Construction work has started at Martin County golf course in Stuart, Florida, as part of a transformation that is being overseen by Sanford Golf Design.

The facility will be reduced from 36 to 27 holes, with a new reversible nine-hole layout created.

“We are honoured to team up with TDI Golf to transform Martin County’s 36-holes into a unique and modernised golf and entertainment complex,” said John Sanford. “This is a cutting-edge approach to gain interest and grow the game on a local level.”

The facility was originally designed by William Langford in 1920 and expanded to 36 holes in the late 1980s.

The first phase of the project includes the creation of a new nine-hole course that will use portions of the existing Red and White nines. It will be playable in both directions and include five sets of tees.

New practice facilities are also part of the first phase with the range being relocated and integrated with a new clubhouse designed by N2 Architecture + Design. There will also be covered hitting bays with ball tracking technology and there are plans for a new short game area and large putting green.

The Blue and Gold nines will be rebuilt and re-grassed in phase two. Greens will be expanded, bunkers rebuilt with new drainage, forward tees added, and invasive vegetation removed.