The course at Duke University Golf Club in Durham, North Carolina, US, has reopened following renovations carried out over the summer.

Over half a million US dollars has been invested in the project, which was directed by architect Rees Jones.

Champion bermudagrass has been introduced to the greens, which have also been expanded back to their original size, as designed by Trent Jones Sr., almost 60 years ago.

The approaches to all eighteen greens have been resurfaced and replanted with Tifgrand bermuda, which will provide an ecological benefit due to less water and chemical maintenance, as well as the golfing benefits of a smoother playing surface.

Billy Weeks, the club’s superintendent, told the university’s news service Duke Today: “(The ecological benefits) are right in line with Duke’s ideal of being more sustainable. It takes a lot of care to grow grass that eventually has to survive when it is cut every day to just one-tenth of an inch.”

Future plans for the course include the redevelopment of cart paths and a new irrigation system.