Potomac Shores Golf Club in Dumfries, Virginia has completed regrassing and bunker renovation work, overseen by Chad Goetz of Nicklaus Design.

Goetz worked alongside Troon’s agronomy team and contractor Southeastern Golf on the 10-month project.

The first phase, replacing bentgrass fairways with Latitude 36 bermuda, was completed in September 2018. The second phase began a month later and saw the total bunker area reduced by 40 per cent to approximately 63,000 square feet.

“The project was focused on restoring all of the bunkers on the course while increasing playability and improving the daily playing conditions,” said Goetz. “In order to improve maintenance efficiency, numerous bunkers were reduced in size or eliminated. Combined with the Capillary Concrete liner system, the bunkers should weather heavy rain events better and have reduced contamination.

“While several bunkers were eliminated in this project, a handful of previously-eliminated bunkers were re-installed to restore Jack’s original design intent.

“Finally, several deep bunkers were shallowed out in order to make the course more enjoyable for its daily-fee clientele. All of this was done while preserving Jack’s original design intent and strategies.”

Todd Van Meer, director of club operations at Potomac Shores, said: “Our goal from the onset was to improve the playability of the golf course, allowing golfers of all skill levels to enjoy themselves. I am happy to say that we achieved our objective. With the new sand and bunker improvements, the course is not only more beautiful, but the overall playability has improved.”