The next phase of a renovation and restoration project on the golf course at Woodmont Country Club in Tamarac, Florida, is to begin soon.

Jemsek Golf Design has been hired by the club to lead work on the Pines and Cypress nine at Woodmont – both of which were originally designed by Robert Von Hagge in the 1970s.

Unfortunately, due to the recession, both nines were forced to close in the late 2000s and went untended for five years.

Architect Joe Jemsek has been tasked with bringing these holes back into a playable condition. The project team’s work has thus far focused on the Pines nine, with green entrances and surrounds opened up with expanded chipping areas.

Green contours on the Pines nine have been softened and putting services were seeded with G12 Champion bermudagrass. Large areas of rough have been replaced with woodchips to improve prevent lost balls and speed up play.

“The Pines nine reopened on 1 December, and golfers have been commenting about the large greens,” Jemsek told GCA. “In reality they are average size, but the collars and short grass surrounds have given the impression the targets are larger then they appear.”

Jemsek’s plan also sees 100 trees being moved, while an additional 100-150 trees will be planted to meet local regulations. The aim is to highlight certain tree specimens and create pine forests on selected areas of land bordering the course.

“Our goal is to give players some feeling of isolation in the middle of a master-planned community,” said Jemsek. “The combination of the mature oaks, pines and palms really differentiates the course from other courses in the areas and our further enhancements are meant to only beautify what is a very enjoyable course. Enjoyable, Beautiful, and playable are the main ingredients at Woodmont CC.”

Ground is set to be broken on the Cypress nine in around three months time. Work on these holes will take place over the summers of 2018 and 2019.