf Renovations.

The project will be completed by the end of August and the course is expected to reopen for member play in October 2018.