Otter Creek Golf Club in Columbus, Indiana, has appointed architects Billy Fuller and Tom Kite to renovate its Robert Trent Jones course, which was laid out in 1964.

Planning for the renovation began in autumn 2022 following Bob Haddad Jr’s purchase of the club from the City of Columbus.

“Robert Trent Jones was one of the most creative and prolific golf architects in the history of the game,” said Kite. “Otter Creek was long regarded as the finest course in Indiana and all who play it know that the ‘bones’ of the course are fabulous. But so many things in our game have changed since 1964 and it is time to bring Otter Creek up to today’s standards.”

Kite, a former professional golfer, and Fuller, a former Augusta National superintendent, are planning a new irrigation system, new grasses, updated bunkers, new tees and “an improved strategic design”. Kite said: “We will end up with a course that is fun and challenging for all levels of golfers.”

Haddad said: “Tom and Billy won our trust with their wonderful personalities, outstanding ideas, professional experiences, and burning passion to restore Otter Creek to the great championship golf course it is meant to be. Our team has a big vision, and we can’t wait to get to work with Tom and Billy to make it happen.”

“Otter Creek will be updated, but the bones that Mr Jones laid out will still be recognisable, praised and hopefully enjoyed for decades to come,” said Kite.