Golf Course Architecture - Issue 62: October 2020

39 The Ocean course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Florida has reopened following renovation work by Bobby Weed Golf Design. The project has seen 20 greens rebuilt, the practice facility overhauled, the restoration of bridges and bulkheads, and work on the irrigation system. A coquina-like material has been used to replace 14 acres of rough grass, to help decrease water usage and strengthen the course’s seaside character. The first tee has been transformed into a 20,000 square feet bermuda grass space which accommodates an event lawn and the teeing ground. The ninth hole’s island green (pictured) has been altered and lowered to improve visibility from the clubhouse. By integrating some land at the north of the property, along with some routing adjustments, space was made to expand the practice area. The range teeing grounds have been tripled, playing to double-sided practice targets, and a new short game area has been added. This expansion also led to the par- four tenth hole being replaced by a new Dell-like par-three thirteenth. “As a long-time area resident, I receive great gratification in equipping the Ocean course with a strong foundation for the next generation of members and resort guests,” said Weed. Dale Haney, president of Gate Hospitality Group, said: “Bobby’s innovative thinking around maintainability, environmental practices and strategic shot values will endow the Ocean course with exciting attributes for years to come.” Bobby Weed completes work on Ocean course at Ponte Vedra More great content is available at www.golfcoursearchitecture.net . Go online to read the below articles in full: Rein in the ball or prepare for bludgeon In the latest in an exclusive series of articles for GCA , Australian former tour pro and golf course architect Mike Clayton questions what AW Tillinghast would have made of Bryson DeChambeau and Matthew Wolff, the final pairing at this year’s US Open, hitting drives and wedges into his 550- yard par-five ninth hole at Winged Foot. Groudbreaking film demonstrates harmony between golf and nature A film by Bertrand Mussotte illustrates in extraordinary detail the relationship between golf and nature at Vidauban Golf Club in the south of France. The pursuit of safety Golf course architect William Swan considers the impact of long hitting on safety, and says that the golf community has a responsibility to make the game safe. ON THE WEB Photo: Jon Cavalier | @LinksGems Photo: iStock Photo: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Photo: Bertrand Mussotte