An extensive redesign and renovation project is set to get underway in the first week of October 2015 at the Montecito Country Club course in Santa Barbara, California.

Nicklaus Design will be overseeing the work, and once complete, the course will become a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

Max Behr originally designed the 18-hole course in 1922.

“We are excited to get this project underway,” said Jack Nicklaus. “Montecito is in an ideal location, plays across a wonderful piece of property, and takes advantage of tremendous coastal and mountain views.”

The project will have a strong focus on improving the club’s use of water with plans for the course, including the introduction of a new state-of-the-art, water-saving irrigation system. 

The amount of irrigated turf on the course will be reduced from 95 to 75 acres, and existing potable water lines will be converted to recycled water lines. More drought-resistant turf will also be introduced.

Strategic reshaping of both the course and sediment basins will also form part of the work.

Going forward, the majority of storm-water runoff at the course will now be collected, routed and treated before leaving the property.

“Our hope is that the golf course design will not only highlight the existing natural features of the property but enhance them,” added Nicklaus. “We have been given a great opportunity on a classic site to create something very special.” 

The course will remain open until 27 September, before closing for work to begin. It is hoped the project will be complete by the first quarter of 2017.